Posted by: Doug () on Tue Oct 7 08:15:09 2003

I certainly won't speak for Tom however the notion of "learning being done" at around age 12 is absolutely correct in the concept of a "ceiling of ability". Meaning a child of 12 who has failed to "learn" the neurology and burn the pathways REQUIRED to perform at the highest of genetic levels will NEVER burn those pathways. This does not mean that great improvement and learning cannot occur post 12 it simply means the ceiling on that improvement has dropped considerably.
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> An example would be take a remarkable athlete like Michael Jordan. Even at the elite level of the NBA very very very few NBA players could even entertain being able to play even single a baseball and hit better than a buck. Jordan and those like him demonstrate A. this neurologic process happened well during the pre 12 years. B. Tons of improvement can occur post 12 considering he was neither an exceptional baseball nor basketball player at even 16 and 17 years ole. With the appropriate instruction and training he was able to reach the so called "genetic ceiling" long after the neurologic development was completed. Without that early "programming" you wouldn't know of Michael Jordan.
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> I am another good example. At 34 I am a far far far better hitter, runner, fielder than I was in my so called prime of 18-22. Why? Far better training and instruction in years since. Lots of learning can occur post 12 but little neurologic expansion will occur, hence the chances of me improving to a Major or even minor league level is somewhere near nil.
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> So the bottom line is the neurology formed pre 12(I'd say 12 is somewhat generous)absolutely dictates the top end of a players future abilities and cannot be altered in anyway. What happens post 12 via training and instruction will absolutely determine if he/she even comes close to that ceiling. The post 12 period is all about effort and training.

Doc, Effort and proper training is a key ingredient to success in any sport at any age.

Doug