Basic Fundamentals (1) Talent Identification (2) Talent Development (3) Talent Fulfilment (4) World Class (5)
World Class Attitude/Behaviour
In it for fun and participation. Interested and engaged. Aspires to Core commitment, self motivated. Aspires Dedicated, inspired, single minded, Completely immersed, every decision
Regional Squad. to GB Squad. making sacrifices. Aspires to GB based on becoming World Champion.
Performance Squad.
Balanced Green Zone/home life
Personally organised; not over-reliant on Takes responsibility for their own Takes responsibility for own organisation
others. organisation; keeps a training diary and and organises others where appropriate.
keeps maps organised.
Mental Excellence
Display a general enjoyment of and Feels happy, relaxed and secure when Start of competitive focus. Understanding own technique; what am I Mental strategies e.g. relaxation and
positivity about orienteering. alone in an orienteering environment. Be able to focus on training/racing etc as doing? Work with O rhythm as mental optimal arousal levels, mental stop and
appropriate and able to enjoy training. restart after a mistake.
improvement and performing.
Technical Excellence
Solid foundation of technical skills from Solid foundation of technical skills from Confident use of all skills on the STEP Choosing the appropriate skill for each
the STEP System up to TD3 the STEP System up to TD5 System technical challenge
Physical Excellence
ABC's of athleticism, agility, balance, General fitness, ability to move through Endurance and speed. Well established Outstanding terrain running ability, world class terrain running ability, national
coordination and speed terrain, speed. terrain running ability. endurance for 50/60 min (W/M) junior level fell running, endurance for 75/95
races or 65/80 (W/M) minute senior (W/M) minute races.
races.
Experience
Racing Introduction to simple rules and ethics of Local/Regional Events, Schools JIRCs, Regional/National Events, World JHIs, FCC, EYOC, JWOC, JEC, WOC, EOC, World Cup and International
sport in general Championships Schools, British, JK Euromeeting, International relays and relays.
events, UK Cup, World Cup.
Training Commitment to a well structured, mixed Club training and athletics or running Regional Squad training weekends and Squad weekends and training camps, Performance Squad training camps and
emphasis cross training programme, group. camps, Lakeside. EDS/SEDS weekends, self-help training. self-help training.
encouraging activity all year round. Scandinavian Club.
Terrain Indoors and local parks Indoors and local areas Variety of British terrains Variety of Continental and Scandinavian Terrain specific to upcoming competitions
terrains
Performances
Results; from GG type Consistent top 20 positions in age class Consistent top 20 in age class in major JWOC/WOC top 30 WOC top 10
analysis Regional events with occassional top 3's UK domestic races with occassional top
3's
Coach Qualification
UKCC Level 1 under UKCC Level 2 UKCC Level 2 UKCC Level 2 under UKCCC Level 3 UKCC Level 3 UKCC Level 4
supervision supervision
The Elite Athlete Development Pathway is a template for any orienteer to look at all elements of performance and assess areas for improvement.
The front page is a summary so that an estimate of where an individual currently sits can be made.
The second page gives a more detailed outline of what any athlete may be expected to do at a level and more importantly what they need to do to progress to the next level.
It is expected that as performance will demand a consistent level of competence across all elelments then athletes would concentrate on improving elements of weakness prior to developing strengths further
Each 'Level' is in 'addition to' rather than 'replaceing' a lower level; where a higher level repeats a lower level it is to confirm that is the guidance.
Although there are many tools available for measuring where someone is placed on the grid, there are many areas where we do not have a simple measuring tool. In these areas we believe it appropriate that a coach and an athlete will
independantly estimate where they are on the grid; they will then sit down and discuss any variations in their judgements. It is clear that some of these will be subjective views and the consequent 'risks' involved. However, if the grid is used to
identify areas for improvement this should not be a problem.
Basic Fundamentals (1) Talent Identification (2) Talent Development (3) Talent Fulfilment (4) World Class (5) Measurement?
Participation Club Club Talent Squad Regional Talent Squad GB Squad Performance Squad
World Class Attitude/Behaviour
In it for fun and participation. Interested and engaged. Core commitment, self Dedicated, inspired, single Completely immersed, every Self Rating and Coach
Aspires to Regional Squad. motivated. Aspires to GB minded, making sacrifices. decision based on becoming score?
Squad. Aspires to GB Performance World Champion.
Squad.
A critical aspect of LTAD is Wants to Orienteer - not Introduction to the approach Makes opportunities for Absolute clarity of realistic
that the younger athletes dragged along by parents. of GB orienteering. orienteering training and long and short term goals.
master the basic skills rather Attends most Takes all opportunities for activities. Education/Career
than moving onto more training/activities. orienteering training and choices influenced by
advanced technical skills. Starting to develop an activities. Trains regularly for Orienteering Aspirations.
understanding of the orienteering using cross
different aspects of training where appropriate.
performance i.e. technical,
physical, mental etc.
Coachability Eager to learn; listens to Open to new ideas, desire to Challenges current methods Responsible for their own More independence, has the Self Rating and Coach
instruction, asks questions improve, asks questions, and takes advice from learning. Resourceful, necessary knowledge and score?
and follows advice, learns does the basics different sources and adapts knows who to ask and how skills to direct the planning
from mistakes, picks up exceptionally well, learns and adopts to suit their own to find out. Seeks expert and organisation of their
basic principles, learns the more advanced principles technique. knowledge; latest and new training.
basics well. well. Aims for perfection, ideas and methods in each Listens to mentor/s for
understands the area of athlete development. advice, challenges or
requirements for success Listens to advice and confirmation. Seeks expert
and actively seeks understands the importance advice for added value.
knowledge. Accepts of a number of different
constructive criticism and outside observers.
always takes responsibility
for mistakes understanding
that they are an opportunity
to learn.
Organisation Punctual to start and Well prepared; has kit Organises training with Comprehensive training Prioritises the key elements Self Rating and Coach
ensures that they have organised. others; getting to events schedule, incorporating of becoming World Class. score?
appropriate kit. Knows important races and including those abroad. training and work/life events. Well planned and organised
Undertake regular exercise is proactive in entering Comprehensive training Race preparation aimed but flexible approach to
and activity, regular events. schedule incorporating all towards specific allow maximum benefit each
orienteering. Into the routine of a basic elements. Work/school/life races/disciplines, overall day/week/month/year.
training schedule, regular organised around training, training programme aimed
physical training with key training periodised to peak towards becoming World
weekly sessions, including for key events but overall Class.
weekly orienteering training. training aim is Long Term to
Training aimed at key races become World Class. Uses
each year, short, medium information from previous
and long term goals for seasons' results and training
training and competition, diaries to assist in planning.
Keeps a training diary and
has a training plan.
Nutrition and Diet Awareness of the Awareness of general Follows healthy eating Able to relate nutrition and Optimising diet and nutrition Self Rating and Coach
importance of diet in relation healthy eating and drinking guidelines and specific diet to recovery from training towards maximum score?
to health and athletic guidelines and specific athlete dietary demands. as well as competition, diet performance.
performance athlete dietary demands. Awareness of best practice becomes integrated into
Athletes may not have pre, during and post race physical preparation and
control of their meals and nutrition guidelines training.
diet.
Injuries and Reports injury/illness to Aware of basic RICE Awareness of warning signs Adapting training Coach/Physio/Doctor score?
Illness responsible person principles in treating injuries, for approaching illness or programme to prevent or
(coach/parent/first aider) aware of importance of rest injury. Approaches suitably reduce illness or injury
in recovering from illness. qualified and experienced based on identified warning
professional to assist in signs. Completes
treatment and recovery. rehabilitation programme to
Follows rehabilitation completely address
programme to recovery. underlying injury and illness
risk factors.
Balanced Green Zone/home life
Personally organised; not Takes responsibility for their Takes responsibility for own
over-reliant on others. own organisation; keeps a organisation and organises
training diary and keeps others where appropriate.
maps organised.
Life skills In it for fun and enjoyment; Beginning to recognise the Understands the importance Effectively balances Effectively balances Self Rating and Coach
orienteering club sessions importance of the balance of of balance of orienteering orienteering goals and life orienteering goals and life score?
are part of a rounded orienteering goals and life goals and life goals. goals. Effective multi tasker goals to optimise
person's life. goals but not always able to Increasingly seeking who has more than one orienteering performances.
put theory into practice, i.e. challenges for what they can solution for most challenges. Absolute clarity of thought
education/sleep/ help develop. Proactive Able to make life-related and sufficiently skilled to
relationships etc. . rather than re-active. Likely decisions without significant accommodate even the
Developing life skills as a to take on new initiatives for disruption and able to put most challenging situations.
matter of necessity. Able to the sake of residual things in perspective. Knows Very well networked. If
cope with slight blips to what skills/knowledge the "cost" of decisions and unable to source solution -
is largely becoming routine factors this into the decision "knows a person who can"
activity. Positively dealing making process. Works out
with non-selection/injuries/ the minimum, least fuss way
illness. of reaching targets e.g.
Qualify for WOC and then
bases a season around this
skeleton. Avoids temptations
for attractive trips away
which take a lot in terms of
travel, time and effort when
it could be better used by
doing quality training at
home.
Mental Excellence
Display a general enjoyment Feels happy, relaxed and Start of competitive focus. Understanding own Mental strategies e.g. Self Rating and Coach
of and positivity about secure when alone in an Be able to focus on technique; what am I doing? relaxation and optimal score? Could use a general
orienteering. orienteering environment. training/racing etc as Work with O rhythm as arousal levels, mental stop mental skills questionnaire
appropriate and able to mental training. and restart after a mistake. or develop an orienteering
enjoy improvement and specific one?
performing.
Competition Developing a positive feeling Reflection/Building Phase: Strengths Phase: focusing Depth Phase: a deep Delivery Phase: Highly Self Rating and Coach
towards competition. understanding what needs on strengths to build a understanding of choices developed attitude/ score? Could use a general
to be developed both on and mental performance plan. made while under pressure motivation for world class mental skills questionnaire
off course. Introduction to Appreciation of the role through self awareness / self performance E.g. ability to or develop an orienteering
the professional approach of strengths play in building regulation development. cope with ambiguity, injury, specific one?
GB Orienteering. Low levels mental resilience. (unconscious incompetence, selection, travel, media,
of performance consistency. Low/medium levels of conscious incompetence, competition.
Performer just starting to performance consistency conscious competence and Understanding/experience of
appreciate the difficulty of unconscious competence) delivering a quality
delivering performance Experiential learning. performance under
consistency. Using mistakes Development of tacit pressure. High levels of
as learning opportunities. knowledge necessary for performance consistency
Also concentrates on what advancement in
you do well. orienteering. Medium levels
Focus Phase: getting ready of performance consistency.
for competition with specific
pre course routines.
Beginning to understand
importance of how to
balance orienteering goals
with life goals. Low/medium
levels of performance
consistency. Winning
attitude, enjoy performing
and enjoy improvement.
Enjoy the social side of
training and competing.
Self awareness Know strengths related to Develop strategies to use Focus on strengths to build Deep understanding of Able to cope with ambiguity, Self Rating and Coach
basic orienteering skills (e.g. strengths to best advantage; a mental performance plan; choices made under injury, travel, media, score? Could use a general
running, navigation); focus identify other areas to work have own anchors; develop pressure through self- competition at World Class mental skills questionnaire
on what you do well on; know what winds you up mental stop-start strategies awareness / self - regulation level or develop an orienteering
and how to overcome it. specific one?
Self control Accept the difficulty in Understand the power of self Recognise and reproduce
delivering performance talk; develop positive self ‘flow’ state
consistency (e.g. at TD5; in talk. Deal positively with set-
different terrain etc.) backs (injury, non-selection
etc.)
Self Confidence Enjoy social side of Winning attitude; Enjoy Appreciation of the role
orienteering; see peers as performing and enjoy strengths play in building
friends as well as rivals improvement mental resilience
Technical Excellence
Solid foundation of technical Solid foundation of technical Confident use of all skills on Choosing the appropriate
skills from the STEP System skills from the STEP System the STEP System skill for each technical
up to TD3 up to TD5 challenge
As much map exposure as Forest experience. Practice Development of an O Reaching expert level
possible. basic technical skills; build Rhythm. Moving from through reflection on their
Becoming familiar with the up andorienteering rhythm. competent to skilled own abilities.
map as a navigational tool. Experience of different orienteer.
terrain types; as much
training with a map as
possible.
Leg planning Select route working from Break leg into sections, Percentage orienteering - Choosing the best route Choosing the fastest route Technical Skills
the next control backwards. choosing the safest route
identify strategy to complete choice, considering risk, choice - full speed, no questionnaire; simple
rather than the one that is
each section. Attack point, speed and visibility. mistakes. Make leg plans in version for levels 1 and 2
Route choice, Exit Point, potentially faster, but more Adjust leg planning based context of completing the and full version for 3, 4 and
risky. Choosing route
Choosing the easiest option, on what you have learnt WHOLE course as fast as 5. OR full version for all
choices to optimise
identifying correct skill/s to about the map and terrain possible. athletes with coach helping
orienteering speed and
use on each part of the leg. so far. level 1 & 2 athletes
minimise the amount of fine complete it?
orienteering required.
Skills Map symbols, line features, Short accurate compass, Complex simplification, Able to adapt techniques to Total range of skills, Technical Skills
basic contour shapes, basic simplification, navigating in fine detail, different types of supremely confident in their questionnaire; simple
setting the map, thumbing identifying natural lines to identifying very subtle lines terrain/forest, using technique. version for levels 1 and 2
the map. Checks orientation follow - long re-entrants, to follow - change in slope, increasingly subtle features, and full version for 3, 4 and
of line features, folds map to ridges, vegetation short re-entrants, ridges etc. learning on the run which 5. OR full version for all
allow focus on current leg. boundaries, long linear rock ALWAYS using top quality features will stand out and athletes with coach helping
outcrops. Identifies and technique when training and are the best to use and level 1 & 2 athletes
follows less obvious line racing. Identifies and follows which techniques are most complete it?
features. Line up map, very subtle line features, effective.
compass, body and feet for successfully navigates from
compass direction. point to point in fine detail.
Technical training should be
on good maps with good
courses and control flags.
Execution Only moving when plan is Executing basic skills quickly Take necessary time to Executing skills Sub-conscious application of Technical Skills
formulated, using correct and accurately, taking time execute advanced skills automatically every time at the right skills at the right questionnaire; simple
skill at correct time, stopping to get more advanced skills accurately, executing basic speed and under race time all the time. version for levels 1 and 2
at key points. Don't move right, taking time to pick up skills automatically every pressure. and full version for 3, 4 and
until you know where you ALL the relevant details on time. Ability to adapt plan 5. OR full version for all
are, where you are going the map. Capable of and skills when necessary athletes with coach helping
AND how you will get there. stopping immediately when (e.g. visibility change, map level 1 & 2 athletes
things don't fit and inconsistency). complete it?
employing an appropriate
coping strategy.
Analysis Rate success of each leg Basic race/training analysis, Good race/training analysis, Advanced race/training World Class race/training Technical Skills
and discuss reasons. Talk split times, was there a leg split times, effective route analysis, best route choice, analysis, identify every questionnaire; simple
through the course plan, was it executed? Draw choice, effective skill perfect skill execution, second lost, monitor version for levels 1 and 2
route accurately on map. execution, running/terrain speed of skill execution, performance in all areas to and full version for 3, 4 and
Identifying errors and speed, identify strengths and constantly monitor areas for identify any possibilities for 5. OR full version for all
discuss, with their coach, weaknesses. Identify time improvement and apply improvement and apply athletes with coach helping
possible causes. lost due to both mistakes knowledge to plan specific knowledge to planning level 1 & 2 athletes
and orienteering speed training to improve. Identify training so performance is complete it?
(hesitation, interpretation, out of control near misses optimised.
running speed). Identify and strategies to avoid in the
trends over a longer period future.
of time.
Physical Excellence
ABC's of athleticism, agility, General fitness, ability to Endurance and speed. Well Outstanding terrain running world class terrain running
balance, coordination and move through terrain, established terrain running ability, endurance for 50/60 ability, national level fell
speed speed. ability. min (W/M) junior races or running, endurance for
65/80 (W/M) minute senior 75/95 (W/M) minute races.
races.
Training Daily exercise and activity, Basic training schedule, Comprehensive training 300 - 400 hours per year. 7 - 400 - 750 hours per year. Training log analysis
regular orienteering. regular physical training with schedule incorporating all 10 hours of training per Prioritises the key elements For Level 2 and above
Running drills, circuits and key weekly sessions, weekly elements, work/school/life week. Comprehensive of becoming World Class. Anaerobic power sprint
cross training as outlined in orienteering training, daily organised around training, personalised and periodised Well planned and organised fatigue/phosphate recovery
Participation Club resources. organisation, training aimed training periodised to peak training schedule, but flexible approach to test
at key races each year, for key events but overall incorporating training and allow maximum benefit each Standing Vertical Jump test
goals for training and training aim to become work/life events. Race day/week/month/year. As for 30 seconds endurance
competition, short, medium World Class. 5 - 8 hours of preparation aimed towards previous levels but with jump/multi stage hurdle
and long term. 5 - 8 hours of training per week including specific races/disciplines, greater emphasis on jump
physical activity per week cross training. Additional 2 - overall training programme preparation for specific Illinois agility test
including cross training. 6 hours of physical activity aimed towards becoming World Championships
Training with athletics club, (e.g. other sports) to develop World Class. Intervals (inc terrain and disciplines.
intervals 1-2 per week, anaerobic/speed and hills/terrain) 2-3 per week, National level cross country
running drills, speed/sprint power/muscular endurance. running drills, plyometrics, and fell races.
drills, strength and stability 1- Training with athletics club, speed/sprint drills, long run 1-
2 per week, orienteering 1-2 intervals (inc hills) 2 per 2 per week, strength and
per week. Compete in week, running drills, stability 2 per week,
school/junior/local cross speed/sprint drills, long run 1 orienteering 2-3 per week,
country and/or fell racing. per week, strength and regional level cross country
stability 2 per week, and fell races.
orienteering 2 per week,
district cross country and fell
races.
Running targets local time trial (not beep local time trials; forest and 3000m M: 12:00 F: 12:30 Seniors 5000m M: 15:45 F: 10000m M: 31:00 F: 38:00 Times!
test); undertaken twice per track; undertaken twice per 19:00
year year Juniors 3000m M: 10:00 F:
11:30
Strength body weight circuits body weight circuits and basic resistance programme free weights, squats, lunges, free weights, squats, lunges,
pilates for core for leg and core strength, basic resistance training for basic resistance training for
stability/strength body weight circuits leg, core and upper body leg, core and upper body
strength, basic plyometrics. strength, advanced
plyometrics.
Injury Prevention core stability, posture, core stability, posture, core stability, posture, core/ankle/knee/hip stability, core/ankle/knee/hip stability, Coach/Physio/Doctor score?
flexibility flexibility, ankle/knee/hip flexibility, ankle/knee/hip posture, flexibility, regular posture, flexibility, free Sit and reach or
stability stability massage. weights, regular massage. goniometers or both?
Experience
Racing Introduction to simple rules Local/Regional Events, JIRCs, Regional/National JHIs, FCC, EYOC, JWOC, WOC, EOC, World Cup and Self Rating and Coach
and ethics of sport in Schools Championships Events, World Schools, JEC, Euromeeting, International relays. score?
general British, JK International relays and
events, UK Cup, World Cup.
Training Commitment to a well Club training and athletics or Regional Squad training Squad weekends and Performance Squad training Self Rating and Coach
structured, mixed emphasis running group. weekends and camps, training camps, EDS/SEDS camps and self-help training. score?
cross training programme, Lakeside. weekends, self-help training.
encouraging activity all year Scandinavian Club.
round.
Terrain Indoors and local parks Indoors and local areas Variety of British terrains Variety of Continental and Terrain specific to upcoming Self Rating and Coach
Scandinavian terrains competitions score?
Performances
Results; from GG Consistent top 20 positions Consistent top 20 in age JWOC/WOC top 30 WOC top 10 Results; from GG type
type analysis in age class Regional events class in major UK domestic analysis
with occassional top 3's races with occassional top
3's
Position
Time
Time behind
Time lost
Time loss as a %
of total
Time without error
Position without
error
Consistency
Consistency Low level of performance Low/medium level of Medium level of Greater level of performance High level of performance ????
consistency performance consistency performance consistency consistency consistency
Coach Education
Level UKCC Level 1 under UKCC UKCC Level 2 UKCC Level 2 under UKCC Level 3 UKCC Level 4
Level 2 supervision UKCCC Level 3 supervision
Understand different ways of Provide positive feedback;
listening (especially among know and understand
young people) and learning mental strategies such as
styles; adapt coach contact positive self talk, thought
to style of athlete; develop stopping and starting,
questioning skills to elicit anchoring and imagery;
information and enable understand the power of the
athlete to reflect subconscious
Coaching Style Coach is open and accepts Coach should have a wide Coach closely involved in Coach is more like a
different personalities and knowledge and be able to planning and carrying out supervisor and advisor. Still
approaches. Motivating, communicate the important training. Focus on the sets limits, motivates and
attentive and focused on aspects of each training individual, their training and ensures continued
processes. session so that athletes general well-being. Coach development in elite sports
understand and take it leads the way with career.
seriously. Coach gives commitment and energy!
space to athletes as their
personalities and identities
develop.
Coaching Focus General activity important. Learn to train fitness and This is where the Important that the athlete
Orienteering technical skills technique during this period. foundations are laid for sees himself as an elite
plus coordination, O-rhythm and efficient, fast future elite runners – sportsman and makes the
gymnastics, badminton, running are the most physically and technically. necessary decisions to back
swimming etc. important factors. The athlete’s own drive and up that choice. Time
motivation is the most management is also
important factor. Athletes important.
should understand what they
have to do to improve.