Development plan

Development Plan

Concept

  • A development plan is a strategic roadmap outlining an athlete’s current abilities and targeted landmarks for improvement within a specified timeframe.
  • It is based on the initial analysis derived from the performance profile.
  • The plan is designed to leverage strengths while concurrently improving weaknesses in an athlete’s performance.

Structure

  • Comprehensive development plans should ideally encompass physical, technical, psychological, and tactical aspects of sports performance.
  • It is structured around SMART targets - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
  • Interventions and practices should be quantifiably linked to SMART targets.
  • The timescale is integral, encompassing short, medium, and long-term goals.

Process

  • Identify priorities based on the performance profile. Focus initially on key areas that will yield the most significant impact.
  • Set goals by identifying what the athlete needs to improve and where they want to be at the end of the set period.
  • Action planning includes specific approaches to achieving goals, focusing on training strategies, skills to be attained, and behavioural changes if needed.
  • The plan should be flexible to adapt to the athlete’s progress, extrinsic factors such as injuries, and other unexpected changes.
  • Should envisage resources required for the execution of the plan. Build in support from coaches, peers, and other resources or interventions if required.

Evaluation

  • Regular reviews allow for evaluating progress towards achieving the set goals.
  • It encourages reflection on what strategies are working, what aren’t and what might need changing.
  • Comparing current performance with previous profiles aids in understanding the impact of the development plan.

Benefits

  • Development plans guide the athlete’s training focus and help manage progression.
  • The structure offered by plan creates a sense of accountability leading to consistency in training and improvement.
  • They foster self-awareness, enabling athletes to become autonomous and take ownership of their performance.
  • They ensure that all aspects of performance are monitored, and no area is neglected.

A well-structured development plan aligned with a robust performance profile is instrumental in honing skills, improving performance, and achieving excellence. It is a dynamic guide that aids both the athlete and the coach in managing the journey of continuous development and growth in sport.