Puberty & Rapid Growth Management in Gymnasts

Managing the growth spurt phase in young athletes requires patience, education, and strategic training modifications to prevent injuries and maximize long-term development. Athletes experience significant physical changes between ages 10-14 that directly impact performance and create temporary challenges that should be viewed as developmental opportunities.

• Growth plates are vulnerable to injury during rapid growth phases
• Peak Height Velocity (PHV) is when children grow fastest, typically around age 13
• Physical changes include dramatic bone growth that outpaces muscle adaptation
• Athletes naturally lose flexibility, power, and coordination during growth spurts
• Training should shift to 70% basics/flexibility/soft surfaces and 30% skills during growth phases
• Strength training is safe and beneficial for young athletes when properly implemented
• Cross-training helps develop athleticism while reducing sport-specific impact
• Coaches should consider reducing competition schedules during peak growth
• Modern elite gymnasts peak in their 20s, not at 16, showing the benefits of patient development
• Post-puberty athletes gain significant power and strength advantages for higher-level skills

Training hard through puberty isn't about pushing skills; it's about building foundations. Every day you pay your dues by doing the harder thing when it's the right thing to do.

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