What should a long-term player development plan include?

A long-term player development plan should include a written statement of goals and purpose because this serves as the foundational element that guides all aspects of the player's development. By defining clear goals and articulating the purpose behind the development plan, it establishes direction and focus. This statement helps in identifying what the player aims to achieve over time, whether it be skill acquisition, performance improvement, or overall enjoyment of the game. It acts as a motivational tool, providing clarity and reinforcing commitment to the development process.

While instructional materials, lesson schedules, and inventory of skills all play important roles in a comprehensive development plan, they are more tactical in nature. The goals and purpose statement underpins those tactics, ensuring that every instructional material used, every lesson scheduled, and every skill assessed is aligned with the player's overarching aspirations. Thus, including a written statement of goals and purpose is essential for creating a coherent and effective player development strategy.