The document “Long Term Athlete Development” published by Athletics Canada presents a comprehensive framework for guiding athletes from early childhood through elite performance and lifelong activity. It outlines 9 stages of development (from Active Start to Active for Life), aligning training, competition, and recovery to each stage’s physiological and psychological readiness. The model emphasizes:
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Trainability — identifying critical “windows” during growth when adaptation to training is most effective
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Developmental age vs chronological age — using biological maturity rather than just birth date
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The “5 S’s” of performance — Stamina, Strength, Speed, Skill, Suppleness
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Periodization and monitoring — integrating planning, testing, recovery, and ancillary supports (nutrition, mental skills, rest, etc.)
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Retention and lifelong activity — ensuring that even those who don’t reach elite levels can continue being active in a meaningful way
By applying these principles, coaches and sport organizations can reduce burnout, maximize athletic potential, and foster lifelong physical activity.
Junior Programs in Buffalo Grove
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WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US
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Craig Rosenberg Northbrook, IL format_quote
I met David about 4 years ago when he was at Green To Tee up at Glencoe Golf Club. I hired him to work with my son who wanted to try and be on the high school golf team. My son did make the team and then I decided to start taking lessons from David. In the last 2 years David has taken my handicap from 23 to 14.
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Kathy Mignin Chicago, IL format_quote
My 14-year old son has worked with David for several years. David has helped him develop a very solid golf game; learning all the fundamentals as well as developing the confidence to compete. In addition, David has provided a great example of how to conduct oneself both on the course and in life.
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Cathy McCulloch Wilmette, IL format_quote
In eighth grade my daughter decided to give up her other sports and start a completely new sport- that being golf. She started with David Maslen who taught her the basics from the ground up. She had never held a golf club before and David patiently and methodically taught her everything she needed to know about the game of golf.
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Barry McGregor Chicago, IL format_quote
I started to practice golf 5 years ago. Everything seemed difficult till I found David. Since then, my skills improved by a huge margin. I cannot recommend David enough; I send my two boys to the golf camps and it's so rewarding to see the progress.
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Marving Drake Chicago, IL format_quote
Playing golf is one of the things I like the most but I never thought I can progress in this sport. David was the only instructor who proved be otherwise; golf is for everyone and we should all trust ourselves.
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Claudia Earman Chicago, IL format_quote
It's difficult to chose a sport from so many options when you have children. Luckily David's gold camps turned out to be the best solution for my family: I send them every year to the camps and my kids enjoy golf more than any other sport.
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Crofton Kendall Chicago format_quote
By age 15, Sophomore year, my daughter played on the varsity high school golf team. David would come to tournaments and support her during the golf season. He would review her play and focus lessons on her areas of greatest need. He is an encouraging, positive, and an incredibly knowledgeable coach. David sets his standards high and expects his students to put in the time to improve.
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Alton Raymond Chicago format_quote
David is always kind, professional and encouraging.
My wife and I also appreciate the outstanding communication David has with us and his insights into ways our son can continue to develop and improve.
It has been a pleasure both to watch my son's golf game become very good and to see all the success David is having! -
Lex Charley Chicago format_quote
I asked David if he would work with me and my friends and start a group clinic a few days a week during the winter. That was extremely successful and every clinic sold out each week. David is a great teacher.
