[Training in children]

Abstract

Early participation of children in elite sports and significant achievements at younger ages have brought about the need for longer training years and intensive training programmes for child athletes. However, the response of children to training loads presents some differences from those of adults owing to characteristics associated with growth and development. Considering the influences of growth and development and in consistent with diverse stages of child growth, the course of training is divided into several stages including participation, general involvement, special preparation, and elite performance, each of which is characterized by distinct responses depending on functional and biological features. This article reviews particular aspects of child training in relation to growth, endurance, sexual development and maturation, and psychosocial development.