The process of developing athletic talent spans the entire formative life of an athlete. The USSA Training Systems for each sport outline the complete development for USSA athletes from the earliest stages of learning to ski and ride to the last days before leaving the competitive stage of the sport. It is based on a long-term athlete development model for skiers and riders that emphasizes age-appropriate training and competition that will allow each athlete to reach their full potential.
Based on the recent "best practices" review of the most successful skiing and snowboarding nations in the world and other high performance sporting organizations the following principles have been condensed in an effort to review and refine the USSA competition model for skiers and riders.
As every young athlete grows older, they move through periods where they are pre-disposed to make maximum gains in particular areas. It is very important that the coach, parent, and athlete understand these "critical periods" for optimal development to maximize the athlete's long-term potential. The document below explains these critical periods in greater detail.
The sport-specific guidelines are laid out in the following training system outlines.
ALPINE (opens in new page)
CROSS COUNTRY (opens in new page)
FREESTYLE (opens in new page)
These are from various presentations made to coaches and parents on the USSA Training Systems. For sport specific presentations, click on the sport links above.
Long-term athlete development presentation from the New England Coaches Track in Boston on October 5, 2011.
Excellent article relating to competition performance and a long-term perspective.
As program directors, coaches and adminstrators of the programs in which these athletes develop their skills, we have a clear challenge. Our challenge is to provide the leadership, structure and resources necessary for each and every athlete to meet their full potential in skiing and snowboarding.
Competition Planning Guidelines - December 2009