Sports development continuum

Question 1

What are the four stages ?

Answer 1

Foundation
Participation
Performance
Excellence

Question 2

What are the characteristics of the foundation stage?

Answer 2

• Developing basic skills (running and jumping)
• Emphasis on fun
• Beginner level
• Eg. PE in schools

Question 3

What is the coaching style of the foundation stage?

Answer 3

• Visual guidance
• Demonstrations
• Praise and positive encouragement

Question 4

How do you move from the foundation stage to the participation stage ?

Answer 4

• Joining a local club or team

- Extra-curricular clubs in school

Question 5

What are the characteristics of the participation stage?

Answer 5

• Playing a sport for a local team
• Participating as a hobby
• Access to a coach
• Developing sport specific skills

Question 6

What is the coaching style of the participation stage?

Answer 6

• Verbal guidance

- Sport specific skills

Question 7

How do you move from the participation stage to the performance stage ?

Answer 7

• Performer may be scouted or attending trials to play for an academy

Question 8

What are the characteristics of the performance stage?

Answer 8

• Playing sport at a county, regional, or academy level
• Performers are highly dedicated and motivated
• Access to good level coaches and facilities

Question 9

How do you move from the performance stage to the excellence stage ?

Answer 9

• They may be enrolled into a talent ID programme
• Be scouted for better teams
• Move up the academy

Question 10

What else is needed in the performance and excellence stage ?

Answer 10

Support

Question 11

What support is needed in the performance stage ?

Answer 11

• Parental support, transport and financial
  support
• Tactical coaching

Question 12

What are the characteristics of the excellence stage?

Answer 12

• Performers are elite and have high levels of experience
• Very high skill levels
• Professionals playing to make money or for a living
• Participating in highly organised competitions

Question 13

What is the coaching style of the excellence stage?

Answer 13

• Access to world class facilities and coaching
• Video analysists
• Sport psychologists
• Nutritionists
• Fitness coaches

Question 14

What support is needed in the excellence stage ?

Answer 14

• Support from NGBs and sponsors to ensure access to high quality coaching and facilities etc.