Every coach needs to review these key elements and ideas to help their athletes rise to the next level.

Coaches feel it is critical to plan backwards. That is, begin with what you want athletes to achieve and then determine the path of achievement.

• Where do you want your athletes to rank or achieve?
• What level of performance will be necessary to achieve the goal?
• What skills, attributes or abilities do athletes need to achieve the goal?
• Do you have a purposeful plan to optimally develop athletes physically, mentally and technically, so they have the necessary skills to achieve the goal?

Anticipate and Plan for Setbacks

Even with the best laid plans, all will not go smoothly. Try to determine potential setbacks and establish backup plans.

• What are potential obstacles to the preparation plan?
• Are any of the obstacles within your control? What contingency plans are in place?

Develop Comprehensive Athlete Training Plans

Obviously, a critical element of performance is optimal training of the athletes. Evaluate, reevaluate and get feedback from others regarding your athletes' training plans.

• Are there sufficient mental and physical breaks in the training?
• Are training camps part of the training plan?
• Are they at appropriate times and sites in the cycle?
• Are training cycles designed for optimal performance for the big event?
• How and when are athletes evaluated on their response to training?

Plan a Competition Schedule Designed to Optimize Performance at the Peak Time

Major competitions provide competitive experiences leading up to the big event - those experiences are invaluable. Assess your athletes and determine the most appropriate competition experiences to set them up for success.

• If possible compete in the same venue prior to the big event.
• Compete in the toughest possible competition you can.
• Replicate the challenges to be faced in the future or at the big event.

Assemble an Effective Staff

Solid coach-coach and coach-athlete relationships are critical to performance. A well-functioning, knowledgeable staff working as a team is an asset to athletes.

• Does the staff communicate effectively?
• Is there a process to ensure effective communication?
• Are staff members equally committed to the program philosophy and preparation plan?
• Are there sufficient personnel to allow coaches to focus on coaching?

Plan for Equipment / Technology Needs

Equipment and technology associated with sport are constantly changing and evolving. To determine what advances may occur in your sport; develop a plan to keep technology for your athletes on the cutting edge.

• What technological advances in your sport will impact performance?
• What support or resources are needed to use or research the latest technological advances?
• When will new technology be integrated into training/preparation? Don't wait until the last minute!

Integrate Appropriate Sport Science and Medicine Support into Training

Seek resources and personnel to support you and your team. Setup a support team to facilitate enhanced performance.

• Will enhanced mental training facilitate the athlete's performance?
• How can video technology be best integrated into your program?
• Are effective recovery protocols being used?
• What physiology testing can be used to evaluate athlete's adaptation to training?
• Are athletes knowledgeable about effective nutrition practices?
• Do they use them?
• Is technical training optimal?
• Do athletes have appropriate medical support?

Get the "Buy In" From Others

It is recognized that other individuals play a critical role and exert influence on the success of your preparation and planning. Identify and get support of "stakeholders" who play a role in your athletes' performance.

• Have you communicated the preparation plan to the athletes? Do they understand and support the plan?
• Do others support the plan - have similiar goals?

The act of accessing and evaluating preparation and performance benefit all coaches. However, the true value is when information is put to use - when lessons learned are applied to future endeavors. Please review these suggestions with a critical eye on helping you plan for future success.