Why KPIs Are Critical for Athlete Development

Why KPIs Are Critical for Athlete Development

Coaching
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Have you ever wondered how coaches track athlete performance? In the business world, Key Performance Indicators (or KPIs) are a familiar term. However, the use of KPIs has only recently gained traction when it comes to sports.

This blog defines sports KPIs, how to set them, and why they are important.

What Are KPIs in Sports?

KPIs are quantifiable measures of performance that coaches use to evaluate an athlete’s progress over time. Specific, attainable, and timely performance measures indicate to coaches exactly where an athlete ranks on a particular skill.

Here are some common KPIs that can be measured across a range of sports:

  • Hockey- shot outcomes
  • Baseball/softball- exit velocity
  • Basketball- defensive rebounds
  • Soccer- pass completion rate
  • Volleyball– serving percentage

What Are SMART KPIs?

As with goal setting, KPIs follow the same proven approach.

SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time.

  • Smart – Your KPIs must be documented simply, describing what needs to be accomplished clearly and precisely.
  • Measurable – Your KPIs need to be quantifiable.
  • Attainable – Your KPIs have to push the athlete, but they must not be “out of reach” or simply unattainable. 
  • Relevant – Your KPIs need to correlate to specific and applicable objectives.
  • Time – Your KPIs need a deadline and timeframe.

Practical Example of KPIs

Basketball

  • Specific: Improve field goal percentage.
  • Measurable: Increase field goal percentage from 45% to 50%.
  • Attainable: Achievable through consistent practice,
  • Relevant: Directly correlates with scoring efficiency.
  • Time-bound: Achieve this increase by the end of the season.

Soccer

  • Specific: Improve pass completion rate.
  • Measurable: Increase pass completion rate from 70% to 80% (for forwards).
  • Attainable: Achievable through proper ball control and passing technique.
  • Relevant: Directly correlates with creating attacking opportunities.
  • Time-bound: Achieve this increase by the next 3 months.



Baseball

  • Specific: Throw the ball with increased precision and control.
  • Measurable: Increase total rebounds per game from 70% to 80%
  • Attainable: Achievable through proper arm mechanics, footwork, grip & release.
  • Relevant: Accurate throws lead to extra bases and runs.
  • Time-bound: Achieve this increase by the end of the season.
Coach putting arm around players on soccer field

Simplify Your KPI Tracking with SkillShark

In the fast-paced world of sports, there’s no room for disorganization or missed opportunities. With SkillShark, you can score players on skills most important to you. The data collected from any evaluation is automatically stored on the platform and instantly generated into reports, providing you with KPIs to assess athlete performance.

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FAQ — KPIs in Sports

A KPI is a measurable value used by coaches and sports organizations to track and evaluate athlete performance.

KPIs help coaches assess the effectiveness of their coaching methods, training programs, and overall strategies, ensuring that athletes are on the right path towards improvement.

KPIs should follow the SMART guidelines. They should be specific, measurable, attainable, realisitic, and timely.

With SkillShark, you can score players on individual metrics most important to your sports organization or academy. The data collected during evaluations will instantly generate professional reports, providing you with KPIs to assess athlete performance.

Assessments conducted throughout the year support continuous learning and refinement of skills, leading to improved athlete performance.
Brenton Barker

Brenton Barker: Former Professional Sports Coach/Manager // Brenton is an Australian with 20 years of experience working with professional athletes. These athletes have combined to win more than ten international events. He holds a Degree in Sports Coaching and was the former Head Advisor to the Japanese Government Sports Institute.

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