January | 2015 | Worthing College Sport and Exercise Science

Cameron McIvor

Unit 27 task 1

Understanding the role and function of performance profiling in sport

1) Building relationships- between the performer and his coach and/or teammates in a team sport, is very important to the development of the performer, a strong team cohesion and relationship with the coach and teammates will allow the performer to feel comfortable and focused when with other people. Group cohesion will bring people closer together by focusing them on common goals that alone would be hard to achieve, however together by forming, cooperating and pushing each other to succeed, can become a realistic target for the future.

2) Promoting opportunities- and encouraging the performer to push them so that they can achieve these opportunity’s is a must for the development and progression as a basketball player. This should be mainly the coaches but also the performer’s teammate’s job, by them seeing opportunities and alerting the performer to them will give the performer a chance to view the opportunity and then pursue it if they feel that it’s a realistic and smart goal to push for. Open opportunities for the performer could lead to a significant increase in there game knowledge and development of skills, enough training within the taken opportunity can allow the performer to make enough progress to advance in performance level to reach a higher standard within the game of basketball.

3) Developing awareness- of an athlete’s current performance level, current opportunity’s, future targets and competitive important games in regular and playoff session. The main aim of developing awareness is so that an athlete understands their personal and team situation, knowing what progress and position they are in will allow easier target setting on a personal and team level for the future. Awareness is also needed in sport profiling when identifying an appropriate intervention to take when seeing weak areas in the athlete’s game. Motivation and dedication would both be needed when sticking to a training program, created to develop the weakest factors that are holding back the athlete.

4) Defining goals-is very important for a coach to do with an athlete, SMART targets are created from weak discrepancy’s and then agreed upon by the coach and athlete. Defining goals gives the athlete something to push towards, and allows the coach to set up and plan different training routines based around improving the targets that were set.

5) Importance of communication-from coach to athlete while performance profiling in sport is vital! Communication is needed between the coach and athlete when deciding targets for a training program. Communication would also be needed to monitor and discuss changes and rate of improvement over time; this should happen every four weeks, (dependent on how long the training plan is setup for). Communication is needed from the coach when motivating the athlete to dedicate them self to the training program.

6) Medical check-ups- should be done make sure the athlete is in a healthy condition to exercise for long periods of time. This should be done before performance profiling begins, time off in-between training sessions is also needed, to make sure that an athlete is not being overworked and at risk of injury because of it. Monitoring fitness levels and general wellbeing of the athlete is also needed from the coach when watching them participate in exercises.

7) Testing for weaknesses-should be done near the beginning of performance profiling, this is to find out what the main weaknesses are that the athlete needs to make improvement upon. Testing is used to narrow down all the athletes’ basketball skills and abilities to a select few. These discrepancies will then be picked because they came up with the worst results after all tests had been run. Appropriate intervention such as a training program would then be created to develop the athlete’s chosen discrepancies.

Understanding the role and function of performance profiling in sport

1) Quantify perception of the coach-You need to quantify the perception of the coach when dealing with younger age groups which can be bellow the age of 18, parents could have a higher opinion about their child’s ability and performance level in basketball. To quantify perceptions the coach will need to show and back up with evidence why they have made the correct decision in regard to the child’s ability level.

2) Quantify perception of the performer-will often be done between the coach and athlete. Its very important that the athlete feels they are able to talk about making improvements with the coach, looking into areas and methods that can be used to develop discrepancy’s, communication with their coach should make it easier than working alone, this will then increase the chance of improving in the weakest areas which will in turn improve the athletes whole sporting level to a higher standard.

3) Holistic approach to personal development and training- It’s a very good idea for the basketball coach to take a holistic approach when training an athlete during performance profiling. A holistic approach means the coach looks at the whole package of the athlete rather than just one or a few parts. Sometimes their will often be mental blocks or life related issues preventing the athlete from performing at a higher standard. This is why it’s vital for a coach and athlete to have a strong professional relationship, that’s based around trust and respect. This is so an athlete is able to look to the coach for help and guidance so they can then again fully concentrate and focus on basketball.

4) Improving sports performance- The coach should be monitoring training sessions and competitive games to see how the athlete is progressing, looking for discrepancy’s that are holding the athlete back from reaching a higher performance level in basketball. Improving sporting performance of an athlete requires a training routine, specifically designed to improve the weakest aspects of the athlete’s skill set. The training program would have agreed areas of improvement; the training program would then be followed out and monitored by the coach to see the benefits, if any. If the program isn’t making much improvement to the athlete’s discrepancies, the program should be revaluated and changed, so that more development can be seen from the athlete using the training plan. Improving discrepancy’s will build the athletes skill set up, pushing them closer to improving their overall sports performance level.

5) Reviewing sport performance and progress-Is vital to do as a coach for example, if an athlete is completing a training program that will last 8 weeks there would be many different point where progress and sport performance standard would be reviewed to see if any changes are needed to be made. Each week for all 8 weeks should be monitored and recorded down so that the coach has a set of data that will hopefully show steady progression over the full length of the training program. At the half way mark the whole program should be reviewed to see how the first half has gone, and if not what should be changed to see real improvement.

6) Understanding current level of performance –This has to be understood by the coach and athlete. This is because a performance profile based around an athlete needs to be specific to them. If an athlete is performing at an elite level they will require a more in detailed training plan with equipment that is more expensive and precise than a foundation level performer would need to have. The exercises and the intensity’s they are being run at in the training stages will also depend on the level of the sport performer.

7) Analysing end results of sport profiling- Is very important as it allows the coach to view how much progress has been made by the athlete since the start to end of performance profiling, being able to review the changes over time, seeing if all the hard work has paid off is crucial to the success of performance profiling on an athlete. If targets have been met then a steady progression showing rate of improvement will be shown by each weeks document that monitors progress, if targets haven’t been met look at the results to see what wasn’t working and why.

Traits for excellence

Physical fitness

1) Speed-is the distance travelled divided by the time it took to complete the run. Being a point guard this is as vital aspect of the game for Ryan to obtain. Strong acceleration and continuous speed throughout would be required for a full court press. after a point has been scored by the opponent or the ball have just been rebounded by a teammate, the ball would be passed to Ryan who, with teammates , would then run the fast break sprinting and weaving down the court, passing and changing direction at pace. The faster the play is preformed the higher the success rate will be on the end result.

2) Strength- is being able to carry out muscle straining work against resistance, what determines your strength is the maximal amount of force you can apply against a load. Ryan would need good muscular strength as a point guard; this is so he’s physically fit and able to use his strength to out muscle an opponent when jumping for a rebound. Strength will be needed in many aspects of competitive basketball so it’s of the up most importance for a point guard to stay physically fit and active.

3) Flexibility- is the ability of joints and muscles to move through their full range of motion without any constraints. How flexible a muscles or joints are will depend where they are situated thought the body. Ryan would need to be flexible as a point guard because he will need to make his way into small gaps in the defence at speed, being able to twist and turn round the defenders without them making contact with Ryan or the ball will require highly flexible and efficient working muscles and joints.

4) Aerobic fitness- is the endurance and ability of the body to maintain exercise, pushing the aerobic system to work for prolonged periods of time. When training oxygen is taken in to the body from the surrounding air, it’s then transferred from the lungs via the blood all around the body to major organs and working muscles. Ryan as a point guard would need to have a very good aerobic system because he will be running and controlling the tempo of basketball matches, for long time periods throughout a competitive game, having the stamina and endurance to play without fatiguing is vital for all point guards.

5) Muscular endurance- Muscular endurance is the ability to push and move your body repeatedly without fatiguing. Ryan, as a point guard, would defiantly be using muscular strength and endurance when playing in a competitive game of basketball. Muscular endurance for a point guard would be needed in their leg muscles when constantly running at high speeds and changing direction rapidly up and down the court throughout the game.

6) Body composition- within physical fitness body composition is used to describe the percentages of fat, bone, water and muscle in the human body. Muscular tissue takes up less space in the body than fat tissue does, so this means body composition, as well as general weight will determine your body’s leanness this is a very important factor for Ryan as a point guard, being aware of his body composition is key to staying aware and on top of his current fitness levels. As a point guard staying physically fit with a good body composition is important for Ryan to maintain, as it has many benefits on his sporting and daily life. More energy and muscle endurance will be available when playing basketball if the point guard has a good body composition, as well as a reduced risk of sustaining injury from body weight or blood pressure/general health related issues.

Skill related fitness

7) Power-is the ability to exert the maximum force available into the shortest time frame possible. Ryan as a point guard would defiantly need power when accelerating down the lane to make a layup past opponents, Ryan would then also be using power to jump upwards towards the basket, so he can try to curve the ball into the net.

8) Agility- the ability to change the position of the body quickly and with control. This helps team players dodge their opponents. As a point guard Ryan would use agility all the time throughout a game, for example when he’s dribbling into the key intent on making a layup, running fast yet having to weave and dodge past defenders who are trying to block his path.

9) Balance-the ability to keep yourself fixed in a static position above the base of support, this is static balance the alternative is dynamic balance, and this is where you’re able to stay balanced while being in motion over a time period. Ryan would use both forms of balancing in a basketball game when taking a jump shot, for example if he was outside the three point line at the top of the key, he would quickly position his legs where they are firmly planted and balanced in a fixed position, yet ready to pounce for a jump shot.

10) Co-ordination- coordination is the ability to move two or more of your body parts smoothly and efficiently, completely under control. Coordination would be needed for Ryan when he’s using crossover moves to trick, outwit and pass opponents, whilst fully undercool of footwork and ball handling. Point guards need to use coordination all the time as they are constantly handling the ball and competing against defenders.

11) Reaction time-reaction time is how fast the athlete is able to acknowledge the issue and begin to quickly react to solve it. For example Ryan is a point guard, he would be need to have a very fast reaction time to all situations in a game of basketball. Being a point guard means a lot of the ball handling will be done by Ryan in a game, having the reaction time to quickly make a pass into a tight position to a teammate, during a very short window of opportunity to be a successful pass.

Psychological

12) Concentration- is being able to stay focused and on task without becoming distracted. Concentration is vital to becoming more involved and attached to the game at hand, point guards will always need to be switched on and focused throughout the game so they are able to make the best decisions when running plays. Ryan could be in a situation where he needs to fully focus on the last closing seconds of the game just before an in bounce pass is about to be made into court. Thinking of what the most affective play is to run in the closing seconds would require full concentration.

13) Control of anxiety-Anxiety is an unpleasant emotion that can be experienced by basketball players, it’s usually linked to them worrying or concerned about competitive matches or discrepancies in their personal game. As a point guard anxiety wouldn’t be uncommon, this is because as a point guard’s large amounts of pressure are put on them. The point guard is in charge of distributing and moving the ball around court. Ryan could be effected by anxiety if his team makes the play offs; the added pressure and expectations from others around him could cause him great concern.

14) High motivation levels- high motivation in sport is when a person is fully focused and emotionally invested in the game, team, or competition that’s currently undergoing or continuously over a period of time. Being motivated commonly makes athletes put more time and effort into the chosen sport. Ryan would need to be very motivated to reach a high level of success in basketball, the drive to excel in every aspect of his game to develop into the best point guard he can be.

Technical

15) Jab step-is a basketball move designed to trick opponents, the move is done by facing of your direct defender trying to stop you passing him. Then fake one way very fast with one leg, keeping the other firmly planted. The defender will then go for the fake, moving the same direction, leaving a gap where he was before exposed. Ryan would need to be able to develop this skill move so that he’s able to take on and challenge opponents who stand in his way, using the jab steps to clear space for pass and shooting options.

16) Passing skills- passing is one of the main fundamentals in basketball and is incredibly important to have as a skill set, if you want to have a successful career in the sport. Passing can be done in a number of different ways, such as bounce pass, chest pass and long pass. Having team members who are good at distributing and sharing the basketball is key to a team’s progress and cohesion. Ryan would need to use passing skills on a fast break with teammates, looking for the best option to fit the situation, and then distributing the ball accurately to one of the teammates.

17) Dribbling-is done by an individual player when they are moving along the basketball court with a basketball, using hand eye coordination and dribbling skills to look up at others around them, whist changing speeds and dribbling the ball all simultaneously. Ryan would always be using dribbling moves as a point guard for example, if he was dribbling up court with his teammates, about to set up a play outside the opponent’s key.

Tactical

18) Remembering specific plays- is an issue that a lot of basketball players at foundation and participation level struggle with a bit more than more experienced players do. This is mainly because they haven’t had enough time to practice and memorize all the plays. As a point guard Ryan could have issues with this as he is only currently performing basketball at foundation level, this means he is more likely to have problems trying to remember plays during game situations.

19) Controlling the tempo of the game- is something all point guards need to be able to do, knowing what speed to move the ball around court to teammates, and also knowing when to run plays at different intensity to suit the current situation. This is all part of controlling the overall game tempo, making the opponent team run at the speeds the point guard sets for their own team. Ryan would want to work his upmost each time he plays to try and dominate the flow of the game by taking control of each situation as they come.

20) Knowing the game situation- is being able to quickly analyse the court at any point during the game within seconds, being able to see all options available so that making an informed decision on what the most beneficial option would be is possible. Ryan could be in a situation where time is running out and he needs to make a pass or shot before the buzzer goes. He would need to be fully aware and focused on the game situation before he makes his quick decision.

Worthing College Sport and Exercise Science

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