Stages of a player's development: what to emphasise and when
A simple map of the BWF development stages, from first movements to competition, showing what to emphasise in technique, tactics, fitness and mindset at each one.
Why stages
A good plan depends on where the player is, not only on what the player wants. The BWF manual describes stages of development and what to emphasise in each of five areas: technical, tactical, physical, psychological and lifestyle. The ages it gives differ for girls and boys, and every player matures at their own time, so treat them as signposts.
The stages in short
Mid-childhood (about 6 to 9 for boys, 6 to 8 for girls)
- Technical: basic movements (split-step, travelling, lunging, jumping) and striking underarm and overarm.
- Tactical: modified games on a small court with a low net and modified shuttles; singles.
- Physical: agility, balance, co-ordination and speed; warm-ups and cool-downs.
- Mind and lifestyle: simple rules and the ethics of the game.
Learning to play (about 9 to 12 for boys, 8 to 11 for girls)
- Technical: link movements into patterns, form hitting techniques into a wide range of strokes, a planned, gradual start to competition.
- Tactical: move from modified games to the full court; mostly singles with a gradual introduction to level doubles; a problem-solving approach with conditioned games.
- Physical: a basic introduction to conditioning, but not formal programmes; a gradual formal warm-up and cool-down.
- Mind: a positive attitude to yourself, others and the sport.
Training to train (about 12 to 16 for boys, 11 to 15 for girls)
- Technical: consistent movement patterns and strokes under more unpredictable conditions.
- Tactical: awareness of space, self, opponent and partner; mostly singles first, specific doubles tactics later.
- Physical: introduce the development of stamina, speed, suppleness and strength; gradually move to formal physical training once emotionally mature.
- Mind: self-resilience, and support under four Cs: control, confidence, concentration, commitment.
Training to compete (about 16 to 18 for boys, 15 to 17 for girls)
- Technical: consistent strokes in competition against peers at higher speed.
- Tactical: match pre-planning, post-match analysis, video analysis, match plans against specific opponents.
- Physical: more periodised and individual training.
- Lifestyle: the player takes the main role in choices such as diet, time management and equipment.
Training to win (about 18 and over for boys, 17 and over for girls): periodised and individual training programmes.
Using the map
- Find the stage that fits the player's current level, not only their age.
- Choose one emphasis from the technical and one from the physical column.
- Keep the sessions varied and fun for younger players.
- Re-check every few months; players change quickly.
Common mistakes and fixes
- Adult programmes for children. Heavier training is later, not earlier.
- Specialising too narrowly too soon. Keep variety in the movements.
- Comparing players of the same age. Maturing times differ.
Simple practice
- For a young player you know, write the stage and the three emphases that match it.
- Plan one session that uses only those emphases and a game at the end.
Limits
This is a general outline, not a programme. Children and young people need adult supervision and attention to their health; for any concern, ask a doctor or a physiotherapist.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.