In sports science, we’re often told to measure everything—but data without purpose is just clutter. Many times in my career, I saw coaches collect metrics out of habit, not strategy. So I flipped the script: only track what drives better coaching decisions.
I focus on three pillars of performance testing, each tightly woven into training without disrupting it:
🏐 Game-Based Performance Assessments
Forget outdated “skill tests” that don’t reflect match reality (Figure 1). I capture real-time stats during actual practices and games, tracking six volleyball skills—serve, pass, set, attack, block, and defense. Filming practices lets me evaluate skill development aligned with our periodization goals and adjust coaching decisions with clarity and transparency.
Figure 1 – Example of a non-representative skill test in volleyball. The thrower (T) tosses the ball to the player being evaluated (Passer-P), who passes the ball to the person catching the ball (Catcher-C). P is scored based on whether the catch is able to catch the ball inside the square area.
I always share performance results openly with athletes. It’s not just about data—it’s about accountability, motivation, and transparency. These stats guide key coaching decisions, like determining starting lineups or making substitutions. I also enjoy analyzing how performance evolves over time and identifying the factors behind those fluctuations.
Figure 2 – Example of graphs that can be shared with an athlete to give feedback about volleyball performance. Those graphs were generated with the Volleyball Performance Analysis – Excel Spreadsheet available HERE
💪 Physical Health Evaluations
Injury risk isn’t just about clinical data—it’s about how athletes feel. I run sport-specific jump tests and a weekly medicine ball throw to track physical readiness. On top of that, I monitor joint discomfort, muscle soreness, and perceived exertion after every session. These insights help us fine-tune recovery and training intensity to keep athletes moving well and safely.
Figure 3 below depicts three tools I use to measure muscle soreness, joint discomfort, and rated perceived exertion (RPE). Those are part of our periodization spreadsheet available HERE
🏋️ Muscle Function Tests in the Gym
Using tools like RIR (Reps in Reserve) and perceived exertion, I track strength progression without interrupting our workouts. I estimate 1RMs and cross-check them against on-court performance. If strength improves but jump height lags, it’s time to reevaluate our approach. It’s all about connecting gym data to sport outcomes.
🔄 Final Takeaway
True testing isn’t about tradition—it’s about transformation. Every metric should empower coaches to make smarter choices and athletes to train with purpose. Measure what matters, and make those numbers count.
