Bowls, Jharkhand Bowling Association, Ranchi

LTDP Model

Long-Term Development Programme (LTDP) framework is a system to develop physical literacy (fundamental movement skills necessary for Lawn Bowls), physical fitness and competitive ability throughout the country, using a stage-by-stage approach for individuals participating in sport for health, fitness and fun as well as for high performance.

The basic structure of our proposed LTDP with a long- term programmes dividing Bowlers into mainly three categories i.e.

The State Competitor

The typical State competitor has an 8-month season with the focus on skill development to enjoy the game and to competently participate in State events as a way to enjoy the full range of social and competitive aspect of bowls.

The National Competitor

The National competitor is focused on competing National and at Inter State championships. The training plan targets one key event around which all training is focused. The training period is now extended from eight to 10 months.

LTDP Model
General Preparation Specific Preparation Pre-Competition Competition Transition
January-February March- April May June -October November - December
General fitness, Indoor bowls, general skills Maintain fitness, bowls strategy, specific bowling skills Maintain fitness, practice events, game strategy International-National & Inter State championships Other fitness activities and fun bowls events

The International Competitor

International competitors train year-round and design their yearly and multi-year training schedule based on key international events. A player of the JHARKHAND’s High Performance Team would follow a detailed plan focusing on the World Championships, World Cup, Commonwealth Games, Junior World Cup, Asia Pacific Championships, Asian Championships, Australian Open Championships, US Open Championships, SAF Championships etc. Athlete preparation requires detailed physical, technical, tactical and psychological preparation to ensure podium performances are by design, not by chance.

Competition at all levels tends to be the focal point for the sport. Everyone enjoys a game and it is well-recognized that competition provides a focal point for the athlete’s training. In sport, too much competition can undermine some of the training objectives and hamper the overall development of the athlete. For bowls, the season is often short and athletes are faced with a compacted competition calendar. At each stage of development, there is an optimal ratio of tournaments to practices. The competition structure -(timing in the season and events)- must match the objectives outlined for optimal athlete development. The system of competition makes or breaks athletes!

Optimal competition calendar planning at all stages is critical to athlete development. At certain stages, developing technical skills takes precedence over competition. At later stages, the ability to compete well becomes the focus. In many cases, bowls athletes are focused on winning a game and specific practice for skill development is lower on the priority list. If athletes are constantly playing to win, there is little time to practice technical or tactical skills. The challenge is to protect the traditions of the sport but not at the expense of the development of the athlete. Bowling Federation of India will undertake a competition review to further analyze optimal competition planning and structure.

LTDP provides an opportunity for JHARKHAND BOWLING ASSOCIATION to examine the whole picture to ensure that our programs are consistent with the outlined stage-by-stage objective for the development of the athlete. LTDP has a strong impact on the athletes coaching education curriculum. Developmental readiness will replace ad hoc decision making about programming preparation. It will include how to prepare a yearly plan, and how to teach identified skills based on the LTDP model.

Optimal competition calendar planning at all stages is critical to athlete development. At certain stages, developing technical skills takes precedence over competition. At later stages, the ability to compete well becomes the focus. In many cases, bowls athletes are focused on winning a game and specific practice for skill development is lower on the priority list. If athletes are constantly playing to win, there is little time to practice technical or tactical skills. The challenge is to protect the traditions of the sport but not at the expense of the development of the athlete. Bowling Federation of India will undertake a competition review to further analyze optimal competition planning and structure.

LTDP is a long-term initiative with an ongoing evaluation process, designed to be flexible and constantly evolving to adapt to changes in the sport and athlete development science. Continuous improvement ensures the framework remains relevant and effective for all stakeholders involved.

LTDP places a high priority on grassroots and junior programs. The early stages of an athlete's development are crucial. Proper guidance, coaching, and structured play help foster lifelong engagement and excellence in the sport.

Sportsmanship is a key element in the LTDP philosophy. Athletes learn respect, humility, and integrity from an early age. This not only improves the competitive environment but also helps in building strong personal values that athletes carry throughout their lives.

Technical development involves the correct teaching and progression of fundamental skills. LTDP guides coaches and athletes through age-appropriate drills and techniques that lay the foundation for high performance in later stages.