Introduction

In Train to Train 2 athletes continue to build aerobic base, speed, strength, and orienteering skills. The development in this stage is a gradual continuation from the Train to Train 1 stage with athletes learning more and more training techniques and building more structure into their training program.

Optimal aerobic trainability begins with the onset of peak height velocity (i.e. the major growth spurt during maturation and the start of Train to Train 2) and as such aerobic fitness becomes a major component of an athlete’s training plan in this stage.

Technically, athletes should be training regularly in complex terrain and the focus should be on executing processes, techniques, and skills with focus and precision. Athletes at this stage are still learning to better read and interpret complex orienteering maps and terrain and while athletes are learning to simplify, emphasis should still be on full map reading and interpreting and visualizing the map.

This is the stage where athletes are consolidating the skills that form the basis for more advanced orienteering technique. If these skills aren’t consistently mastered athletes may have trouble simplifying and visualizing effectively when competing at higher levels later on.

Participant Characteristics

The following is a list of key characteristics and habits of athletes in the Train to Train 2 stage to keep in mind when working with these athletes. Remember that each athlete is an individual and will not have all of these characteristics / habits. Group dynamics can also play a big factor in which of these characteristics come out in a group.

Major Features

Social Characteristics

• Has a tendency to break rules because they believe this is what peers want them to do and because they have a desire to be loved and respected by their peers and are still developing a sense of right and wrong.
• Is very concerned about how they are perceived by others.
• Fun social activities are important and should be included at competitions and training camps.

Physical Characteristics

• Teenagers bodies are undergoing massive changes due to puberty (because of this athletes are particularly prone to overtraining and injury).
• The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are growing rapidly
• Is undergoing an increase in estrogen and testosterone production
• Growth spurts may affect coordination and endurance
• Muscle and fat mass grows rapidly with the major growth spurt at the start of this stage. Peak bone growth occurs about a year later along with a major increase in strength.

Psychological Characteristics

• Is ready to take responsibility for their own commitment and respect for the sports they are participating in.
• Is aware of their role and responsibilities to their team, coach, and other players in their sport system.
• Is developing a deeper understanding of ethical issues such as fairness and sportsmanship.

Learning Emphasis

• Enjoys learning from and with peers

Preferred Games

Females

• Due to the major and rapid changes involved in puberty, coaches and athletes should pay attention to movement patterns, agility, balance, and coordination, and watch for joint injuries, particularly ACL and PFJ injuries (applies also to boys but there is an additional emphasis for girls).
• Females need to be aware of hormonal disturbances due to poor or insufficient energy intake that may result in irregular periods (oligomenorrhea) or periods stopping altogether (amenorrhea)
• Female coaches and role models are very important at this (and other) stages

Skills