Long-Term Hockey Development (LTHD) addresses the important role that field hockey has in promoting wellness and also provides an athlete development pathway for World Cup and Olympic success
The origins of field hockey can be traced back to the earliest civilizations of the world, but the modern game was developed in England during the nineteenth century.
The Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model is a framework developed by the Canadian Sport Centres providing an optimal training, competition, and recovery schedule that respects and utilizes the natural stages of physical, mental, and emotional growth in athletes.
LTHD can provide solutions to many of the challenges facing Canadian field hockey.
The LTHD model is built on the following research, principles and tools.
There are ten “S”s of training which need to be integrated when developing annual training and competition plans
Long-Term Hockey Development is a sport-specific framework providing an optimal training, competition, and recovery program that respects and utilizes the natural stages of physical, mental, and emotional growth of athletes. It is based on Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model and is athlete-centred, coach-driven, and supported by officials, administrators, parents, volunteers, and sponsors.
This website is a communication tool to assist with LTHD implementation. You will be able to seek out resources, best practices, and other information by LTHD stage, stakeholder, and skill. Information currently available is limited in scope. However over time more information will be added, refined, and revised in an effort to provide the best possible communication platform for LTHD implementation to all members of the field hockey community.
A high level view of the LTHD Stages. Click the image for a full size version