Physical Literacy

Physical literacy is the combination of the development of fundamental movement skills and fundamental sport skills that permit a child to move confidently and with control, in a wide range of physical activities, rhythmic (dance) and sport situations. Physically literate kids are more confident in their movement skills and therefore are more likely to participate in sports and recreational activities over a longer period of their lives. _¹

Physically literate individuals consistently develop the motivation and ability to understand, communicate, apply, and analyze different forms of movement. They are able to demonstrate a variety of movements confidently, competently, creatively and strategically across a wide range of health-related physical activities. These skills enable individuals to make healthy, active choices that are both beneficial to and respectful of their whole self, others, and their environment. 2

Games Literacy

The aim of teaching sport games is to product players who are games literate. Kids are games literate if they (a) have knowledge and understanding that enables them to anticipate patterns of play, (b) possess technical and tactical skills to deploy appropriate and imaginative responses, and (c) are able experience positive motivational states while helping to facilitate motivation among others involved in the game. Rather than being literate in a single game, children with games literacy will be able to engage with poise, confidence, and enthusiasm in a wide range of games. 3

Long Term Athletic Development (LTAD)

LTAD is a progressive pathway of skill development that recognizes the distinct stages of physical, mental, cognitive and emotional development in young athletes. An LTAD plan creates a gradual progression where coaches teach athletes the game in stages, rather than all at once, coordinating the instruction and programs with the athlete's motivations and developmental phases. 4

• Ensures physical literacy in all children upon which excellence can be built.
• Ensures that optimal training, competition and recovery program are based on biological development and maturation versus chronological age (i.e. although young athletes may be the same age, their bodies are at very different levels of development).
• Is athlete-centered and coach-driven.
• Is designed according to sport science to allow equal opportunity for recreation and competition based on the stages of an athlete’s development.
• Encourages healthy, lifelong activity and wellness, while providing a training path for those who choose high performance competition.

TS4L fully supports the LTAD model.

1 - Developing Physical Literacy, http://www.canadiansportforlife.ca
2 - Physical Literacy Canada, http://www.phecanada.ca
3 - Physical Literacy Concept Paper, 2007, p. 8.
4 - Physical Literacy Canada - A Sports Parents Guide.