Five simple steps to support healthy adaptation in sport and physical activity.

As young people learn and develop throughout sport, physical education (PE) and physical activity, their bodies are constantly growing and adapting. For those that aren’t moving enough or engaging in physical activity sport, building activity up at the right pace is crucial. Doing too much too soon – whether it’s physiologically or psychologically – can result in injury and negative experiences that can impact an individual’s relationship with physical activity.
 
There are some simple steps you can take to to manage this process and help pupils adapt well to sport, whilst reducing the risk of injury.
 
Designed with and for Directors of Sport, PE teachers and sports coaches, we have created the Adaptation Model to promote healthy adaptation by considering key stages of planning. This includes how to help pupils develop meaningful connections with sport to support a positive and lifelong relationship with sport and physical activity.

If you’d like access to the Adaptation Model or would like to find out more about putting the Adaptation principles into practice in your organisation, please complete the form below. 

Download the Adaptation Model

You can now access the Adaptation Model for use in your clubs and schools. For access to the Adaptation Model, or to discuss this project with Kat Jones, our Schools and Grassroots Clubs Research Lead, please complete the form below.

“The SportSmart Adaptation Model can be adapted for our specific needs. It can be used to highlight to coaches and parents some of the key things they should be aware of when planning for healthy participation, to promote positive adaptation and make a real difference to how a young person thrives in their sport.”

“The SportSmart Adaptation Model provides a broad framework to help organisations create an environment for young people to enjoy sports and have a healthy adaptation experience...We all adapt every day – be it cognitively, physically or psychologically and it is brilliant to see a tool to support young people playing the sport they love for longer.”