The Role Of The Coach In Determining Success At A National Powerlifting Competition

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare rates of success in coach- versus self- supervised performance at the USA Powerlifting Collegiate National Championships from 2016-2019. METHODS: Using a repeated measures ANOVA design with specific post-hoc analysis, 88 members of the powerlifting team at a United States Service Academy had individual performances tracked during the annual USA Powerlifting Collegiate National Championships from 2016-2019. Performance metrics included: number of successful and non-successful attempts, total weight lifted, and Wilks total (a relative strength metric used in powerlifting). RESULTS: A total of 88 competitors were tracked over the duration of this investigation. Successful attempts (7.9±1.2 vs. 5.4±1.2), total weight lifted (530.2±146.9 kg vs. 416.8±235.0kg), and Wilks total (408.9±86.0 vs. 352.3±186.7) were significantly greater in the coach-supervised versus self-supervised population. Lifters following a coach-supervised versus self-supervised competition plan performed significantly better across all performance metrics (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The coach plays a significant role in determining performance outcomes during powerlifting competition. An abundance of research exists on the importance of a coach in developing long-term, periodized strength training for improving strength outcomes, but minimal research exists on the role of the coach in predicting success in individual competitions. These findings support the notion that supervisory mentorship is integral to the success of athletes during both training and competition.