CASE STUDY REPORT: NEEDS ANALYSIS AND PERIODISATION
TASK DISCRIPTION
The purpose of this assessment task is to evaluate your ability to (1) research and understand the requirements of a particular sport / playing position / event / athlete by conducting a detailed needs analysis, (2) present, analyse and interpret relevant performance testing results, (3) create and justify an annual periodised training plan to address the needs analysis and testing results and (4) prescribe two microcycles that form part of the annual periodised training plan. This task is highly representative of what is required when working in a high performance sport setting.
ASSESSMENT SECTIONS ?
SECTION 1: Needs analysis
You are to conduct a detailed needs analysis by completing the following: (1) evaluation of the sport and (2) assessment of the athlete. Consult the relevant literature and / or other high quality sources and report your findings in paragraph form.
SECTION 2: Presentation, analysis and interpretation of testing results
Present performance testing data that are relevant and meaningful in relation to the previously conducted needs analysis (Section 1). The results then need to be analysed in comparison to the appropriate National standards in order to (1) clearly articulate how your athlete(s) compare(s) to these standards and (2) identify areas needing improvement.
SECTION 3: Annual periodised training plan
Using the template provided, you are to construct an annual periodised training plan. The outcomes from Sections 1 and 2 will lead to the identification and justification of the training goals for your annual periodised plan, the prioritisation of these goals over the season and the timing and choice of tests for re-assessment in order to evaluate the achievement of these goals.
SECTION 4: One pre-season microcycle and one in-season microcycle
Using the templates provided, you are to prescribe the specific session details (i.e. the acute training variables) of one pre-season microcycle (7 days) and one in-season microcycle (7 days) with sufficient detail to allow the athlete(s) to complete the session without further explanation (assume athletes are experienced and familiar with exercise techniques). You should note exactly which week of the mesocycle each microcycle is aligned with.
CASE STUDY: SWIMMING
Athlete profile:
Matt is a 23 year old elite swimmer, standing 194 cm tall and weighing 86 kg. Matt competes in the 200 m backstroke and has been a part of the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) scholarship program for five years. Matt represented Australia at his first Olympic Games in London in 2012 where he finished 15th. The following year, Matt won his first open national title to qualify for the World Championships where he managed a top ten finish. With his major goal of Olympic selection for the 2016 games, Matt is eager to prepare optimally for key selection races in 2015. Matt’s second transition (off-season) generally runs from December until January with the Victorian Open Championships being the lowest priority meet for him in any calendar year. In 2015, the Australian Swimming Championships will be a selection meet for the World Swimming Championships in July / August which Matt and his coach have placed large priority on. The World Cup meets will give Matt a chance to keep a regular race schedule with the goal of producing consistent performances of a high standard, as well as familiarising his body to the rigours of international travel. In the past, Matt has struggled with his recovery and race preparation when travelling internationally and has taken at least a week to recovery physically.