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.
Below is a partial summary of relevant phases for Devo skiers.
PHASE 2
Ages: 6-10
Years in skiing: 1-4
Days per week: 2-6 or as enjoyable
TRAINING EMPHASIS
An emphasis on outdoor recreation. Parents should emphasize activity versus training. Child should play many sports, with active participation in coordination- or balance-based sports.
PHYSICAL FITNESS FOCUS
Increase play to enhance specific elements of physical fitness in open environments. Continue to establish foundations of endurance through sustained activity and play. Add duration to activities and games. Introduce and practice mobility exercises through unorganized play and some structured activities. Use fun playful activities to enhance body awareness, spatial awareness and object manipulation.
TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL EMPHASIS
Athletes in Phase 2 should have fun on snow, with games and play enhancing both enjoyment and skills. Gaining confidence and coordination while running on skis in multiple directions. Ability to balance on both skis while moving downhill. Tactics are learned through self-discovery by skiing and adapting to different terrain.
PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY EMPHASIS
Continued cultivation of a fun environment to allow child to continue to experience success. Use simple self-talk cue words to reinforce task-oriented behaviors. Focus on the love of sport.
COMPETITION EMPHASIS
Compete for fun. Local competition at age-appropriate distances.
PHASE 3
(prepuberty before growth spurt)
Girls ages: 10-13
Boys ages: 11-14
Years in skiing: 4-8
Days per week: 2-4 training sessions per week, year round
TRAINING EMPHASIS
Emphasize outdoor recreation and introduce fun competition. Continue to participate in many activities and sports. Begin to identify with primary vs. complementary sports.
TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL EMPHASIS
In phase 3, skiers are gaining comfort in applying various tactics in order to ski terrain using different strategies to achieve differing results.
PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY EMPHASIS
Coach-athlete relationships, based on trust and respect, are built through effective communication before, during and after practice. Consistency in talk and behavior is key to developing a trusting relationship. Develop positive self talk, work ethic, and perseverance. Focus on the process, not the results.
COMPETITION EMPHASIS
Local racing leads to state and divisional championships, which may lead to regional events. Race at age-appropriate distances. Suggested number of competitions: 5-15 starts.
PHASE 4
(puberty and growth spurt)
Girls: ages: 11-14
Boys: ages 12-15
Years in skiing: 5-9
Days per week: 3-5 in season, 2-4 out of season
TRAINING EMPHASIS
Emphasize fun training, with physical fitness becoming an integral part of the season. Increase hours of training with varied volumes and intensity. Continue to participate in complementary sports while identifying clear goals in primary sport.
TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL EMPHASIS
Athlete is introduced to structured training including aerobic, anaerobic and strength training. In addition to ski training, athlete is engaged regularly in cross-training activities including balance, coordination, endurance, speed and strength building. High intensity and more complex movement patterns are mastered. Dynamic and complex movement patterns are emphasized to achieve a desired outcome on specific terrain and features.
PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY EMPHASIS
Promote consistent use of self-talk and imagery in training and competition. Begin to challenge athletes with more competition-specific scenarios, but maintain opportunities for athletes to experience success. Identify relevant factors from prior successful performance. Athletes create a detailed list of what they do prior to the competition from a physical, mental, and environmental aspect. Athlete focuses on what they can and can't control.
