Why is ‘player loading’ something we need to consider for our year 7&8 players?
Netball Northern NetballSmart Development Officers Amelia Pasco and Katie Adamson are often asked this question.
Here they share with us the impact loading has on an adolescent body and their NetballSmart recommendations to coaches.
What is player load?
Amelia tells us that ‘player load’ is the physical stress the body endures when doing exercise. The amount of stress depends on the volume intensity, and type of activity.
During a tournament, such as AIMS GAMES, there is an increase in load in comparison to an average regular week of exercise, so its important coaches know how to manage this for players.
Player load on an adolescent body
But what impact does increased load have on an adolescent body?
Katie explains, during years 7&8, many players will go through, what’s called, ‘peak height velocity’ or PHV. This is when young people grow the most over a short period of time, and comes with a lag phase, where their growth plates (cartilage) have not yet hardened into bone, which increases their chances of injury.
Recommendations for managing player load
For adolescents during their PHV stage, it’s important they load less, they increase strength, and they are taught safe movement to help prevent injuries from occurring.
NetballSmart recommends the following for coaches for years 7&8 attending AIMS GAMES:
- Plan ahead so that players are playing no more than 6/8 quarters in a day.
- Physical warm-up should be kept to no more than 10 minutes – a nonphysical game prior to a warm-up is another way to get them engaged and ready to go.
- Strength for players this age is important – ensure you add strength into your training so that players become more injury resilient.
- Teach good fundamental skills at trainings.
Check out NetballSmart on Facebook and Instagram for some great short videos on jumping, landing, core and stability exercises for young people within this age group.
Interested in peak height velocity? You can read more here:
Loading and the growing athlete – Back to Your Feet Physiotherapy
Peak Height Velocity - Guide For Parents And Children | London Bridge Sports Medicine (lbsm.co.uk)
