Childhood and adolescence is a time of change, not just in physical appearance, but also in physical performance and ability. Athletes, parents, and coaches often go through a rollercoaster of experiences. Inconsistent sports performance, onset of pain and injury, and changes in motivation and love of the sport bring about many ups, downs, twists, and turns.

The key is to realize that this track is not as unpredictable as you may think. Following the recommendations provided below will allow you to be pro-active in addressing common difficulties during periods of growth and development.

This guide will function as an introduction to the impact growth and development has on sports performance and injury risk. A detailed “at-home” method of measuring and monitoring physical growth will be presented. Most importantly, this guide will illustrate how to utilize the information gathered from measuring and monitoring growth to make appropriate daily decisions for optimizing sports performance while reducing injury risk.

This guide will give you the key details needed to act prior to the onset of pain or injury. If pain or injury has occurred, be sure to consult with a licensed healthcare provider for additional details and instructions.