Training in children

Early participation of children in elite sports and significant achievements at younger ages have brought about the need for longer training years and intensive training pr o g r a m m e s for child athletes. However, the response of children to train - ing loads presents some differences from those of adults owing to characteristics associated with growth and devel - opment. Considering the influences of growth and develop - ment and in consistent with diverse stages of child gro w t h , the course of training is divided into several stages including participation, general involvement, special preparation, and elite performance, each of which is characterized by distinct responses depending on functional and biological featur e s . This article reviews particular aspects of child training in relation with to growth, endurance, sexual development and maturation, and psychosocial development.