How Growth Impacts Training & Performance

How Different Stages Affect Learning

Growth and maturation influence how children learn skills and tolerate training loads across different developmental stages:

Pre-PHV (before the growth spurt): Motor learning and coordination develop quickly. This is an ideal time for building a diverse movement vocabulary and fundamental skills.

During PHV (rapid growth phase): Movement may feel awkward as body proportions change faster than the nervous system can adapt. Technique and stability matter most during this phase.

Post-PHV (after growth stabilises): Strength and structured training can be increased gradually. The body is more stable and resilient to progressive loads.

Understanding Temporary Performance Dips

Temporary dips in coordination, speed, or power output are common and expected during growth spurts. These are not signs of regression or poor training — they're normal biological adaptations.

During rapid growth:

• Limb lengths change — requiring recalibration of movement patterns
• Centre of gravity shifts — affecting balance and body awareness
• Energy demands increase — the body prioritises growth over performance
• Tissue tolerance changes — muscles and tendons adapt to new bone lengths

These challenges resolve naturally as growth stabilises. The key is patience and appropriate support during the transition.

How to Support Your Young Athlete

Parents can best support their child during these phases by:

Prioritising recovery:

• Ensure 8-10 hours of quality sleep per night
• Support balanced nutrition with adequate protein and calories
• Allow rest days and lighter training weeks

Maintaining open communication:

• Talk with coaches about recent growth changes
• Encourage honest feedback about how training feels
• Reduce pressure around performance during growth phases

Managing expectations:

• Understand that temporary dips are normal, not failures
• Focus on technique and skill development over results
• Celebrate effort and improvement, not just outcomes

Watching for overload signs:

• Frequent minor injuries or persistent soreness
• Flat mood or loss of enthusiasm
• Chronic fatigue that doesn't improve with rest

How MatCalc Helps

MatCalc provides insight into where the athlete is now and what changes are likely ahead. This allows parents to support appropriate expectations and conversations — without needing to make medical or coaching decisions themselves.

Understanding growth context helps:

• Reduce anxiety about temporary performance changes
• Have informed discussions with coaches about training loads
• Know when to emphasise recovery over intensity
• Maintain perspective during challenging developmental phases

Armed with this knowledge, parents can be better advocates for their child's long-term development and wellbeing.