The physical characteristics that determine sport performance are constantly changing during the growing years of childhood and adolescence. Knowing something about normal growth will tell us much about what kind of athletic activity is appropriate for different ages. As boys and girls move through the exciting stages of growing up in sports, some appreciation of the ever-changing body can make the experience the satisfying one it should be.

The Young Athlete's Body: Physical Development. (Reprinted and adapted with permission from Parents' Complete Guide to Youth Sports.

For additional information on the Growth and Development of young athletes, consult the Successful Sport Parenting CD.