2016-2017 Judo Alberta Coaching Tip #3: Competition Key Performance Factors

Competition Key Performance Factors

When developing your practice plans for your competition athletes it is important to understand the match flow and the key performance factors that will allow the athletes have a good competition. In all sports there are key factors that need to be focuses on to ensure that there will be a positive out come; in basket ball if might be shoot 95% from the free throw line and 80% offensive rebounding; in hockey it might be shots on net and puck possession, etc…in these cases it increases their teams chances of winning. In judo it starts with the placement of the hands and an understanding how to apply an attacking plan. Each athlete needs to have a plan that is suited to their judo but respecting the basic rules in grip control, posture and movement patterns. Below you will find a break down of Key performance Factors that will help athletes have more positive outcomes than negative ones in competitions.

Dominate Grip: 60% to 70% or better
Athletes are required to dominate their opponents in grip fighting exchanges in effort to get themselves into better throwing positions. It is important that the athlete understands that they might not be able to get the dominate grip in every sequence but is able to manage the situation. It is important that the athlete is making first hand contact that is respecting the basic rules of grip control.

First to Attack: 60% to 70% or better
Athletes need to be able to be first to the attack in most gripping situations. There should be little hesitation when the athlete has a superior grip. The athletes also need to be able to attack off the grip with a variation of the technique they are trying to apply. The goal is for the attacks to be effective and not “flop & drop”. Effective attacks will allow athletes to create reactions; the ability to attack in sequences and in combinations. Athletes need to also develop the ability to block/stuff effective attacks from their opposition.

Win Penalty Game:
It is important that athletes stay a head of the penalty game. Athletes need to be able have positive judo and limit the amount of negative penalties given to them. It is important that the athletes are able to force their opponents to take penalties. With every penalty given the pressure and tactical match play changes. The ability to win the penalty game gives them the ability to control the tempo of the match.

Catch Rate in Ne-waza: 20% or better
Athletes need to be ready to take advantage of their opponents missed attacks and apply ne-waza techniques. They need to have the ability to show progression in the situation to avoid stops from the referee.
Athletes need to have 1-2 effective techniques for 7 basic competition transition situations.

Defense Rate Ne-waza: 95% or better
Athletes need to be ready to defend 7 basic competition transitions situations. They need to have the ability to close the door / attacking areas.

Have a good day

Ewan Beaton
Judo Alberta HP Coach