The importance of the process of needs analysis for sport

Nov 6 / John Hardy MSc
A needs analysis is the cornerstone of evidence-based strength and conditioning (S&C) practice. It bridges the gap between sport science theory and applied coaching, enabling practitioners to design training that aligns with the physiological, biomechanical, and technical demands of a given sport (Bompa and Buzzichelli, 2019). Without it, programming risks being generic—failing to develop the qualities that actually determine performance or reduce injury risk.

Defining the Needs Analysis

A needs analysis is a systematic assessment of the specific demands of a sport, alongside the capabilities and limitations of the athlete. It identifies key performance determinants such as energy system contribution, movement patterns, strength and power demands, and injury risks (Haff and Triplett, 2016). The process typically involves three phases: (1) evaluation of the sport, (2) assessment of the athlete, and (3) integration of findings into a periodised plan. Each phase informs the next, ensuring that training priorities are based on objective data rather than assumption (Turner, 2014).

Evaluation of the Sport

The first phase analyses the sport itself, its movement patterns, intensity profile, and key physiological systems. This includes identifying primary energy pathways, the frequency and duration of efforts, and the mechanical actions required for success (Stone et al., 2007). For instance, elite rugby demands repeated high-intensity bouts of strength and power under fatigue, supported by robust aerobic recovery (Gabbett, 2016). In contrast, a 100-metre sprinter requires near-maximal neural drive, stiffness optimisation, and very specific rate of force development (RFD) capacities (Moir et al., 2020).
By quantifying these demands through time–motion analysis, GPS data, and performance metrics, coaches can determine which physical qualities should be prioritised, whether acceleration, strength endurance, or reactive power. This creates the blueprint for sport-specific training, ensuring transfer to competition performance (Jeffreys and Moody, 2016).

Assessment of the Athlete

Once the sport’s demands are known, the athlete’s profile can be measured against them. This involves physical testing (strength, power, speed, aerobic fitness), movement screening, and analysis of anthropometrics or injury history (Comfort and McMahon, 2015). The goal is to identify gaps between the athlete’s current state and the ideal performance model. For example, if an athlete’s force–velocity profile shows strong maximal force but limited velocity, their training should target high-speed strength and plyometric qualities (Morin and Samozino, 2016).
This phase is not limited to physiological assessment—psychological readiness, recovery capacity, and positional demands must also be considered (Taylor et al., 2021). A holistic assessment acknowledges that sport performance is multifactorial, integrating physical, technical, tactical, and mental domains.

Application and Ongoing Reassessment

The needs analysis is only valuable if its outcomes shape the training process. The information gathered informs exercise selection, periodisation, and load management strategies (Haff and Triplett, 2016). In applied S&C practice, this may translate into targeted mesocycles that reflect the athlete’s weak links or upcoming competition demands. For example, a footballer entering pre-season might focus on deceleration strength and repeated sprint ability, both highlighted in the needs analysis as critical performance determinants (Harper and Kiely, 2018).
Reassessment is equally important. Regular re-testing allows coaches to evaluate whether the training is effective and adapt plans dynamically. This cyclical process aligns with the scientific method—hypothesis, intervention, observation, and refinement—ensuring continued relevance and efficacy (Turner, 2014).

Why It Matters

A robust needs analysis underpins athlete safety, performance efficiency, and professional accountability. It prevents overtraining and injury by aligning load with readiness and ensures that time in the gym directly supports sport performance. In high-performance environments, where marginal gains define success, this systematic approach separates competent coaches from exceptional ones. It transforms S&C from routine programming into a precise, adaptive, and evidence-driven discipline.

References

Bompa, T.O. and Buzzichelli, C. (2019) Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training. 6th ed. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Comfort, P. and McMahon, J.J. (2015) ‘Strength and Conditioning for Athletic Performance’, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(3), pp. 574–586. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607369/

Gabbett, T.J. (2016) ‘The training–injury prevention paradox: should athletes be training smarter and harder?’, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(5), pp. 273–280. Available at: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/50/5/273

Haff, G.G. and Triplett, N.T. (eds) (2016) Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. 4th ed. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Harper, D.J. and Kiely, J. (2018) ‘Damaging nature of decelerations: asymmetry, braking, and performance implications’, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 13(9), pp. 1175–1183. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29345564/

Jeffreys, I. and Moody, J. (eds) (2016) Strength and Conditioning for Sports Performance. London: Routledge.

Moir, G.L., Sands, W.A. and Stone, M.H. (2020) ‘The influence of strength on speed and power development’, Sports Medicine, 50(2), pp. 215–231. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31828704/

Morin, J.B. and Samozino, P. (2016) ‘Interpreting power–force–velocity profiles for individualized and specific training’, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 11(2), pp. 267–272. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26575114/

Stone, M.H., Stone, M. and Sands, W.A. (2007) Principles and Practice of Resistance Training. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Taylor, K.L. et al. (2021) ‘Monitoring athlete readiness and load management: a framework for S&C practitioners’, Strength and Conditioning Journal, 43(4), pp. 45–55. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33528367/

Turner, A. (2014) ‘Strength and conditioning for soccer players’, Strength and Conditioning Journal, 36(4), pp. 1–13. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25051154/