The document discusses overtraining in athletes, which occurs when there are excessive training demands that decrease performance and mental health. Overtraining is usually caused by a lack of recovery time between training sessions and competitions. It can lead to both physical and mental symptoms in athletes. Physically, overtraining causes decreased abilities, increased fatigue, and injuries. Mentally, it results in disrupted sleep, irritability, lack of motivation and concentration issues. The document recommends allowing for adequate recovery between training sessions, ensuring training is varied, limiting the intensity and volume of increases in training, and being aware of overtraining symptoms to prevent injuries and burnout in young athletes.

2. Definition:
Overtraining is a condition experienced by
athletes in most competitive sporting
environments that leads to a decrease in
performance or attitude.
Overtraining is usually brought on by excessive
training demands and effects the individuals
physical, mental and behavioural health.
When applied to children can produce long
lasting adverse physical implications.

3.  Lack of sufficient recovery time
 High stress levels and anxiety
 Overlapping sporting seasons
(summer/winter)
 Rapid increase in training intensity or volume
 Pressure to perform
 Heavy training schedule

4. Most of the symptoms experienced are either
physical or mental.
Physical:
 Decreased physical abilities
 Slower times
 Increased fatigue during training
 Muscle and joint soreness
 Changes in body weight/composition
 Decreased immunity

5. http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/fatigue.html

6. Mental/ behavioural symptoms:
 Disrupted sleeping patterns
 Increased irritability
 Trouble concentrating
 Lack of motivation
 Fear of training or competition
 Disinterest in the sport
 Lack of concentration
Behavioural symptoms more noticeable in
children then adults.

7. Common overtraining/Overuse injuries in
children:
 Tendonitis
 Growth plate injuries
 Stress factures
 spondylolysis (stress fracture of the spine)

8.  Sudden increase in training intensity and
volume
 Insufficient recovery and rest periods
 Monotonous and repetitive training
approaches
 Overloaded training schedule
 High stress and anxiety levels as a result of
training/competition pressure

9.  Increase volume or intensity by 10% at a time
 Allow 2-3 days rest and recovery each week
 Ensure only 1 sport/competition is played in
one season (6 month period)
 Decrease training if signs or symptoms are
present

10.  Ensure training is always different to prevent
monotonous training and over use injuries.
 Be aware and knowledgeable of the signs and
symptoms.
 Know the limits and personalities of you
athletes.
 Avoid stress by placing emphasis on fun
rather then winning

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