Course Description
Provides coaches and scholars with a comprehensive study of the issues and factors involved in athlete development. Particular attention given to topical trends in the research literature and application of findings to the practices of coaching and athlete development. Students will increase familiarity with research on athlete development.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will have an additional assignment. Graduate
students will complete a meta-analysis of the completed research
over the last 10-20 years on an important, identified issue in
athlete development.
Athena Title
Athlete Development
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The student who successfully completes this course will: 1. understand the stages in elite athlete development. 2. identify and affect the external social and environmental influences of athlete development. 4. use empirical criteria and accepted practices to identify athlete potential. 5. apply principles of sport psychology to enhance athlete performance. 6. understand and apply the principles of sport skill development. 7. recognize the social, physical, and knowledge development of athletes. 8. describe the Long Term Athlete Development Model and identify countries currently using this model. 9. plan and assess athlete development. 10. understand the three phases of athletic competition preparation.
Topical Outline
1. The Stages of Elite Athlete Development • Sampling Years (6-12) • Specializing Years (13-15) • Investment Years (16+) 2. Developmental Influences in the Life of an Athlete • Role of Physical Environment • Role of Genetics • Role of Social Environment • Role of Parents • Role of Coaches 3. Identifying Athlete Potential • Criteria for Determining Potential • Identifying Learning Potential • Scouting • Recruitment • Draft Selection 4. Sport Psychology • Motivation • Goal Setting • Confidence • Mental Toughness • Training and Competitive Routine • Leadership 5. Skill Development • 3 Stages in Learning/Refining Sport Skills • Principles of Purposeful Practice • Effective Feedback 6. Knowledge Development • Strategic Thinking • Rules 7. Physical Development • Nutrition • Conditioning • Periodization 8. Social Development • Team Building • Trust • Coach/Athlete Relations • Individual Performance • Branding (team and individual) • Community Relations • Media Relations 9. Long-Term Athlete Development Model • Stage 1: Active Start (0-6 years) • Stage 2: FUNdamental (girls 6-8, boys 6-9) • Stage 3: Learn to Train (girls 8-11, boys 9-12) • Stage 4: Train to Train (girls 11-15, boys 12-16) • Stage 5: Train to Compete (girls 15-21, boys 16-23) • Stage 6: Train to Win (girls 18+, boys 19+) • Stage 7: Active for Life (any age participant) 10. Athlete Assessment • Physical • Skill • Mental/Psychological 11. Planning for Athlete Development • Practice Planning • Seasonal/Yearly Planning • Long-Term Planning • Long-Term Athlete Development program 12. Competition • Preparation • Performance • Post-performance Analysis • Feedback from Players • Video Analysis
Syllabus