Why Monitor?

• Training is a process– Can we better understand this

process?– Can we better direct this process?

• Coaching is a tremendous responsibility

Ideally, there is very close interplay between the planning process and its subsequent execution1.

The quantification of training is a necessary step in understanding training outcomes.

This requires detailed planning as well periodic performance testing as well as daily monitoring

A monitoring system provides feedback affording the ability to make proper training adjustments2.

1. Olbrecht, 2000 2. Medvedyev, 1986

When Should We Measure Performance Related Variables?

Bannister and Wenger (1982) suggest that athlete testing should be implemented “regardless of the immediacy of a real competition.”

Attempting to be Comprehensive

Dictionary definition of comprehensive - covering completely or broadly; inclusive

Is it possible to be comprehensive?

What Should We Monitor?

• A lot of considerations– Time– Money– Experience / knowledge– Help

The Training Prescription

May be the most important thing you do as a coach

What guides your prescription?What do you expect to

happen?Randomness is not a good

thing

Long-Term Phase PotentiationImplemented correctly, phases of training facilitate each other resulting in further development of specific neuromuscular characteristics that lead to improved performance

The physiological adaptations developed in one phase of training serve as a basis for further adaptation in subsequent phases of training

Obviates problems with “mixed training”

Allows one to direct adaptations in a purposeful and meaningful manner

THE BASICS – ANTHROPOMETRICS AND TRAINING

Anthropometrics, Volume Load, Training Intensity

The Basics

Anthropometrics• Height• Body Mass• Body Fat %• Lean Body Mass• Hydration Status• Limb Lengths

Training Variables• Volume Load/Workloads• Training Intensity• Weightlifting Totals• RM Values

A Monitoring Example

*Note: Three of the four subjects were national level

*Note: RT Age = resistance training age (years of general weight training). WL Age = weightlifting age (years training / competing specifically as a weightlifter)

Kg-m B2 - Taper

Underlying mechanisms

Underlying mechanisms

Underlying mechanisms

Underlying mechanisms

Underlying mechanisms

Underlying mechanisms

WL measures

Most Important WL

measuresWL

measuresImportant WL

measures

PERFORMANCE – FORCE AND POWER

1RMs, Iso Mid-Thigh Pull, Static Vertical Jump, Countermovement Jump

Performance Testing

Max Strength and Force• 1RM• Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull

– Peak Force– Instantaneous Force @ 50 ms,

90 ms, & 250 ms– Rate of Force Development– PF Normalized to BM– PF Allometrically Scaled

Power• Static and

Countermovement Vertical Jump– Height– Peak Velocity– Peak Power– Net Impulse– Force @ PP– Velocity @ PP

While RFD derived from the IMTP may be a useful monitoring metric, not all coaches have access to a force plate

A jump mat which provides rapid feedback for jump height is much cheaper and requires less technical abilities. Based on the loads used for the static jumps it appears that 20kg produces a better picture of the accumulated fatigue compared to 11kg and 0kg

Practical Considerations: Monitoring

Self-Report & Questionnaires

• Common questionnaires include REST-Q 52 & 76, POMS and TQR.

• Some are quite lengthy.• More important to ask questions that are

simple, relevant, and can be easily implemented/analyzed