Puberty & Development

Same age, different capacity

Two players on the same team, the same age, can have very different bodies. Puberty happens in the same sequence for everyone, but not at the same time or the same rate. That means the load one player can absorb, tolerate and adapt to isn’t always what another can handle.

When a player hits her growth spurt, her movement capability, bone strength and ability to tolerate load all shift. Running and landing mechanics change. Co-ordination and response times change. It can look like she has lost her skills, when really her body is catching up with itself.

A coach’s (and parent's) job isn’t to treat everyone the same. It’s to balance activity with recovery for each individual player. The question to ask is "Is this player coping with the demands of her sport"? Player availability requires being healthy and uninjured.

During puberty, prioritise quality over quantity, and focus on skill and movement control.

Get this right, and you'll protect her health now and her love of the game later.