Key Takeaways
- A needs analysis evaluates the sport's movement patterns, energy systems, injury sites, and athlete's training history.
- Sport analysis identifies dominant energy systems (ATP-PC for power, glycolytic for intermediate, oxidative for endurance).
- Movement analysis determines primary joint actions, muscle groups, and contraction types (concentric, eccentric, isometric).
- Training history assessment includes previous exercise experience, injuries, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Needs Analysis and Training Goals
Quick Answer: A needs analysis is a systematic evaluation of the sport's physiological and biomechanical demands combined with an assessment of the athlete's current abilities. It determines what muscles, movements, and energy systems to train and establishes specific, measurable goals.
What is a Needs Analysis?
A needs analysis is the first step in program design. It answers two fundamental questions:
- What does the sport require? (Sport/Activity Analysis)
- What does the athlete need? (Athlete Assessment)
Components of a Needs Analysis
1. Sport/Activity Analysis
| Analysis Type | What to Evaluate | Example (Football) |
|---|---|---|
| Movement Patterns | Primary joint actions, planes of motion | Sprinting, cutting, jumping, pushing |
| Muscle Groups | Dominant muscles used | Quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, core |
| Contraction Types | Concentric, eccentric, isometric | All three during tackling and blocking |
| Common Injury Sites | Areas prone to injury | ACL, hamstrings, shoulders |
2. Energy System Analysis
Understanding which energy system dominates helps prescribe appropriate work:rest ratios and conditioning.
| Energy System | Duration | Primary Fuel | Sport Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphagen (ATP-PC) | 0-30 seconds | Creatine phosphate | Powerlifting, shot put, 40-yard dash |
| Glycolytic (Fast) | 30 sec - 2 min | Glucose/glycogen | 400m sprint, wrestling, basketball plays |
| Oxidative (Aerobic) | >2 minutes | Fats, carbohydrates | Marathon, soccer, distance cycling |
3. Biomechanical Analysis
| Factor | Assessment Method | Program Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Movement Velocity | Video analysis, timing | Power vs. strength emphasis |
| Force Requirements | Force plate, estimation | Load prescription |
| Range of Motion | Flexibility testing | Exercise selection |
| Movement Complexity | Skill analysis | Technical progression |
Athlete Assessment
Training History Evaluation
| Assessment Area | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Training Experience | Years of training? Resistance training background? |
| Previous Injuries | Current/past injuries? Surgery history? |
| Training Status | Trained, moderately trained, or untrained? |
| Sport Background | Playing experience? Competition level? |
| Testing Results | 1RM values? Speed times? Power output? |
Training Status Categories
| Status | Description | Program Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Untrained | No regular training | Linear progression, fundamental movements |
| Trained | 1-3 years consistent training | Moderate periodization, increased variety |
| Highly Trained | 3+ years, competitive | Complex periodization, advanced techniques |
| Elite | Professional/Olympic level | Individualized, frequent variation |
Setting Training Goals
SMART Goal Framework
| Component | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Specific | Clear, defined target | Increase squat 1RM |
| Measurable | Quantifiable outcome | By 25 pounds |
| Achievable | Realistic and attainable | Based on current progress |
| Relevant | Aligned with sport/athlete needs | Improves sprint acceleration |
| Time-bound | Has a deadline | Within 12 weeks |
Goal Categories
| Goal Type | Examples | Training Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Increase 1RM | Heavy loads, low reps |
| Power | Improve vertical jump | Explosive movements |
| Hypertrophy | Increase muscle mass | Moderate loads, higher volume |
| Endurance | Improve VO2max | Aerobic conditioning |
| Speed | Decrease 40-yard time | Sprint training, power development |
Practical Application: Football Player Example
| Analysis Component | Assessment | Training Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Sport movement | Sprinting, blocking, tackling | Hip hinge, push/pull exercises |
| Dominant energy system | Phosphagen (short plays) | High-intensity intervals |
| Common injuries | Knee, shoulder, hamstring | Posterior chain emphasis, stability work |
| Athlete status | 2 years training, intermediate | Undulating periodization |
| Primary goal | Increase power output | Olympic lifts, plyometrics |
A strength and conditioning coach is designing a program for a 100m sprinter. Which energy system should be the primary focus of their conditioning program?
During a needs analysis, a coach notes that basketball involves frequent jumping, lateral cutting, and short sprints with brief recovery periods. Which energy system(s) should be emphasized in conditioning?
Which of the following is NOT a component of the SMART goal framework?