Testing Your Athletes: Why, What, and When?Part I - Why

Testing your athletes regularly is not just a routine; it's the cornerstone of success in the world of sports. But why is it so crucial? Let's explore the compelling reasons that make testing an indispensable tool in every coach's arsenal.

Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: Athletes are like multifaceted gems. They shine in some areas and need a little more polishing in others. Testing uncovers these hidden facets. For instance, it might reveal that an athlete possesses lightning speed but struggles with endurance. This insight paves the way for tailored training programs. Coaches can craft workouts that accentuate strengths and tackle weaknesses, molding athletes into well-rounded competitors.

Goal Setting: Testing lays the foundation for setting ambitious yet achievable performance goals. Athletes can aspire to lift heavier weights, sprint faster, swim with more grace, or conquer specific fitness benchmarks. These clear, measurable objectives fuel motivation throughout training. As they work toward these milestones, athletes can track their journey, igniting their competitive spirit.

Data-Driven Training Optimization: Testing is a goldmine of data, the raw material for optimizing training plans. If an athlete's strength test results plateau, it's a cue to pivot the training routine, introducing fresh exercises or techniques. Furthermore, it helps fine-tune training intensity, volume, and frequency, ensuring efficient workouts while avoiding overtraining or undertraining. In essence, it's the GPS guiding athletes to their peak performance.

Assessment of Training Effectiveness: Over time, athletes and coaches can assess the effectiveness of their training programs by comparing test results at different stages. Positive changes in scores validate their methods, while plateaus or declines signal the need for program adjustments. This ongoing assessment ensures athletes make strides toward their goals and stay on the right path.

Early Talent Identification: The journey to greatness often starts early. Regular testing of youth athletes unveils exceptional talents in their infancy. The importance of this approach is already well accepted in NO.1 PRO basketball League in the world i.e., NBA, that is using NBA draft combine testing for this purpose. Scouts and coaches keep an eagle eye out for budding traits like blinding speed, impeccable agility, Herculean strength, or mesmerizing coordination. These talents are like rough diamonds waiting to be cut and polished. Objective testing eliminates bias, allowing scouts and coaches to make data-backed decisions. It ensures that athletes with genuine potential are never overlooked, a game-changer in nurturing the stars of tomorrow.

In Part II, we'll delve into the specific tests that help us measure various aspects of physical performance, providing a roadmap to athletic excellence. Stay tuned for the exciting journey ahead!

Author: Assist. Prof. Armin Paravlić, PhD