CORNER

In 2018 Medicine Hat Little League created a Pilot Project to encourage lifelong wellness and promote optimal performances for players by implementing LTAD - Long Term Athletic Development Model.

In 2019 our League will be focused on implementing this model throughout our divisions.The key reasons for our organization to start moving towards this model are:

1. Develop the optimal training, competition, and recovery program for MHLL participants that meet the needs of our athletes at each stage of their development.
2. Sports research shows that rushing into competition frequently results in technical, physical, tactical, psychological, and emotional shortcomings that hinder performance; leading to higher dropout rates.
3. Short-term aims of "Winning" games amounts to short-term results vs. long-term process.
4. To provide equal opportunity for all our players to participate and develop to their maximum potential.
5. The ages 8 - 12 yrs are at the most sensitive period for the trainability of sport/skill acquisition. During this phase of greater trainability, we make or break an athlete. Proper programming at this age will lead to greater skill acquisition which builds confidence and encouragement to stick with and continue to build on these skills throughout the LTAD stages.