At Gritworks, our training philosophy is centered around the idea that every athlete has the potential to reach their full athletic potential with the right training, guidance, and support. We believe that a holistic approach to training is necessary to develop athletes who are strong, resilient, and mentally tough.
To achieve this, Gritworks Athletics utilizes the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model, which is based on scientific research and best practices in sports performance training. The LTAD model emphasizes the importance of developing athletes over the long-term, with a focus on age-appropriate training and skill development.
Gritworks Athletics' LTAD model is structured as follows:
Mini Grit — Elementary School Athletes — FUNdamentals (ages 8-10 ): This stage is focused on developing fundamental movement skills and establishing a love for physical activity through fun and engaging activities.
Junior Grit — Middle School Athletes — Learn to Train (ages 11-13): This stage is focused on developing fundamental athletic abilities such as agility, coordination, and speed, as well as introducing athletes to basic strength and conditioning exercises.
Elite Grit — High School and Collegiate Athletes — Train to Train and Compete (ages 14 +): This stage is focused on building a foundation of strength and conditioning, developing sport-specific skills, and emphasizing proper technique and form. The high school and collegiate athletic program progresses to maximizing athletic performance through advanced strength and conditioning training, and mental toughness training.
Our training programs are designed to align with the LTAD model, providing athletes with age-appropriate training and skill development. Programs are tailored to each individual goals, abilities, and needs, with a focus on developing well-rounded athletes who are strong, resilient, and mentally tough. The importance of developing athletes over the long-term, with a focus on age-appropriate training and skill development can not be overstated. This philosophy will ensure that athletes don’t experience burnout, or lose their passion for athletics. This is our mission for athletes in the PNW.