How Can Technology Impact the Coaching Process and The Importance of Assessments in Performance Programs?

How Can Technology Impact the Coaching Process and The Importance of Assessments in Performance Programs?

This presentation shall provide an overview of how performance science technology can positively impact the coaching process and assist decision-making related to athlete health and performance. From the NFL to the NBA, performance science technology has become an integral component of successful high-performance programs, often with the premise to mitigate potential injury and illness risk. As such, a primary goal is to provide coaches and athletes a means to better understand individual responses, and specific needs to optimise health and performance. From athlete monitoring systems to microtechnology, to sport specific clothing and recovery aids, performance science technology is everywhere. Stephen will provide practical examples on applying performance science technology from the Basketball New Zealand Women’s Senior National Team, using the ‘Day in the life of an athlete’ scenario. Examples include wearable technology (Catapult Sports), Velocity-based training systems (GymAware), online programming and monitoring software (VisuialCoaching), and online communication portals (TeamApp). Particular attention will be placed on monitoring the athlete training response, in particular training-induced changes in athlete wellbeing. This narrative will present the ‘Department, Player, Coach’ workflow interplay to: (1) Overview performance science technology to gain accurate information on athlete health and performance; (2) Provide an insight into how and where performance science technology fits into the coaching process; and (3) Outline how performance science technology can enhance coaching effectiveness in dynamic high-performance environments.