WHY WE EMPHASIZE FUN AND COOPERATIVE GAMES AT THIS STAGE
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.
The LTAD is the ideal progression for an athlete, based on science, and allows for an individualized approach. This makes it easy for your child to progress through our programs as they age and develop, even on to skiing as an adult Masters athlete. That being said, not every skier has the opportunity to start at Phase 1. Skiers are welcome to join us at any stage.
The LTAD is a living document and is updated frequently. View the most up-to-date LTAD for Nordic HERE.)
SUMMARY OF LTAD FOR YOUNG NORDIC SKIERS
PHASE 1
Ages: 2-6
Years skiing: 1-4
Days per week: 1-3
TRAINING EMPHASIS
An emphasis on outdoor recreation. Ski for play, fun and balance. Parents should encourage play, rather than training. Child should participate in many physical activities and explore individual coordination or balance-based sports. Team sports are encouraged to build teamwork, ethics and fair play.
PHYSICAL FITNESS FOCUS
Begin to develop fundamental movement skills through play, fun, novel activities. Explore activities and games that use a variety of body movements and that encourage range-of-motion and exploration of movement options. Fast movements developed by running, jumping, throwing. Create a foundation for agility, balance and coordination through participation in multiple sports or physical activities. Endurance is established through sustained activity and play.
TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL EMPHASIS
Athletes in Phase 1 should have fun on snow, with games and play enhancing both enjoyment and skills. This includes learning how to run on skis, gaining confidence, general athletic skills, fitness and coordination. Terrain should be flatter, shorter trails.
PERFORMANCE PSYCHOLOGY EMPHASIS
At this time, it’s important to foster an environment that promotes enjoyment amongst the participants. Provide participants opportunities to experience success with even the most fundamental of tasks and positively reinforce these behaviors. Inspire a passion for the sport.
COMPETITION EMPHASIS
Competition only exists in the form of cooperative games or relays on skis.
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.
