Rowing has long been established as an Olympic sport with a high degree of both technical and physical requirements. Adolescent schoolboy rowing is no different and involves a complex approach to physical preparation that takes into account the academic year and educational demands. The article details the physical conditioning pathway taken at Prince Alfred College in regard to long term athletic development of adolescent male rowers between 11 and 17 years of age. An evidence based, three-stage physical conditioning pathway (physical foundation, athletic development and athletic performance) was successfully established. The pathway highlighted age appropriate physical conditioning to primarily develop exercise literacy and functional movement. These three stages, categorised by age and proficiency, allowed for the safe and effective application of physical conditioning across a broad range of differing physical capacities. These three stages focusing upon male rowers between 11 and 17 years, allowed a long-term approach to be adapted in regard to complexity, volume and intensity of physical conditioning. The three-stage pathway was intergraded into the academic year. This allowed for dedicated training phases to be periodized into blocks through the year to aid adherence and consistency. Qualified supervision and a safe structured training environment further reduced risk of injury and utilise college facilities. The article recommends the introduction of a physical conditioning pathway supported by available evidence that is age and proficiency appropriate. Physical conditioning of adolescent male rowers should adopt a long-term athletic approach with a primary focus on exercise literacy and functional movement before strength and endurance performance characteristics.
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