Note:
Michelle has a sports psychology Q and A on the Runner's Web. Submit your questions to Michelle at: SportsMindedMC@aol.com and we will post her answers on the Runner's Web.
By Michelle Cleere, Sport & Exercise Psychology Consultant
Performance profiling has many benefits and is useful for assessing physical and technical skills as well as psychological factors. Evaluating strengths and weaknesses is a valuable process that can help in the planning of training régimes and the identification of long-term goals as a focus for self-improvement.
Why now? Since performance profiling is much like goal setting now that you are probably half way through triathlon season it’s probably a good time to re-evaluate where you are at to help you get through the rest of the season.
Steps for performance profiling (Appendix A)
1) On the left side of a sheet of paper, list the top 10 skills you need to succeed in triathlon. Examples: motivation, skill in __, being positive, focus, confidence, etc.
2) On the top of your piece of paper write the numbers 1 through 10. 1 being not at all and 10 being very much.
3) On each of your 10 necessary skills rate where you are at right now.
4) Now figure out where you want/need for success in triathlon.
5) Make a list for each of your skills on how you get from where you are today to where you want/need to be for success.
6) Now you can begin to work on getting from point A to point B on the skills that are absolutely necessary for your success in triathlon.
Goals for performance profiling
1) To aid in identifying an appropriate intervention
2) To maximise the performer’s motivation and adherence to the program
3) To monitor any changes over time
4) Highlighting perceived strengths and weaknesses
5) Clarifying the athlete’s (and coach’s) vision of the key determinants of performance and highlighting any differences
6) Establishing areas where the athlete might resist change (as demonstrated by the perceived low importance of one or more constructs)
Summary
Performance profiling appears to be a tool that is particularly useful for aiding the design of specific mental, physical and technical training programs.
The central involvement of the athlete in the process is a key strength that may boost motivation and promote adherence to any intervention strategies devised. It may also facilitate the coach-athlete relationship by promoting dialogue and addressing any perceived discrepancies.
(Appendix A: example of performance profiling in tennis using assessments from the coach and athlete)
Michelle is owner of Sports Minded, a Sports Psychology Consulting practice. She works with individuals and groups on performance enhancement. Michelle is an NASM-certified personal trainer and a USAT-certified triathlon coach. E-mail questions and comments to her at SportsMindedMC@aol.com or check out her web site at MentalStrength.com.
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