Athlete Development Flashcards

Is supervised resistance training appropriate for pre-adolescent gymnasts?

Answer: Yes, when properly supervised with appropriate loads and technique

Evidence shows well-supervised, age-appropriate resistance training is safe and beneficial for children.

Strength gains in pre-pubertal children are mainly due to:

Answer: Neural adaptations such as improved motor unit recruitment and coordination

Before puberty, strength improves mainly through neuromuscular adaptations rather than muscle size.

Which strategy best addresses the risks of early specialization in gymnastics?

Answer: Building broad athleticism, monitoring load, and prioritizing long-term development over early results

Gymnastics is an early-specialization sport, so coaches must manage load and keep development holistic to reduce injury and burnout.

Because gymnastics requires high flexibility early, coaches should prioritize flexibility development:

Answer: Before and during early adolescence, while maintaining it through growth

Flexibility is most trainable in childhood and must be maintained as rapid bone growth tightens muscles.

Which is the best way to compare the maturity of two gymnasts of the same chronological age?

Answer: Estimate biological maturity, e.g., by growth velocity or predicted maturity offset

Biological maturity can differ by several years among children of the same chronological age.

A key principle of progression in skill development for young gymnasts is:

Answer: Master prerequisite basic skills and drills before advancing to more complex elements

Logical progressions from basic to complex reduce injury risk and build solid technique.

Under FIG age eligibility rules, a women's artistic gymnast may compete in senior international competitions in the year she turns:

Answer: 16

FIG rules allow WAG gymnasts to compete as seniors from the calendar year in which they turn 16.