Some Illustrations - Foundation Movements

In response to some replies and questions, I have illustrated here what some of my colleagues are doing with their Physical Competence Assessment journey.

The foundation movements of Squat, Lunge, Pull, Push, Brace, Rotate, Hinge and Landing appear everywhere in life whether we are conducting our daily life tasks or applying them to a specific setting of work and sport. In the world of sport, to build an athlete from the ground up illustrates the long term journey one has to consider. Whatever limitations are created in the foundations will inevitably surface when contest or training speed, fatigue and pressure enter the equation. The aforementioned movements form the core of the actions and postures that we see in running, jumping, throwing, kicking, catching, flotation and striking. They are also the foundations of the daily tasks of reaching, bending, carrying, lifting, twisting, etc. These core patterns form into hybrids as they link together to try to solve the puzzles created by the techniques and tactics surrounding the activity.

The use of the scoring system (as seen in the following graphs) allows the teacher/coach to find one of the answers to the question, ‘Where are they now?’ The individual or group results will help the practitioner choose the most appropriate journey in terms of the activities to be selected. Where scores are low (a score of 5 is deemed to be ‘normal’) the limitation can be recognized and addressed in the session/lesson content.

Some of these scores can also give a warning to what might come next if the limitation continues. The following graph shows limitations in the ability to Land effectively (shock absorption). The potential risks in injury and agility are apparent.

The next graph shows a limitation in Single Leg Squat with the associated warning.

I have always felt that the best teachers and coaches never venture too far away from the fundamentals.