Understanding Needs Analysis for Sport

A needs analysis in sport and exercise science is a structured process used to identify the physical, technical, and tactical demands of a sport or activity. It helps coaches, athletes, and students understand the requirements for peak performance and provides the foundation for designing effective, evidence-based training programmes.

Why is a Needs Analysis Important?

• Individualisation – ensures training is tailored to the athlete’s sport, position, and personal goals.

• Efficiency – focuses time and energy on the most relevant performance qualities (e.g., strength, speed, endurance).

• Injury Prevention – highlights common movement demands and potential risk factors.

• Performance Enhancement – links sports science principles with practical coaching to maximise outcomes.

Key Components of a Needs Analysis

There are several components of a needs analysis. Each needs to be considered. Here are the components:

• Biomechanical

  • What movement patterns dominate the sport?

  • What joint actions and ranges of motion are required?

  • How do different positions or roles alter biomechanical demands?

    
    

• Physiological

  • What energy systems are most used (aerobic vs. anaerobic)?

  • Which physical qualities are essential – strength, power, endurance, agility, mobility?

  • What fitness benchmarks are relevant for the sport?

    
    

• Injury Risk

  • What injuries are common in the sport?

  • Which movement patterns or demands increase risk?

  • How can strength and conditioning reduce injury likelihood?

    
    

• Additional Factors

  • Competition and training schedule.

  • Time available for structured training.

  • Environmental factors (e.g., playing surface, climate).

Practical Tips for Completing a Needs Analysis

1. Start with the Sport, Not the Athlete

   • Outline the general demands of the sport first (e.g., key movements, energy systems, injury risks). This gives you a benchmark before individualising.

     
     

2. Break It Into Components

   • Use the four key categories: Biomechanical, Physiological, Injury Risk, and Additional Factors. This ensures nothing is overlooked.

     
     

3. Use Research and Data

   • Look for published studies, match statistics, or performance benchmarks to guide your analysis. This adds scientific credibility.

   
   

4. Observe Real Performance

   • Watch the athlete in training or competition. Note movement patterns, fatigue points, and positional requirements.

     
     

5. Profile the Athlete

   • Conduct assessments (e.g., strength testing, mobility screens, fitness tests) to compare the athlete against the sport’s demands.

   
   

6. Prioritise Key Areas

   • Don’t try to fix everything at once. Identify the top 2–3 areas that will have the biggest performance impact or reduce injury risk.

     
     

7. Review and Update Regularly

   • Needs analysis isn’t a one-off. Revisit it as the athlete develops, goals change, or new research emerges.

Example: Golf

In golf, a needs analysis often highlights the importance of explosive strength, maximal strength, mobility, and rotational power. Research shows these qualities strongly influence clubhead speed, making them priorities for golfers’ strength and conditioning programmes. Injury risk analysis may also highlight lower back stress, guiding training design for prevention as well as performance.

Final Thoughts

A needs analysis is the blueprint for performance. By identifying exactly what an athlete needs to succeed, coaches, students, and sport scientists can design structured training programmes that are evidence-based, personalised, and results-driven.