Toowoomba Grammar School has a unique approach to athlete development that focuses on providing students with the skills, tools and mindset required to succeed in sports and life. At TGS, the long-term athlete development (LTAD) philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the School's approach to sport and fitness.
The LTAD philosophy emphasises the importance of age-appropriate training and skill development over a long period of time. This approach recognises that athlete development is a gradual process that requires a holistic approach, focusing not just on physical development, but also on mental and emotional wellbeing. The ultimate goal is to create a culture of excellence, resilience and self-discipline that helps students achieve their full potential, both on and off the field.
One of the key components of TGS's LTAD program is its strength and conditioning programs. These programs have become increasingly popular among athletes of all ages and skill levels due to the numerous benefits they offer. The programs at TGS help to build a strong foundation for athletes to grow and develop over time. By incorporating strength and conditioning training into their programs, TGS provides students with an opportunity to improve their physical fitness, which is essential for their overall health and wellbeing.
Moreover, regular exercise and physical activity have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress, anxiety and depression. By providing students with a structured program of physical activity and training, TGS helps to promote healthy habits and instil a sense of discipline and self-motivation that can carry over into other areas of a boy’s life. This focus on wellbeing contributes to the holistic approach of the LTAD program.
The impact of TGS's LTAD program is not just limited to physical and mental health, it also has a positive impact on students' academic performance. Studies have consistently shown that physical activity and exercise can help to improve cognitive function and academic achievement. By providing students with opportunities to engage in regular physical activity and training, TGS is helping them to develop the cognitive skills, focus and discipline required for academic success.
TGS's strength and conditioning programs are highly attended, with over 100 boys participating in “general use” sessions each week, while over 300 boys attend squad sessions. The School uses a variety of tracking methods to ensure that athletes are training at the appropriate intensity and volume. They use Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and minutes to create an acute vs chronic workload, helping to prevent overtraining or injury due to excessive workload.
Additionally, tracking injuries and nutrition information is crucial to ensure that athletes are getting the proper care and nutrients they need to perform at their best. TGS also emphasizes wellness tracking, encouraging student-athletes to track their sleep, stress levels and nutrition. This helps them better understand the impact of these factors on their overall performance and make informed decisions about their training and recovery.
Testing is also an integral part of athlete development at TGS. Physical literacy tests are administered to all students in Years 7 and 9, providing a baseline score for each student's physical capabilities. The squads are frequently tested to track their progress and identify areas for improvement.
Injury prevention and injury rehabilitation are also critical components of TGS's approach to athlete development. The School recognises the importance of providing students with the necessary tools and knowledge to prevent injuries from occurring, as well as helping them recover from injuries if they do occur. This approach ensures that students can continue to participate in sports and maintain their physical fitness without the risk of long-term injury.
TGS utilises a range of recovery practices, including myofascial release and using the pool for low-impact exercise. Myofascial release is a form of massage therapy that helps to relieve tension in muscles and reduce the risk of injury. The pool is also an effective recovery tool, as it provides low-impact exercise that helps to improve circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and speed up recovery time.
TGS is also excited to introduce their new compression boots, which are designed to aid in recovery by increasing blood flow and reducing muscle soreness. These boots will be available for all athletes to use and are expected to have a significant impact on recovery times.
TGS's strength and conditioning programs are an essential component of our LTAD program, designed to provide athletes with a solid foundation for success. The holistic approach of the LTAD philosophy ensures that athletes are developed over time, with a focus on age-appropriate training and skill development. By tracking workloads, injuries, nutrition, and wellness, as well as administering regular testing, TGS helps our athletes to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. The programs not only benefit students in the short term but also provide them with the tools and skills they need to succeed both on and off the field in the long term.
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