Long Term Hockey Development (LTHD)

A clear path to better sport, greater health, and higher achievement.

Science, research and decades of experience all point to the same thing: kids and adults will get active, stay active, and even reach the greatest heights of sport achievement if they do the right things at the right times. This is the logic behind the Long-Term Athlete Development model (LTAD).

Canadian Sport for Life : Ten Key Factors for LTAD

LTAD STAGES

	LTAD STAGES	AGE RANGE
Stage 1	Active Start	0 - 6
Stage 2	FUNdamentals	6 - 10
Stage 3	Learn to Train	Boys: 9 - 12 Girls: 8 - 11
Stage 4	Train to Train	Boys: 12 - 16 Girls: 11 - 15
Stage 5	Train to Compete	16 - 19
Stage 6	Train to Win	19 +
Stage 7	Active for Life	any age

Stages 1, 2 and 3 develop physical literacy before puberty so children have the basic skills to be active for life. Physical literacy also provides the foundation for those who choose to pursue elite training in one sport or activity after age 12.
Stages 4, 5 and 6 provide elite training for those who want to specialize in one sport and compete at the highest level, maximizing the physical, mental and emotional development of each athlete.
Stage 7 is about staying Active for Life through lifelong participation in competitive or recreational sport or physical activity.