ABSTRACT
The period of pre-adolescence is the most formative period in the developmental progression. It is a time when substantial changes occur in body segments and body composition, and in motor skill development. During early adolescence, a rapid growth spurt occurs for many athletes, especially for females. The growth spurt window is a time when the athlete's motor development and coordination is taxed, leading to awkwardness and lack of coordination. Depending upon the rate of maturation, middle adolescence can be a period of reduced physical growth compared to the previous stages. As young skaters progress through the stages of growth and development, various physiological capacities will develop. Four primary capacities – aerobic endurance, anaerobic capacity, muscular strength, and flexibility – are critical in the sport of figure skating. Fundamental motor skills are essential for sport and physical activity. The fundamental motor skills include throwing, catching, jumping, striking, running, kicking, and agility, balance and coordination.
