RESOURCES

Long Term Player Development & Softball

What is Long-Term Player Development?

Children and youth need to do the right things at the right time to develop in their sport or activity – whether they want to be softball players, hockey players, dancers, or gymnasts. The Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model describes the things kids need to be doing at specific stages in their development. At each stage your child will be trained in the optimal systems and programs to maximize their
potential as a softball player and as a long-term participant in sport.

Promoting excellence alongside recreation is important. Softball Canada’s LTPD model ensures players develop the physical literacy necessary to enjoy softball, and sport in general, for a lifetime. It also identifies the pathway and skills for players to reach their potential and excel at the international level through a systematic and logical development. The LTPD model also informs coaches, players and parents
about key developmental concepts and practices at each stage in the development pathway. It addresses the physical, technical/tactical, mental, emotional, cognitive and social needs of the player as they pass through each stage of development.

The stages within Softball’s LTPD model are:

Active Start (0-6 years)
FUNdamentals (Females: 6-8, Males: 6-9)
Learn to Train (Females:8-11, Males:9-12)
Train to Train (Females:11-15, Males:12-16)
Train to Compete (Females:15-21+, Males:16-23+)
Learn & Train to Win (19+)
Living to Win (Females:18+, Males:19+)
Active for Life (All ages)

The Learn to Play softball program supports the Active Start, FUNdamentals, and the Learn to Train stages of LTPD. These stages develop physical literacy before puberty, so children have the basic skills to be active for life. Physical literacy also provides the foundation for those who choose to pursue elite training in one sport or activity after age 12.

What has this got to do with softball?

Softball Canada has developed the Learn to Play softball program to provide your child with the all skills needed to take part in physical activity throughout their lifetime. We are looking further into the future than simply teaching the skills to win softball games or tournaments today. We are thinking long-term so that what we do now will enhance your child’s chances of taking part in our sport or other sports at a later age
whether it is recreationally or at the elite level.

What will this mean for your child?

During your child’s first few years of softball, the emphasis will be on the development of physical literacy. Physical literacy includes fundamental movement skills (locomotion, object manipulation and body management skills) and fundamental softball skills (catching a softball with a glove, pitching a softball, hitting a softball with a bat, etc.) that give children the confidence to participate in a variety of sports and physical activities throughout their lifetime. Time will be spent learning the ABC’s of athleticism (Agility, Balance, Coordination and Speed) to teach them how to control their own bodies.

It is important to recognize and inform other parents that your children may take part in activities that do not look relevant to softball but are supporting their overall and long-term development. In the Learn to Play softball program, games and fun activities will teach your child to move, throw, catch, hit, and run properly, which will eventually allow them to be successful playing softball.

Where to find more information about LTPD?