Physical growth and development

Abstract

The progress of human physical growth and functional development is not always consistent, and it depends on the different tempos and patterns of body parts, organs, and elements of physical fitness. When coaching and/or supporting young athletes, in addition to considerations of training efficiency, it is also important to consider the physical development of young athletes and their growth and development processes in order to avoid overloading parts of the body that have not fully developed due to their young age. Furthermore, since the speed and tempo of physical growth and development in young athletes differs from person to person it is desirable to avoid a coaching and/or support program that treats all athletes in a uniform manner. In other words, in this article I argue it is more beneficial to privilege considerations of biological maturity over chronical age.