This stage occurs after an athlete has been engaged in a sport and wants to explore more organized training options. It focuses on refining the skills needed to be successful in the activity or sport, and then furthering skill development through challenges, such as recreational competition, organized sport programs or club participation.

Athlete readiness and motivation determine the choice to pursue the next level in sport. The second stage may begin earlier for some athletes who are quick to develop physically and mentally. Fun and socialization are still key areas of emphasis in order to encourage future participation and to avoid burnout.

Athlete

Understand rules and techniques of the sport
Participate in multiple sports for continued motor and physical development
Participate in a fun, structured and ongoing training program (as opposed to participating in “open gym)”
Compete at the local/regional level
Emphasize practice and skill development over competing
Understand the impact on performance due to different maturation rates

Develop

Physical: core movement fundamentals, increasing requirements for speed, agility, balance, endurance, strength and coordination
Psychological and social: interpersonal skills, teamwork, communication skills and adapting to the growing challenges of sport development
Technical skills: identify personal strengths and areas to improve with a continued emphasis on proper movement mechanics
Tactical: practice appropriate time to emphasize team and individual skill application

Challenge

Recreational competition at the local/regional level
Organized league play

Note: Seek challenging competition that is commensurate with athlete/team.

American Development Model Stages

Stage 1: Discover, learn and play (ages 0-12)

Stage 2: Develop and challenge (ages 10-16)

Stage 3: Train and compete (ages 13-19)

Stage 4: Excel for high performance or participate and succeed (ages 15+)

Stage 5: Mentor and thrive (active for life)