There’s a bigger picture to what BSF teaches skiers, when and why. BSF’s programs are consistent with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Systems.
What does that mean? We’re not focused on short-term success—and the hazards (and burnout) that often come with it. Instead, we follow LTAD plans that are individualized and based on science to make sure your child can maximize their long-term potential as a skier (should they wish to do so) and their enjoyment in the sport. We take into account a child’s development physiologically, cognitively and socially, as well as their experience skiing.
This makes it easy for your child to progress through our programs—from Intro to the Development Teams, to the Competitive teams, and even on to skiing as an adult Masters athlete.
The LTAD is a living document that changes frequently. View the most up-to-date LTAD for Nordic HERE.
The following are excerpts from relevant phases of the LTAD:
PHASE 5
(puberty after growth spurt)
Girls: ages: 12-17
Boys: ages 14-17
Years in skiing: 6-11
Days per week: 5-7 in season, 4-6 out of season
TRAINING EMPHASIS
The emphasis on training becomes year round. Continue to use in complementary sports and activities for variety and to enhance conditioning. Implement periodized training with varying volumes and intensity.
TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL EMPHASIS
Athlete implements a periodized training program that places stress on the body and subsequent recovery time. Athlete uses low-intensity aerobic, high intensity aerobic and anaerobic training to improve race fitness. Athlete maintains a training log. Refine event specific technical and tactical skills to achieve desired outcome. Integrate the increased strength, power and body size to achieve more complex movements and precision of skill application. Seeks more challenging terrain.
PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY EMPHASIS
Reinforce the idea that hard work creates more opportunity for success. Accountability is important. Self-analysis and the acceptance of feedback is encouraged. Athletes analyze their own performance and identify areas for improvement. Enforce the concept that success is attributable to personal effort.
PHASE 6
(full maturation)
Girls ages 16+
Boys ages 17+
6-10 training sessions per week includes some two-a-day sessions. 7-12 sessions per week out of season.
TRAINING EMPHASIS
The emphasis on training is year round. Continue to use in complementary sports and activities for injury prevention, avoiding burnout, and to enhance conditioning. Use periodized training with varying volumes and intensity.
TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL EMPHASIS
All components of training are now periodized and individualized. Masters all techniques and develops personal style. Mastery of tactical strategies based on the athlete's strengths, discipline and goals.
PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY EMPHASIS
Athletes continue to have opportunities to experience success and the coach-athlete relationship is built on a mutual trust and respect. The coach-athlete relationship develops into a collaborative partnership with the athlete "self-coaching" and sharing feedback with coaches. Athletes refine their use of positive self-talk and imagery. Work towards mastery of more complicated techniques. Practice with distractions to challenge athletes. Identify the ideal performance state and implement strategies to achieve this state consistently. Work towards mastery of all aspects of preparing mentally for competition.
