USSA Training Systems

The process of developing athletic talent spans the entire formative life of an athlete.  The USSA Training Systems outline the complete development for USSA athletes from the earliest stages of learning to ski and ride to the last days before leaving the competitive stage of the sport.  It is based on a long-term athlete development model for skiers and riders that emphasizes age-appropriate training and competition that will allow each athlete to reach their full potential.

Based on the recent "best practices" review of the most successful skiing and snowboarding nations in the world and other high performance sporting organizations the following principles have been condensed in an effort to review and refine the USSA competition model for skiers and riders.

Critical Periods

As every young athlete grows older, they move through periods where they are pre-disposed to make maximum gains in particular areas.  It is very important that the coach, parent, and athlete understand these "critical periods" for optimal development to maximize the athlete's long-term potential.  The document below explains these critical periods in greater detail.

Critical Periods for Optimal Development

USSA Training Systems By Sport

The sport-specific guidelines are laid out in the following training system outlines.

ALPINE

CROSS COUNTRY

SKI JUMPING/NORDIC COMBINED

FREESTYLE

SNOWBOARDING

Supporting articles

New England Coaches Track presentation 10/3/12
Slides from the presentation on long-term athlete development presented by USSA Sport Education Director Jon Nolting.

Performance vs. Results
A must-read for parents, coaches and athletes about the important distinction between performance and results, and how an overly results-oriented focus can derail long-term potential.

Periodization, Competition and Racer Management
A short summary of best practices and common threats to following the best practices in periodization, competition and racer management.

Check back soon for more resources, or click on your your sport in the USSA Training Systems by Sport section above for resources specific to your sport.