Adolescence is a time of rapid physical change that significantly influences how young athletes move, perform, and respond to training.
This session outlines the science behind the adolescent growth spurt, including how to assess growth and maturation, the impact of maturity timing on performance, and corrosponding injury risk. Attendees will come away with practical strategies for monitoring growth and supporting young athletes through this critical stage of development.
Learning Outcomes:
– Explain the key characteristics and phases of the adolescent growth spurt
– Identify key developmental milestones during growth and maturation
– Describe the relationship between maturity status and physical performance
– Discuss how maturity timing influences injury risk in youth athletes
– Apply best-practice methods for monitoring growth and maturation in young populations
