This stage is pivotal for skaters with high-performance potential, as it's a critical period for developing speed, strength, and stamina. The beginning of the growth spurt, typically occurring between ages 12-16 for males and 11-15 for females, marks the start of this stage and carries significant implications for training programs. Adolescence brings about a major growth spurt, which happens about two years earlier in girls compared to boys. Additionally, there's considerable variation in when this growth spurt begins among children of the same sex. Some girls may start their adolescent growth as early as 8 or 9 years, while some boys may not begin until they are 14 or older.

This variation is crucial for several reasons:

• Early maturing boys may have an initial competitive edge in this stage due to their greater height, weight, and strength compared to later-maturing peers. However, as peers catch up, these early developers may face challenges if they had relied too much on their physical advantages and neglected skill development.
• Late maturing girls can have an advantage early in this stage as their slimmer build may facilitate quicker movements.
• It's essential to support both early maturing females and late maturing males throughout this stage to promote overall sports health and retain top talent in sports like skateboarding.

Adolescence is also a time of enhanced responsiveness to physical training, including:

• For both male and female skaters:
• • Whole body speed, including stopping, starting, and changing direction.
  • Stamina development.
• For female skaters:
• • Strength training, especially post-Peak Height Velocity (PHV).
  • Sensitivity to team dynamics is heightened, and it's crucial for coaches to foster an inclusive team environment.
  • Coaches should focus on promoting healthy eating habits instead of emphasizing body weight to prevent eating disorders.

In this stage of development, based on factors such as interest, available time, and commitment levels, skateboarders often decide whether they want to pursue skateboarding recreationally or competitively. Those who are interested in focusing on skateboarding should consider making it one of their top 2-3 activities, ideally complementing it with other favorite sports in alternating seasons (e.g., skateboarding in spring and summer, and other sports like snowboarding in late fall and winter).

Competitions should continue to emphasize skill development over wins and losses. skaters in the later part of the Train to Train stage might start moving towards a more focused path in skateboarding, aiming for excellence and potentially high-level achievements.

The majority of skateboarders beyond the age of 11 or 12 fall into the Skate for Life stage. This group is diverse in terms of skill, body types, and abilities. Their previous experience with skateboarding can vary widely.

The Skate for Life stage can be categorized into:

• Competitive for Life: This category is for those who enjoy competition but may not possess the skills, desire, or commitment for a high-performance trajectory. It includes skaters who have experienced skateboarding at a high level and now wish to continue at a less intense pace. Competitive for Life also accommodates those who primarily enjoy the competitive aspect of skateboarding at any level.
• Fit for Life: This group comprises individuals who skateboard for enjoyment, personal satisfaction, or health benefits. While competition may still be a part of their experience, the primary focus is on the health and social advantages of skateboarding. Many in the Fit for Life category may be new to skateboarding, making introductory sessions and a welcoming skateboarding community essential for attracting and retaining these participants.

• Adopt a comprehensive approach to develop skateboarders, enhancing their technical, tactical, physical, mental, and life skills. This holistic development ensures skaters can translate practice learnings into competitive scenarios.
• Tailor training programs to elevate performance capacity, focusing on the 5 S’s (Stamina, Strength, Speed, Skills, and Suppleness), which are aligned with each skateboarder's stage in the adolescent growth process. The timing of training focus may vary based on whether skaters are early, average, or late maturers.
• Implement single or double periodization plans for effective management of the annual skateboarding schedule.
• Prioritize flexibility training due to rapid growth in bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
• Address sensitive periods for accelerated adaptation to strength training:
• • For boys, this begins 12 to 18 months after Peak Height Velocity (PHV).
  • For girls, it starts with either menarche or the onset of Peak Weight Velocity (PWV).
  • Formal weight training under qualified supervision is recommended for strength development.
• Develop aerobic capacity before PHV and aerobic power after PHV.
• Enhance speed through activities focusing on agility, quickness, and changing direction, particularly during warm-ups.
• Ensure alignment with the SkateboarderDevelopment Matrix for skill requirements:
• refine fundamental skateboarding skills & consolidate basic tricks and tactics, and introduce advanced skills and tactics.
• Employ varied training methods to assess technical, tactical, physical, and mental competencies, aiding good decision-making during competition.
• Include competitive scenarios through practice competitions, games, and drills.
• Train skaters in consistent competitive situations with drills, challenges, and games.
• Develop mental skills for peak performance under pressure.
• Utilize competition primarily for strategic and tactical development, keeping the focus on learning and development over outcomes (wins and losses).
• Adjust the balance to 60% training (including pre-season) and 40% competition (including competition-specific training).
• • Excessive competition can impede skill development, while insufficient competition may limit the practical application of techniques and decision-making skills.
• Prepare skaters for building momentum throughout the year to induce peak performance at key competitions of importance throughout the year.