Softball Training - Long Term or Short Term Focus?
One of major problems in youth softball in North America is our short-term focus when it comes to softball training for young players.
For example,in the 12U category, we are thinking about winning tournaments, dominate the opponents, going to Nationals, etc. rather than to focus on building fundamental skills and thinking about the long-term development of the kids we work with.
We tend to forget that 12U is far from being the "be all and end all" of softball. It's rather just an "early developmental stage" in the career of a softball player.
One of the topic I'm really passionate about talent development and what it takes to help athletes achieve their full potential.
I've studied this stuff a lot over the last 10 years and it has become one of my specialties.
My final major paper for my Master's Degree was on the long-term development of elite softball players. I also did study talent development as part of my doctoral studies and coaching certification courses.
Based on my expertise on the subject, I've been part of a committee with Softball Canada that has been working over the last few years to put together the "Long-Term Player Development Guide for Softball in Canada".
It looks at the long term development of softball players.
This is the complete document that provides a general overview of Softball Canada`s Long-Term Player Development model.
It identifies the key stages of development as well as the ten (10) key factors influencing player development.
The 10 key factors are:
1. 10-Year Rule
2. FUNdamentals
3. Specialization
4. Biological Age vs. Chronological Age
5. Trainability
6. Other factors: Physical, Mental, Cognitive, and
Emotional Development
7. Annual Training Plan
8. Calendar Planning for Competition
9. System Alignment and Integration
10. Continuous Improvement
The document is general in nature and outlines general training and competition objectives based on the developmental age of players.
Even though it is based on the Canadian sports system, the major guidelines are based on research findings in talent development and most of the recommendations are universally applicable to all softball players anywhere in the world.
If you would like to read more about, the document is available for FREE online:
Long-Term Player Development Guide for Softball in Canada
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