Selecting metrics that matter

UKSCA Coach Considerations

At the UKSCA 2024 Annual Conference, Dr. Chris Bishop presented a deep dive into jump testing as a valuable tool for sports scientists, strength and conditioning professionals, and physiotherapists. He highlights the complexity of selecting meaningful metrics from force plate data, with over 100 available variables. Dr. Bishop discusses the operational principles that guide metric selection based on context, such as performance enhancement, fatigue monitoring, or injury rehabilitation. A key takeaway was the importance of using a holistic approach—considering multiple metrics concurrently to avoid data misinterpretation. He encourages professionals to critically assess the relevance of each metric and its application in practice. By understanding these principles, practitioners can better use jump testing for informed decision-making and enhance athletic performance. This presentation emphasises a data-driven, context-specific approach that can be applied across various sports and rehabilitation protocols. Dr. Bishop also introduces simplified methods for evaluating changes without complex software, making it more accessible for practitioners. Overall, his talk provided actionable insights on improving the effectiveness of jump testing in practice.This podcast was recorded live at the UKSCA Annual Conference. Supporting materials and the full video presentation are available on the UKSCA website. Visit www.uksca.org.uk for more details.