As coaches, we need to be aware of our athletes’ current abilities. This is why we should perform at least a visual assessment of how they move. When first assessing athletes, I always allow them move freely in many different directions in the beginning. I often also use the FMS or other three dimensional movements to see how their body handles itself in space. However, the strategies I devise from that point on are based on what I know the body should be able to accomplish.
The important aspect of coaching …

Most often, coaches and trainers do not use assessments at all during any stage of their programs. To be honest with you, I can understand why. It can be very confusing and most people don’t know what they are looking for and if they do they don’t know what to do with the information once gathered. Here are my thoughts…
An assessment, evaluation, or screen is a tool to gather information on individuals, teams, and even programs. Don’t just think of an assessment for individuals. It is for programs as well. …

Lee Burton has presented on numerous sports medicine topics at the local and national level at various sports medicine symposiums. He has also published articles in a variety of sports medicine journals and magazines concerning functional applications for treatment of athletic injuries. Lee, along with his colleagues, is currently working on several research projects dealing with functional evaluation and exercise prescription.
Lee is the co-developer of The Functional Movement Screen, a ranking and grading system created to document movement patterns that are key to normal function.
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