Last month I received the following e-mail from a PKC technical manager:
Question:
"During our vacation I look an extended at your blog and collected the necessary documents to prepare for internal discussion about our korfball technical policy in the youth. I think many of the documents that you publish are very appealing and recognizable from your approach over the past two years by PKC. The emphasis on team sports, korfball concepts, the roles and qualifications players are a good guide for our activities amongst the youth. The pieces are, however, mostly focused on elite athletes. Have you also considered how the youth, the base of the club, - aged between 12 -15 should look like?
1. how do we implement a sound pathway that will educate players from a beginning to an end station, and how would you introduce (in phases?) the certain aspects of your vision ...
2. Starting from the players childhood, how can we efficiently develop a healthy korfbal society?
3. How do you instruct a technical framework and which accents would you describe in the different age groups?
I am looking forward to hearing from you once you have the opportunity for this ... "
My answer:
Over the years I regularly wrote about the learning and teaching of korfball to the different age groups and top korfball players.
My first book was (1972) ¨Juveniles Training" (pink cover) encompassed a methodology for children, aged 8-10 years. This book was one in a series that was issued by the KNKV (the “Committee of the Technical Education of the KNKV”). The series was designed for coaches who worked with different age groups. The next book "Training Korfball", (green cover) of the same series was also written by me. These books are now only available through the antiquarian bookshop.
The latest books on the teaching and learning of korfball that I've written:
“Eenvoudige korfbalvormen en sterren van nu", October 2005, 5th edition;
ISBN :90-72323-07-6; KNKV Zeist, has been translated into English under the name: "Korfball Made Simple. About the present stars in korfball". My book "Korfbal Concepten" 2003, Edition 1, ISBN: 90-807931-16 KNKV Zeist has also been translated into English as: "Korfball Concepts"
Anyone who follows the international literature, will meet the abbreviation LTAD (Long-Term Athlete Development Model). This is short for a model that represents the pathway for the training of athletes, from child to adult.
The he principles of Korfball training are very much alike the concept of LTAD and have always been present in the KNKV. This is why LTAD cannot be called a "new" in korfbal. It is good however, to go back and look and compare what happens in other sports. Therefore I would like to briefly focus on the framework of the LTAD model.
Quote: "The Importance of a systematic and consistent approach to the development of athletes is important. The Long-Term Athlete Development Model Provides a consistent framework for coaches. It is a long - term player / athlete development model that, with the help of illustrations can help coaches, parents, volunteers and administrators."
See: Canadian Basketball / LTADM
This model is used in several countries and is adjusted for each sport. The model takes into account the developing characteristics of a child that grows into adulthood.
The first phase, called "fundamentals" is aimed at children from 6 to 9 years.
In this phase, the joy of movement and play are central. Children will learn all basic forms of movements and exercise such as running, jumping, falling, balancing, sliding, floating on water. After this, they return to sport types or sport games.
The second phase is called "LEARN TO TRAIN" and focuses on boys and girls aged 9 to 12 years.
During this phase trainers focus on the particular window that belongs to this age, also know as "The period of engine development" or "The Golden Age of learning skills”.
Phase 3 is the stage of "TRAIN TO TRAIN" and involves children aged 11 - 15 years. In this period the children learn to systematically train the technique and tactics of a chosen sport. In these years, a more strategic approach can be consistently adopted. However, the emphasis of the trainings should still also lie on the fundamental movement skills
Phase 4: "TRAIN TO COMPETE" involves players from 15 to 18 years: in this phase the focus shifts from development to winning.
Phase 5: in this phase players compete: they "LEARN TO WIN" and "TRAIN TO WIN"
The official presentation of the new korfball: "The Mikasa K5-IKF'".
