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Long-term athletic development, part 2: barriers to success and potential solutions
Rhodri S Lloyd1, Jon L Oliver, Avery D Faigenbaum
11Youth Physical Development Unit, School of Sport, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; 2Department of Health and Exercise Science, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey; 3Department of Kinesiology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 4School of Sport and Exercise, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, United Kingdom; 5Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom; 6Department of Family Medicine, Division of Sports Medicine, Sports Health and Performance Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; 7Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, Utah; 8Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Sports Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; 9Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; 10The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention, Boston, Massachusetts; 11Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom; 12Department of Kinesiology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island; 13Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand; 14School of Exercise, Health and Biomedical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia; 15Division of Sports Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; 16Department of Pediatrics and Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; and 17Sports Health and Performance Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
This commentary addresses barriers to long-term athletic development (LTAD) in youth sports. It proposes solutions to overcome challenges posed by competitive structures and physical inactivity for successful athlete development.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Youth Development
- Physical Activity
Background:
- Existing models of long-term athletic development (LTAD) are reviewed.
- Barriers within competitive youth sports structures can hinder LTAD.
- Increasing physical inactivity among youth presents a significant challenge to athletic development pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify common issues impeding the success of LTAD programs.
- To propose actionable solutions to mitigate these identified barriers.
- To enhance the effectiveness of long-term athletic development strategies for young athletes.
Main Methods:
- This is a commentary, Part 2 of a two-part series.
- Analysis of existing structures in competitive youth sports.
- Review of the prevalence and impact of physical inactivity in youth.
Main Results:
- Identifies systemic issues within youth sports that act as barriers to LTAD.
- Highlights the negative impact of physical inactivity on athletic progression.
- Outlines potential solutions to address identified impediments.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming structural and inactivity-related barriers is crucial for successful LTAD.
- Implementing proposed solutions can improve youth athletic development outcomes.
- A holistic approach is needed to ensure effective long-term athletic development.
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