Effectively assessing an athlete’s skill level during the initial session is crucial for tailoring future training. Here’s a structured approach:

Begin with Observation and Basic Drills:

Start by observing the athlete’s fundamental movements and techniques. Implement basic drills that align with the sport’s core skills. This allows you to gauge their existing abilities and identify any areas needing immediate attention. Focus on observing their posture, coordination, and overall comfort with the basic movements.

Conduct Skill-Specific Assessments:

Introduce skill-specific assessments relevant to the sport. These could include drills that test agility, speed, accuracy, or strength, depending on the sport. This provides a more detailed understanding of the athlete’s proficiency in specific areas and helps you identify their strengths and weaknesses.

Engage in Open Communication and Questioning:

Ask the athlete about their previous experience, training history, and any specific goals they have. This provides valuable context and helps you understand their perspective. Encourage them to demonstrate their skills and explain their thought process during drills. Open communication fosters a comfortable environment and helps you gather important information.

Document Observations and Create a Baseline:

Document your observations and assessment results. Create a baseline of the athlete’s current skill level, highlighting areas for improvement. This baseline will serve as a reference point for tracking progress and adjusting training plans. Ensure that this documentation is clear and detailed, which will help with future lesson planning.

If you need to adjust lesson plans based on your initial assessment, here is how to modify a booked lesson: How do I modify a booked lesson?

To understand the standards by which your coaching practices, including assessment of skill level, are evaluated within the Athletes Untapped platform, review this article: How do you evaluate coaches?