Evidence based practice is a crucial part of the training process and is the first principle when making effective coaching decisions. As with nearly any topic, there will be evidence (scientific and anecdotal) for and against solutions to a training problem. The skill is to utilise the best available existing evidence, from both scientific research and practical experience, to inform decision making and ensure the most effective solutions are applied to the training process.

When applying evidence-based practice to an athlete, I follow this basic framework:

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1. Identifying the training problem

2. Finding evidence to solve this problem (experience and scientific research)

3. Evaluate evidence

4. Apply to evidence to training practice

5. Re-evaluate the evidence when applied to training

 

It is important to remember everyone is an individual, what works for one athlete may not work for another. Here lies the key by understanding an athletes strengths, weaknesses, motivations and lifestyle I can apply the best available evidence to your training.