Developing the Complete Athlete

I am writing down all of my ideas and research information on this blog post. 

The theme is: developing the complete athlete

A) Physical Literacy

We can no longer discuss developing athletes without mentioning the words physical literacy. 

Definition:

Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life.

International Physical Literacy Association, May, 2014

I created this diagram below with general information found on the Internet and the numerous workshops I've attended.

In the fitness world, most trainers often focus on the Basic Human Movements. In the coaching and the physical education world, most coaches and teachers focus on the fundamental movement skills and fundamental sports skills (although some often think that the FSS are part of the FMS, I think we should separate the two).

I also think the fitness world can focus more on the FMS and the FSS and that coaches and teachers could focus more on the BHM.

All of that being said, I think most of these can be achieved naturally and inexpensively if we encourage our youngest citizens to play outside and live adventures.

We also can't forget the other elements of physical literacy: the affective element (motivation and confidence), the cognitive element (knowledge and understanding) and the behavioural element (engagement in physical activities for life).

Here's a blot post I wrote for Human 2.0: http://www.humantwopointzero.com/motivation-confidence-key-components-physical-literacy


B) Long Term Athlete Development

The LTAD Framework is my go-to when it comes to planning age appropriate coaching, training and teaching (PE).

''Children, youth and adults need to do the right things at the right time to develop in their sport or activity – whether they want to be hockey players, dancers, figure skaters or gymnasts. Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) describes the things athletes need to be doing at specific ages and stages.''

C) Multisport athlete

http://davidbenay.blogspot.ca/2015/08/list-of-multisport-athletes.html?m=1

http://activeforlife.com/multisportadvantage/

D) Components of Fitness

Primary Components of Fitness[1]

1. Cardiovascular ability/capacity
(The body’s ability to take in oxygen and use it to create energy)

2. Muscular ability/capacity

(Muscular endurance à apply force over a long period of time)

(Muscular strength à maximum amount of force)

(Muscular Power à generate strength in an explosive way)

3. Flexibility

(Range of movement that a joint is capable of performing)

4. Body Composition

(The proportion of fat-free mass to fat mass)

Secondary Components of Fitness[2]

1. Balance

(Maintain a specific stationary or dynamic body position)

2. Coordination

(The ability to use all body parts together to move fluidly)

Here I am improving my coordination. I strongly believe that martial arts is needed to be a complete athlete.

3. Agility

(The ability to change directions quickly)

4. Reaction Time

(Time required to respond to a specific stimulus)

5. Speed

(Move rapidly)

6. Power

(Product of strength and power)

7. Mental Capability

(Ability to concentrate during exercise to improve training effects)

To be continued...








[1] CAN-FIT-PRO, Personal Trainer Specialist, 2006, p. 49


[2] CAN-FIT-PRO, Personal Trainer Specialist, 2006, p. 50