The top-performance model

The top-performance model can be developed for individual athletes, for a group of athletes of similar level and in the same event or function, and for a team. Obviously, top-performance models differ for individual and team sports. In both cases the model should be predicated on three elements: (a) the real goal of multi-year preparation (world- or national rank, winning a medal, Olympic qualification etc.); (b) the predicted level and performance characteristics, which provide the goal to be attained; (c) the present level and performance characteristics of the individual or team. Let us illustrate the modeling approach through examples in various sports.

8.2.1 Individual sports

It would not be an exaggeration to state that each top-level athlete in individual sports has and executes his/her own athletic performance in accordance with a specific ideal model. However this does not mean these models were

consciously formulated and described. Many experienced athletes have a clear virtual image of the ideal performance and feel no necessity to formulate it. Nevertheless,

such systematic description is still desirable; at worst it will not impair performance and at best it can be highly useful for mental and physical preparation. The general approach to top-performance modeling is presented in Table 8.1.

Table 8.1

Components and content of a top-performance model: general approach

Component Content Comments

Pre-event warm up Thoroughly prescribed and approved combination of exercises and techno-tactical tasks

Protocol includes approval of personal equipment and available conditions Behavior between

warm up and performance

Strictly prescribed sequence of rest, relaxation and activating procedures, personal tuning

Timing, content and assisting persons should be defined properly

Performance itself Clear and detailed description of each part of performance including objective indicators

Individual model can also include subjective signals Cooling down Clear description of cooling

down program and post-event recovery (massage, drink etc.)

This is highly important for athletes facing a number of performances during a given competition

It has already been noted that experienced athletes know their behavior program during the competition very well, but the influence of emotional strain, particularly in highly important tournaments, can not be underestimated. Sometimes, under emotional strain, several details may slip the competitors' attention, something that would not happen in a usual, comfortable situation.

A model of top-performance is definitely of importance by itself. Under normal conditions it can enable athletes to utilize their athletic potential to the maximum. As a general rule – the top-performance model should be as deterministic as possible. Therefore, in sports, where athletes have no immediate interaction with opponents during performance (like swimming, rowing, figure skating etc.), the model can be strictly prescribed. Let us illustrate this with an example of flatwater canoe racing.

Case study. A world-class kayaker was monitored during his long-term

preparation for the 2004 Athens Olympics. His top-performance model for 1000m single-kayak was thoroughly designed to attain specific predicted result and was calculated for optimal weather conditions and proper velocities (Table 8.2). The modeled Stroke Rate (SR) pattern was developed based on individual techno-tactical particularities of the athlete (Figure 8.3). Current race patterns were compared with the model. The performance at the 2002 World

Championship had excessive SR on the start (the athlete didn’t succeed in generating sufficient stroke power); performance at the Pre-Olympic Athens regatta was closest to the model; performance at the Athens Olympics had excessive SR in the first half and excessive SR decline in the third quarter. The best model realization, the best result and the highest personal rank (gold medal) was attained in the Pre-Olympic regatta. Therefore, the top-performance model was verified in a number of competitions (based on Issurin, 2005a).

Table 8.2

Top-performance model of a world-ranked kayaker for the single-kayak 1000 m event Performance

characteristics

Influencing factors Modeled values Performance

time; min, s

World trend in results among top-athletes over the last five years; performance potential of R.Y.

3:28.5 Times for 250

m segments, s

Proper mobilization of athlete's physiological and biomechanical capabilities

50.6 52.5 52.8 52.6

Stroke Rate pattern

Individual biomechanical preconditions of power application over the entire distance

138 – 111 strokes/ min (see graph) Insert Figure 8.3 about here

It should be emphasized that effectiveness of modeling depends directly on two relevant factors: (a) precision and completeness of the proposed performance model; (b) precision and completeness of the competition analysis that makes it possible to estimate how the model was realized.

Example. Since 1994, all semi-final and final races in every top-level

swimming competition, such as the World Championship, Olympic Games and European Championships, are videotaped and analyzed with respect to the most meaningful performance characteristics: time of start and turn segments, average speed, Stroke Rate and Stroke Length on each segment of the distance etc. (Haljand, 1997). After the competition the participants receive a full report; using the data of winners they can compile an ideal performance model; comparing their own data with the model they can reveal hidden reserves and direct further preparation.

8.2.2 Team sports

It is apparent that top-performance models in team sports are more

complicated and, especially in ball games, less deterministic. Thus, it is a genuine challenge to construct a scenario that can take the unpredictable actions of opponents into account. Nevertheless, the general approach to modeling (Table 8.1) may also be suitable for team sports.

It is worth noting that in team sports, where group and individual interactions are of particular importance, models of pre-event warm-up and proper pre-

competitive behavior can contribute greatly to successful performance. The example of a modeled pre-match warm-up in football is presented below (Table 8.3).

Typical modeled pre-match warm-up for professional and semi-professional football teams (based on Bangsbo, 1994)

Duration, min

Content Range

of HR

Remarks 4-5 Jogging, whole body exercises in moving

and standing position;

Light stretching exercise series

80- 100

Usually performed individually 3-4 Exercises for main muscle groups used in

game; 2nd _{series of stretching exercises} 90-₁₁₀ Can be performed _{in small groups}

4-5 Exercises with ball in pairs: passing, dribbling etc.

Light stretching exercise series

110- 130

One ball for each two players 4-5 Players play in small groups: four against

two; three against three… Light stretching exercise series

130- 150

Can be performed with the coach’s supervision 4-5 A six-a-side game (6v6) with shooting at

the goal 166-190 The most stressful part of warm-up Similarly modeled warm-up and pre-event behaviors increase performance stability and reduce emotional tension in highly coordinative aesthetic sports. Team performances in aesthetic sports (rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, figure skating) are characterized by very high complexity and high risk of mistakes. However, unlike ball game performances, these sports are strictly programmed. Therefore, top-performance modeling is a compulsory part of the preparation process in these sports. A general algorithm of top-performance modeling in the aesthetic sports is presented using the example of synchronized swimming (Table 8.4). Table 8.4.

General algorithm of top-performance modeling in an aesthetic team sport: duet and group events in synchronized swimming (based on Issurin, 2005b)

Sequence of operations Examples Remarks Raising general idea of

performance

“Circus”, “Carnival in Venice”, “Beauty of spring” etc.

General idea

determines the style and music

Selection of the style of composition and music

“Romantique”, “Classique”, “Jazz”, “Folklore” etc.

Style and music require appropriate

choreography Determination of

Culmination hybrids

“Barracuda” with high level of risk; “Thrust” with non-

balanced movements; more than 10 twists on the same level

These hybrids and their complexity will affect athletic level of

performance Determination of

individual roles within the group (duet)

Acrobatic stunts, supports and other “roles” should be

properly allocated

The earlier allocation of roles for athletes

enhances quality of preparation

Compilation of entire top-performance composition

Description of detailed scenario

of entire composition Working on perfecting the model

There can be no doubt that modeling top-performance in ball games is very complicated and problematic. Nevertheless, the possible variants of opponents’ tactics are predictable. Therefore, typical situations can be described and adequate tactical models can be compiled and prepared. It is suggested that such modeled techno- tactical training will contribute to successful performance.