Training to Competition Ratio
• There is no specific training to competition ratio for this stage, as there is no formal competition, only fun play. Instead, children should be engaged in play for a length of time suitable to their age and amount of other physical activities. Provide 30-60 minutes per day of organized physical activity.
Periodization
• No formal periodization.
Technical
• Introduce children to the squash environment.
• Encourage unstructured play on the squash court.
• Focus on developing the fundamental movement skills (e.g., running, jumping, hitting).
• Emphasis on fundamental movement skills linked together into active play.
• Players should participate in a variety of additional physical activities.
• Swimming and well-structured gymnastics programs are recommended to enhance the full range of basic movement skills and physical literacy.
Tactical
There are no tactical requirements at this stage.
Physiological/Physical
• The Active Start stage is marked by the child’s initial high growth rate, as well as rapid nervous system and brain development.
• General locomotion skills are being established (walking and running), and there is obvious improvement in hand-eye coordination and overall movement sequence as children near the end of this stage.
• Physical activity will enhance bone and muscle growth, promote a healthy weight, improve posture and maintain an overall fitness level.
• Parents and care givers should provide opportunities for children to engage in a wide range of movements and physical play involving movement.
• Gymnastics is an ideal Active Start activity.
• Four key environments for movement should be introduced during this stage – on the ground, in the water, on snow and ice, and in the air.
• Agility, balance, coordination and “quickness” are cornerstones of physical literacy at this stage.
