LTAD has almost become a cliché. Everyone has an LTAD program and they all look the same. How can that be? Because the models assume a linear march to the top of the athletic achievement pyramid. In reality it is a very chaotic process at best, full of detours, false starts and redirection. On this week's episode we look at rethinking long-term athlete development with some practical examples from yesteryear and the present.

For more information on this topic, read the complete show notes at: https://www.hmmrmedia.com/2022/09/gaincast-episode-250-ltad/

Further reading

The following links were referenced in the podcast or provide some additional reading material on the topic:

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• The interview that inspired this podcast was HMMR Podcast 280 with Mitch Crouser explaining the long-term approach that developed his son into a world record holder.
• For more on the topic of LTAD listen to practical examples of LTAD in practice on GAINcast 69 with Patrick McHugh, GAINcast 171 with Johnny Parkes, and GAINcast 114 with Finn Gundersen. We also shared some of our own perspectives on talent development on GAINcast 79 and pathways on GAINcast 160.
• Vern has written about long-term athlete development on several occasions. You can read more here and here. James Marshall also wrote about the problem with pathways.
• The HMMR Classroom also has some great resources on the topic including Video Lesson 18: Long term athlete development with Steve Myrland, as well as some great practical examples such as the GAIN Video 16: Philadelphia Union Warmup with Bill Knowles.