Needs Analysis (P2)- Muay Thai Performance Analysis: Physical Abilities

WHAT IS NEEDS ANALYSIS

Before designing any training programme for the athlete, an understanding of unique characteristics of of Muay Thai Sport is required- Needs Analysis.

In NSCA’s Guide to Program Design (2012), the need analysis usually answers the questions of

1. What are the metabolic demands & physical level abilities required for performance?

2. What are the biomechanical demands of the sport?

3. What are the common injuries observed in the sport?

Today's article: PART 2 - Muay Thai Physical Level Abilities Required For Performance

While scientific data directly on Muay Thai is limited, studies on similar combat sports like kickboxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) offer valuable insights. Drawing on data from elite athlete profiles, we can identify the optimal physical level abilities required for Muay Thai performance.

Elite Athletes' Physical Level Abilities based on multiple relevant researches.

Data taken from Zabukovec, R. & Tiidus, P. M. (1995) ; Slimani, M. et. al (2017)  

• Strength

Effective kicking, punching, blocking, holding, and pushing can only be performed and sustained with sufficient strength and strength endurance. (Ouergui et al., 2013). The strength levels are evaluated through the knee extension peak torque of 60°. sec ¯¹ (Nm) and 180°. sec ¯¹. 

• Speed & Agility

Similar to a kickboxing match, timing is everything in scoring with an offensive or defensive technique. The execution of a technique at the right time to score or surprise your opponent is the most important factor (Ouergui et al., 2013). To develop proper timing, athletes need to focus on speed, reaction time, and understanding various sparring situations.

• Muscular Power

Muscle power, the ability to generate high amounts of force in short periods, is considered a major prerequisite for successful performance among amateur and elite kickboxers (Kawamori et al., 2004). High muscular power production is crucial for delivering powerful kicks and punches (Machado et al., 2010). This applies to Muay Thai athletes as well, since both combat sports share similar demands.

Upper-limb explosive power has been determined through the use of medicine ball throwing (Turner, 2009). Performance on vertical jump is assessed through counter-movement jump (CMJ) which is largely accepted as an indicator of kickboxers’ lower body muscular power. (Slimani et al., 2017)

CONCLUSION

This article explored the key physical abilities required for successful Muay Thai performance, drawing insights from similar combat sports due to limited Muay Thai-specific data. We identified three crucial aspects:

• Strength and Strength Endurance: Providing the foundation for powerful strikes, blocks, and overall performance.

• Speed and Agility: Enabling precise timing, quick reactions, and effective maneuvering during sparring.

• Muscular Power: Allowing athletes to generate explosive force in punches and kicks for maximum impact.

By developing these physical attributes, Muay Thai athletes can reach their full potential and achieve peak performance in the ring.