Long-term athlete development (LTAD) strategy for optimizing movement skills and injury prevention in young athletes: literature review

Authors

  • Raya Puspita Wulan Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia
  • Tomoliyus Indonesia
  • Endang Rini Sukmawati Indonesia
  • Abdul Alim Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31949/ijsm.v5i4.16750

Abstract

Background: The development of young athletes often faces issues related to short-term achievement orientation, early specialization practices, and the limited implementation of science-based approaches. Such conditions pose risks of recurring injuries, burnout, and suboptimal development of fundamental movement skills, which are essential as the foundation for long-term achievement. Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) emerges as a long-term athlete development model that emphasizes the alignment of training programs with the stages of growth, development, and biological maturity of young athletes. Purpose: to comprehensively examine LTAD strategies in optimizing movement skills while preventing injuries in young athletes. Methods: The research method used is a literature review by analyzing various scientific articles, research reports, and relevant sources discussing the implementation of LTAD, particularly related to fitness components such as strength, power, speed, agility, and aerobic fitness. Results: the integration of LTAD with training models such as resistance training and plyometric training has proven effective in improving fundamental movement skills, physical capacity, and reducing injury risk in young athletes. Furthermore, previous studies also emphasize that the application of LTAD can increase motivation, long-term participation in sports, and support the achievement of sustainable performance. Conclusion: LTAD is an important strategy in developing young athletes because it can optimize physical development, movement skills, and long-term health.  Implications and Recommendation: coaches, sports practitioners, and development institutions need to implement LTAD systematically, adaptively, and with an orientation toward building healthy, resilient, and sustainable athletes.

Keywords:

LTAD, Basic Movements, injury prevention, Athletes

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Borkowski, R., Krzepota, J., Wróbel, M., Madej, D., & Błażkiewicz, M. (2025). The Impact of Overtraining on Injury Rates in School-Age Athletes—A Scoping Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(13), 4712. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134712

Brenner, J. S., & Watson, A. (2024). Overuse Injuries, Overtraining, and Burnout in Young Athletes. Pediatrics, 153(2). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2023-065129

Costa, M. J., Marinho, D. A., Santos, C. C., Quinta-Nova, L., Costa, A. M., Silva, A. J., & Barbosa, T. M. (2021). The Coaches’ Perceptions and Experience Implementing a Long-Term Athletic Development Model in Competitive Swimming. Frontiers in Psychology, 12(May), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.685584

Dapp, L. C., Gashaj, V., & Roebers, C. M. (2021). Physical Activity and Motor Skills in Children: A Differentiated Approach. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2021.101916

Duggan, J. D., Moody, J., Byrne, P., McGahan, J. H., & Kirszenstein, L. (2022). Considerations and Guidelines on Athletic Development for Youth Gaelic Athletic Association Players. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 44(2), 76–96.

Fullerton, S. A., Gaudreault, K. L., & Royce, I. (2023). Implementing Long-Term Athletic Development Within K–12 Physical Education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 94(6), 6–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2023.2221867

Hafidz, A., Martadi, M., Warju, W., Wijono, W., Daulay, D. A. A., Pramono, B. A., & Khusniyah, T. W. (2025). Penerapan Sport Science Dalam Manejemen Pengelolaan Latihan Fisik Atlet Di Kabupaten Nganjuk Untuk Menghasilkan Atlet Profesional. ABISATYA: Journal of Community Engagement, 3(1), 18–25.

Hanafi, M., Utamayasa, I. G. D., Hadi, S. R., & Hakim, L. (2025). Analisis dan Pengembangan untuk Meningkatkan Kinerja Atlet Bulutangkis PB Platinum Malang. INSAN CENDEKIA: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 3(1), 200–206.

Haris, I. N., Yulianto, A. G., & Khartha, A. (2025). Peran Literasi fisik dalam Pengembangan Motorik Anak Usia Dini. Biormatika : Jurnal Ilmiah Fakultas Keguruan Serta Ilmu Pendidikan, 11(1), 44–51. https://doi.org/10.35569/biormatika.v11i1.2274

Hidayah, T., Akhiruyanto, A., Yudhistira, D., & Kurnianto, H. (2023). the Effects of Ltad-Based Programming on Fundamental Skills and Physical Abilities of Basketball Players Aged 11-12 Years. Physical Education Theory and Methodology , 23(6), 909–917. https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2023.6.13

Jayanthi, N., Schley, S., Cumming, S. P., Myer, G. D., Saffel, H., Hartwig, T., & Gabbett, T. J. (2022). Developmental training model for the sport specialized youth athlete: a dynamic strategy for individualizing load-response during maturation. Sports Health, 14(1), 142–153.

Joanna Briggs Institute, & JBI. (2022). Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses. Joanna Briggs Institute. https://jbi.global/critical-appraisal-tools

Junior, M. A. dos S. D., López-Gil, J. F., Caporal, G. C., & Mello, J. B. (2022). Benefits, Risks and Possibilities of Strength Training in School Physical Education: a Brief Review. Sport Sciences for Health, 18(1), 11–20. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-021-00847-3

Kingsbury, D. M. (1967). Coaches’ Acquisition of Sport Science Knowledge and the Role of Education Providers. Gastronomía Ecuatoriana y Turismo Local., 1(69), 5–24.

Kusuma, I. D. M. A. W., Kusnanik, N. W., Lumintuarso, R., & Phanpheng, Y. (2024). The holistic and partial approach in soccer training: Integrating physical, technical, tactical, and mental components: A systematic review. Retos: Nuevas Tendencias En Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación, 54, 328–337.

Lemoyne, J., & Tardif, C. A. (2024). Hockey Youth in Canada: Parents’ and Coaches’ Beliefs Towards the Half-Ice Game Model for U9 Hockey. PloS One, 19(6 June), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0305750

Lin, G., Chen, J., Yan, R., Deng, B., Song, W., Guan, B., & Sun, J. (2025). Effects of Maturation Stage on Physical Fitness in Youth Male Team Sports Players After Plyometric Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine - Open, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-025-00907-9

Long, C., Ranellone, S., & Welch, M. (2024). Strength and Conditioning in the Young Athlete for Long-Term Athletic Development. HSS Journal, 20(3), 444–449. https://doi.org/10.1177/15563316241248445

Makaruk, H., Webster, E. K., Porter, J., Makaruk, B., Bodasińska, A., Zieliński, J., Tomaszewski, P., Nogal, M., Starzak, M., Śliwa, M., Banaś, M., Biegajło, M., Chaliburda, A., Suchecki, B., Molik, B., & Sadowski, J. (2025). Assessing Fundamental Motor Skills Proficiency in School-Based Sports Physical Education Programs: Implications for Talent Development. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1632930

Marani, I. N. (2022). Peran Sosialisasi Ltad (Long Term Athlete Development) Bagi Karang Taruna Di Desa Cisaat Kabupaten Subang. Mutu Pendidikan, 29.

Mehta, D., Kelly, A. B., Laurens, K. R., Haslam, D., Williams, K. E., Walsh, K., Baker, P. R. A., Carter, H. E., Khawaja, N. G., Zelenko, O., & Mathews, B. (2023). Child Maltreatment and Long-Term Physical and Mental Health Outcomes: An Exploration of Biopsychosocial Determinants and Implications for Prevention. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 54(2), 421–435. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-021-01258-8

Moeskops, S., Oliver, J. L., Read, P. J., Cronin, J. B., Myer, G. D., & Lloyd, R. S. (2022). Practical strategies for integrating strength and conditioning into early specialization sports. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 44(1), 34–45.

Morris, S. J., Oliver, J. L., Pedley, J. S., Haff, G. G., & Lloyd, R. S. (2022). Comparison of Weightlifting, Traditional Resistance Training and Plyometrics on Strength, Power and Speed: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine, 52(7), 1533–1554. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01627-2

Nugroho, A., Tomoliyus, Sumaryanto, & Ilham. (2021). Effects of Service Quality, Social Environment and Financial on Motivation, Satisfaction, and Performance for Athletes at Training Center PON XX in DIY. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 9(5), 1067–1079. https://doi.org/10.13189/SAJ.2021.090529

O’Brien, W., Khodaverdi, Z., Bolger, L., Murphy, O., Philpott, C., & Kearney, P. E. (2023). Exploring Recommendations for Child and Adolescent Fundamental Movement Skills Development: A Narrative Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043278

Oliver, J. L., Ramachandran, A. K., Singh, U., Ramirez-Campillo, R., & Lloyd, R. S. (2024). The Effects of Strength, Plyometric and Combined Training on Strength, Power and Speed Characteristics in High-Level, Highly Trained Male Youth Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine, 54(3), 623–643. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01944-8

Perreault, M. E., & Gonzalez, S. P. (2021). Generalize over Specialize: Examining the Long-Term Athlete Development Model to Optimize Youth Athlete Development. Strategies, 34(3), 11–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/08924562.2021.1896914

Putra, S., EmralÂ, E., Arsil, A., & Sin, T. H. (2023). Konsep model latihan fisik pada sepakbola. Jurnal EDUCATIO: Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia, 9(2), 974–985.

Ropret, R., & Jevtić, B. (2019). Long-Term Athlete Development: From Theoretical and Practical Model to Cognitive Problem. Fizicka Kultura, 73(2), 190–205. https://doi.org/10.5937/fizkul1902190r

Rugg, C. M., Coughlan, M. J., Li, J. N., Hame, S. L., & Feeley, B. T. (2021). Early Sport Specialization Among Former National Collegiate Athletic Association Athletes. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(4), 1049–1058. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546520988727

Sannicandro, I., & D’Elia, F. (2022). Early Specialization or Early Athletic Competencies? Literature Update and Methodological Considerations. Advances in Physical Education, 12(04), 349–360. https://doi.org/10.4236/ape.2022.124026

Suchomel, T. J., Nimphius, S., Bellon, C. R., Hornsby, W. G., & Stone, M. H. (2021). Training for Muscular Strength: Methods for Monitoring and Adjusting Training Intensity. Sports Medicine, 51(10), 2051–2066. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01488-9

Sumarno, S., & Imawati, V. (2023). Pengembangan bakat untuk atlet di usia muda: Pembahasan dalam pendekatan spesialisasi awal versus multilateral. Patria Eduacational Journal (PEJ), 3(2), 99–108. https://doi.org/10.28926/pej.v3i2.1014

Thompson, F., Rongen, F., Cowburn, I., & Till, K. (2022). The impacts of sports schools on holistic athlete development: a mixed methods systematic review. Sports Medicine, 52(8), 1879–1917.

Ulia, I. I., & Dwi, D. R. A. S. (2025). Development of a Long-Term Athlete Development Model for Long Jump Training Using the IRSA Jumping Exercise Method. Innovative: Journal Of Social Science Research, 5(4), 1381–1395.

Varghese, M., Ruparell, S., & LaBella, C. (2022). Youth Athlete Development Models: A Narrative Review. Sports Health, 14(1), 20–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/19417381211055396

Westerbeek, H., & Eime, R. (2021). The Physical Activity and Sport Participation Framework—A Policy Model Toward Being Physically Active Across the Lifespan. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 3(5), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2021.608593

Williams, M. D., Strafford, B. W., Stone, J. A., & Moran, J. (2021). Parkour-Based Activities in the Athletic Development of Youth Basketball Players. Frontiers in Physiology, 12(October), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.771368

Zinke, T. J. (2024). Early Sport Specialization and Chronic Injuries in College Students (Vol. 4, Issue 02).

Zо, D., & S.S, D. (2022). Physical Activity and Its Impact on Human Health and Longevity. Достижения Науки И Образования, 2(82), 120–126.

Published

2025-11-30

How to Cite

Wulan, R. P., Tomoliyus, Sukmawati, E. R., & Alim, A. (2025). Long-term athlete development (LTAD) strategy for optimizing movement skills and injury prevention in young athletes: literature review. Indonesian Journal of Sport Management, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.31949/ijsm.v5i4.16750

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.