Price : £29.95 

This book sets the scene for the use of Physical Competence Assessment in the world of Athlete Development. It examines the physical, cognitive and emotional journey the athlete contests through to High Performance and offers strategy and practical solutions to the issues facing the modern day teacher and coach.  The theory and practical experiences contained within the book are the culmination of forty years of work by the author from the developmental stage of performance through to Olympic and World Championship success with some of the world’s elite performers. The content provides a secure foundation of knowledge for those wishing to apply the theories of Physical Competence to their teaching and coaching.

Example of Content

Peak Height Velocity (PHV) (The Growth Spurt)

This is the period of maturation recognised by all parents as the time when their offspring undergo significant growth in height and weight in a relatively short period of time. A normal growth rate of about 5cm per year accelerates to 9+cm per year and lasts for between 6 and 12 months at this increase rate. Some adolescents can have a ‘coltish’ appearance as the long bones grow quickly. Add to this the advent of accelerated hormonal changes, sexual maturity and cognitive and emotional changes in a dynamic social setting and we have the makings of the new adult.

 
“They go to bed looking normal and wake up looking like a giraffe”


Recognising biological age is somewhat difficult but it is suggested that parents, teachers and coaches use PHV as a measure.
Peak Height Velocity is simply determined by keeping a watchful eye on the athletes growth function. Many parents keep a mark on the bedroom wall to
track their children’s growth – this is a simple way to keep track of things during this period.

What Physical Qualities?

The image below illustrates the diversity of physical qualities required to throw the Hammer. Some coaches see this event as being a sole test of maximal strength when in reality the athlete will have to call upon several qualities during the event.

“Broad and varied motor learning provides a sound base for later specialization and complex learning and that the more numerous the skills acquired, the greater the capacity to learn new skills.”