As part of Work Package 3, a survey was conducted with coaches of various Olympic, Paralympic, and non-Olympic sports. The survey involved 190 coaches from five partner countries (Italy, Poland, Croatia, Portugal, and Serbia). The coaches completed anonymous online questionnaires in which they assessed the physical characteristics and motor skills they consider most important for success in the sports they coach. The questions related to the importance of coordination, reaction speed, agility, balance, and flexibility, as well as the ideal physical characteristics of athletes.
Based on this survey, an extensive analysis was conducted.
One of the key conclusions of the study is the specification of physical characteristics that an athlete needs to potentially be successful in a particular sport.
For example, for shooting and archery, coordination and balance are the most important, while reaction speed and agility are not critical. In contrast, sports like boxing and badminton require high reaction speed, while flexibility and balance are less important. Shooting coaches from Italy, with an average of 24 years of experience, highlight balance as crucial, while boxing coaches, with an average of six years of experience, emphasize reaction speed.
It is interesting to note how the ideal somatotype varies depending on the sport. A mesomorph, characterized by a muscular and strong body, is often rated as ideal for sports like basketball, rugby, and rowing. An ectomorph, with a slim and long body structure, is suitable for gymnastics, swimming, and long-distance running. Gymnastics coaches from Italy, Portugal, and Serbia believe that an ectomorph with normal arm and leg length and a normal torso is most suitable for success in this sport, while rowing coaches prefer a mesomorph with long arms and legs.
The research also shows that coaches with longer work experience place greater emphasis on specific motor skills. Artistic swimming coaches from Italy, with an average of 45 years of experience, emphasize coordination and flexibility as key to success, while less experienced coaches often prioritize balance.
The analysis reveals differences between Olympic, Paralympic, and non-Olympic sports. In Paralympic sports, such as para shooting, coordination and balance are crucial, while in non-Olympic sports like MMA and CrossFit, strength and muscular endurance play a key role. MMA coaches from Serbia, with an average of ten years of experience, emphasize reaction speed and coordination, while CrossFit coaches highlight strength as a critical characteristic.
The analysis provides valuable insights into the specific physical requirements of various sports, helping coaches and athletes develop training programs that enhance performance. Understanding the importance of specific motor skills and physical characteristics enables athletes to better tailor their training to achieve optimal results.
This analysis can have a significant impact on sports selection in the future. Young athletes and their parents can use this data to better understand the physical predispositions and motor skills required for the sports they are interested in, enabling a more informed choice of sport. For example, a child with naturally long arms and legs might be directed towards swimming or basketball, while children with excellent coordination might consider sports like gymnastics or shooting.
Additionally, sports institutions and coaches can use this information to identify potential talents based on physical characteristics and motor skills, optimizing the selection and development processes of athletes. By adopting a targeted approach to training and athlete development, it is possible to increase the chances of achieving top results in international competitions, further promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle.
