ABSTRACT
Regular training of children and adolescents is becoming more common in sport. Competitive sports are furthermore encouraged with ever-increasing intensity at ever-decreasing ages (Fig. 23.1). In certain sports, such as figure skating, swimming and gymnastics, children start regular training when they are 5-6 years old. Even in contact sports, such as football/soccer, ice hockey, bandy and handball, training and competition are beginning at earlier ages. In certain sports training for 2-4 hours, 5 or 6 days a week, is not unusual.
