Why You Should Perform a Needs Analysis for Your Athletes This Season
We all know that athletes are a diverse bunch, each with their unique set of skills and challenges. To help them shine, we need to take a closer look at what makes them tick. That's where a needs analysis comes in – it's like the secret sauce to crafting the perfect training plan. In this article, let's dive into the world of needs analysis and discover how you can use it to create a training program that's tailor-made for your athletes.
Understanding the Needs Analysis
A needs analysis may sound like a fancy term, but it's basically a deep dive into your athlete's strengths, weaknesses, and dreams. By doing this detective work, you can get the lowdown on what areas they need to work on and whip up a training plan that's just right.
Step 1: Set Clear Goals
Before we start, let's get on the same page about your athlete's goals. Do they want to break records, make it to nationals, or just get better at their favorite event?
Understanding these goals will help us figure out where we need to get to and the qualities our athletes will need to develop to make it happen.
Step 2: Test Athletic Performance
Now comes the fun part – evaluating how your athlete performs. We're talking about things like:
Timing and distances: Keep track of their best times, jumps, and throws.
Video Playback: Record and playbock video footage to check their technique and where they need to improve to perform the desired technical model.
Physical Capacity: Run tests to see check their physical capacity, including strength, strength endurance, range of motion/flexibility, and aerobic capacity.
Old wounds: Find out if they've had any past injuries or issues that could be lurking in the background.
A list of common tests is included at the end of this article to help you get started thinking about what kind of things you will test.
Step 3: Event-Specific Analysis
Not all track and field events are the same, right? Different events require different skill and capacities. For example:
Sprinters and jumpers need speed, power, and an efficient technique to take advantage of it.
Distance runners crave endurance, pacing, and mental toughness.
Throwers need the strength and power to launch.
While there are some common tests that are appropriate for all athletes, give some thought to event-specific tests that you can use with your athletes.
Step 4: Spotting Strengths and Weaknesses
With all that info in hand, it's time to play detective. What are your athlete's strong suits, and where do they need a bit of attention?
Strengths: High-five for their awesome skills.
Weaknesses: Spill the beans on the areas that need some work.
Limits: Keep an eye out for any physical or mental barriers they might be facing.
Step 5: Prioritize the Game Plan
Now that you've got the scoop, it's time to plan your attack. Focus on the training that'll make the biggest difference, ASAP.
For example, if your tests how that a sprinter in your squad is squatting well below what you’d expect for an equivalent athlete, consider a training block dedicated to building strength in their glutes.
Step 6: Create a Personalized Training Plan
With your priorities in order, it's time to build a plan that's as unique as your athlete. This plan should have all the workouts, drills, and tricks that'll fix those weak spots and crank up the strengths.
Step 7: Keep an Eye on Progress
A needs analysis isn't a one-and-done deal. As your athlete grows and changes, so should your plan. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions are the secret sauce to making sure everything's on track.
Example Tests
The following list is by no means exhaustive, but should give you an idea of some of the most popular analyses used by Track and Field coaches. Note that just because they’re popular doesn’t mean they’re worthwhile! It’s up to you as the coach to think about what are the physical qualities that you think are important for your athletes and use relevant tests to check how they measure up.
Click on the name of the test for a full explanation of how it is performed, what it tests, and how it is scored.
10-Meter Acceleration Test: Performed from a standing start, used to test acceleration ability.
Flying 30-Metre Test: Used to test for maximum velocity sprinting speed.
Vertical Jump: Used to evaluate lower body power.
Squat Test: Used to evaluate leg strength.
Elastic Leg Strength Test: Used to evaluate elastic leg strength.
Sit and Reach Test: Used to evaluate hip and lower back flexibility.
Sport Competition Anxiety Test: Used to evaluate how an athlete feels in a competition scenario.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, the not-so-secret recipe for a top-notch athletics training plan. By digging into your athlete's goals, skills, and areas that need improvement, you'll be able to cook up a plan that'll boost their performance and keep them motivated.
Remember, this is an ongoing journey. Keep adapting and tweaking that plan as your athlete grows, and you'll be on your way to track and field success!