FUNdamentals: The first stage on the development of basic physical literacy and fundamental movement skills for children aged 5 to 9 to encourage a life time of participation and activity. It is part of the internationally developed LTAD.

Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) - A brief guide

LTAD is a 6 stage program developing physical literacy in all children. The program builds on a foundation of FUNdamental movement skills. Fitness and sport skills are introduced appropriate to developmental age. This provides children with confidence and enjoyment of exercise with overall health benefits and the foundation for developing greater physical awareness. This gives the core skills which may take the form of participation in any sport, exercise class or professional level sport in adult life. This also tackles the current trends towards obesity and provides the child with lifelong physical activity.


Stage 1 : FUNdamental - emphasis on developing the basic fundamental movement skills
Stage 2 : Build the Technique - development towards a specific sport
Stage 3 : Build the Engine - emphasis on aerobic conditioning
Stage 4 : Train to Compete - emphasis on physical conditioning and increasing intensity
Stage 5 : Train to Win - training for specific competitions
Stage 6 : Train to Retire

The FUNdamentals stage deals with Primary School children, girls 5 to 8 years and boys 6 to 9 years. Games and activities should be structured with the emphasis on FUN. A child needs to develop their basic movement skills at this foundation stage. They will develop speed, power and endurance and in addition be introduced to some simple rules and ethics of sport. The children will also gain overall well being and confidence through exercise and participation.


ABCs - Agility, Balance, Co-ordination, Speed
RJT - Running, Jumping, Throwing
KGBs - Kinesthetics, Gliding, Buoyancy, Striking with the body
CKs - Catching, Kicking, Striking with an implement

At playground we use this in all our designs and have a range of documents and trainers to help you develop you own schools long term program.
Ask to speak to Richard or Dewi about further information.