A relatively recent innovation in sports training is the use of modeling. In essence, this means making an ideal model of what constitutes an elite –or other level — athlete. The model serves as a profile for the athlete to achieve if he wishes to be on that particular level of performance.
Most coaches do a little of this in their selection of a particular athlete. However, the Soviets were the first to formalize and expand on this concept. The early models were based on many different factors and incorporated the use of computers, coaching experiences, biomechanical analyses, anthropometrical measurements, and other factors.
In sports such as football we can see examples of modeling in the selection of certain players who must have a particular bodybuild, a certain height and weight, and specific motor abilities such as the ability to leap high or run a 40 yard dash in a particular time etc. The criteria very somewhat from sport to sport, but each sport has its own specifications.
In the most valid type of modeling not only are physical measurements and motor abilities important, but also effective technique. The reason for this is simple. Without effective technique the player is only half as good as his physical abilities allow. With the most effective technique, the athlete is capable of achieving his full potential.
For example, as I have brought out in previous posts, the 40 yard dash in football, although an effective measurement of speed, does not predict how well the player will be able to use his speed in a game situation. Most important in football is the ability to change direction while in motion (agility).
When speed is coupled with the ability to execute quick cutting actions — which is the secret to changing direction while in motion — the athlete will be able to perform at his best. Thus we see the need for effective technique in order to put the physical abilities to maximum use.
Similar situations exist in baseball as for example, in the selection of a pitcher. In general there are two key factors that many coaches look for. One is how fast is his fastball and the second is his height, weight and overall strength. In general, a pitcher who stands over 6’5″ tall and weighs over 250 pounds, will be selected even if he is not a great overall pitcher and is still young.
However, in this case, if his technique is not very effective it will never improve to a level that will allow him to enter the bigs unless he receives some very effective technique training. But this type of training is typically not practiced on most teams.
Thus, developing a model that includes not only anthropometrical measurementsand motor skills, but also the key elements of technique for the particular skill needed, is needed in order to allow an athlete to be as successful as possible. Once an effective model is developed, up-and-coming players can look to the model and determine where they must improve in order to raise their athletic level.
For more information on this topic read Build a Better Athlete