The performance profile in practice

Abstract

Performance Profiling has been proposed as a means of facilitating an understanding of the way an athlete perceives hisher ability and preparation for performance. Essentially derived from Personal Construct Theoxy, which emphasizes the individuality of each person's understanding of hisherself and hidber outlook, the method of Performance Profiling has invited a broad range of application. This paper describes the method of Performance P r o a g and demonstrates the versatility of the technique through presentation of three applied aspects in the sport of amateur boxing. Individual analysis of one boxer's Performance Profile illustrates the influence this had on the coaching and psychological input. How the Performance Profile helps coach and boxer monitor progress leading to a major championship is depicted with a further case analysis. Finally the variance in perception between coach and boxer is highlighted through individual and group Profiles. This paper also discusses future uses and issues in relation to the application of the Performance Profile. This work was grant aided by the Sports Council through the Sports Science Support Programme. We are grateful to the Amateur Boxing Association for supporting our work with the National squads and appreciative of the boxers and coaches whose enthusiasm in employing the method encouraged us to pursue its application.