Individual Response to Training

Sport Physiology for CoachesChapter 3

The athlete’s potential is a combination of Genetics and Training◦ Genes influence potential, but they don’t ensure

it.◦ Genetic plays a role in individual training

responses. Factors that influences training:

◦ Maturation◦ Nutrition◦ Rest◦ Emotional factors

Maturation –progression towards the mature state.

Sexual maturity – fully functioning reproductive capabilities

Skeletal Maturity – fully developed skeleton Growth – Change in individual size Maturation – progression towards Maturity

Maturation

Testosterone - supports muscle growth Sexual maturity aids muscular growth Females do produce testosterone, but at

lower levels.

Maturation

Physicians assess an athletes maturity Skeletal – x-rays comparing to x-rays of

known maturation levels Sexual – presence of secondary sexual

Characteristics (pubic hair, breast and genital development).

Tanner’s maturity assessment◦ http://learningbasics.blogspot.com/2007/04/tanne

r-staging-sexual-maturity-score.html

Assessment

determine age appropriate activities◦ If we have athletes compete or practice skills they

aren’t not ready for they face injury and emotional factors.

◦ As a coach you should know your activity/sports so well you can determine what age group to teach what skill.

Why is important to know maturity level?

Bringing out the possibilities to achieve one’s potential.

Influenced by athlete’s growth and maturity Figure B.1 page 32

◦ Description of athletic development goals for each age group

◦ Spend time reviewing this figure Table 3.1 page 33

◦ This table emphasizes specific guidelines to help develop practice plans.

◦ This is research based information (quality resource)

Development

Prepubescent children Unnecessary to separate genders

Puberty (high school)◦ Variety rates of maturation◦ Differences develop – provide individual

opportunities Table 3.2 page 34

◦ Outlines basic gender difference◦ Focus on variability in these differences due to

individual maturation rates.

Gender

Athletes need adequate nutrition to meet the demands of growth and athletic competition.

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/◦ Provides guidelines for proper nutrition

Nutrition

Sleep Adequate rest is need to enhance growth

and development Table 3.3 page 34

◦ Suggests sleep requirements for young athletes

The best thing for an athlete when ill or injured is a few days of rest

Pushing through illness or injury will most likely prolong the illness or injury

illness and injury

Stress, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders can lead to poor performance and overtraining

Coaches should be on the lookout for signs of these emotional factors in their athletes.

Emotional Factors