ABSTRACT

This chapter presents the reasons for conducting a needs analysis and discusses the relationship between a needs analysis and the energy systems. Needs analysis will typically address the metabolic and biomechanical requirements of the sport itself, and any unique requirements dictated by specific positions within that sport. The chapter also discusses the relationship between a needs analysis and basic biomechanical factors. It explores the relationship between a needs analysis and injury risk and the relationship between a needs analysis and exercise prescription. Sport injuries are often sustained by the musculoskeletal systems through contact that overloads a particular structure, overload that occurs without contact or gradual overuse of tissue from repeated microtrauma without appropriate recovery. Managing injury risk requires regular surveillance of athlete well-being and monitoring of training load throughout the course of the competitive season. The major purposes of the needs analysis are to identify the demands of the sport and the needs of the athlete.