Paul Schaffran - Sport Science Initiatives for Player Development - Borussia Dortmund Insights

Episode 160: In this episode, Steve Barrett talks to Paul Schaffran, the executive assistant of the managing director and head of strategy and youth development for Borussia Dortmund, sharing his unique journey in sports science and youth development. Paul discusses his educational background, the challenges of balancing family and career, and the innovative sports science initiatives implemented at Borussia Dortmund Academy, including bio-banding. Paul emphasizes the importance of collaboration between science and coaching, the need for a holistic approach to player development, and the significance of measuring success through both subjective and objective metrics. He also highlights the competitive landscape of German football and the club's commitment to nurturing talent from within.

Topics Discussed

⁠•⁠  Self-Development within Sports Science 
•⁠  Transitioning into leadership roles 
•⁠  ⁠⁠Effective Bio-Banding
•⁠  ⁠⁠Sports Science initiatives to support the MDT

Key Points

Addressing Relative Age Effect and Biological Maturation:

Borussia Dortmund's academy identified significant issues related to the relative age effect and a prevalence of early-developed players in their youth system. To address this, they introduced an ultrasound hand-wrist measurement system approximately two and a half years ago. This system allows for accurate assessment of players' biological status, covering all age groups from under-9 to under-19. Measurements are conducted twice a year, providing consistent data on player development and maturation rates. This initiative represents a proactive approach to understanding and mitigating the impacts of biological maturation on player selection and development.

Data-Driven Approach to Player Development:

The biological status data collected is systematically shared with coaches during meetings, particularly for age groups from under-12 to under-19. This approach aims to stimulate critical discussions about the consequences of selection practices and potential strategies to address biases in player evaluation. Rather than enforcing strict quotas, the goal is to encourage practitioners to think critically about long-term player potential versus current performance levels. By presenting this data, the academy fosters an environment where coaches can reflect on how biological maturity affects performance and potential, encouraging them to consider developmental trajectories rather than solely focusing on immediate performance metrics.

Bio-Banding Initiative:

One of the most significant initiatives implemented at Borussia Dortmund is the bio-banding program. This innovative approach involves players from under-12 to under-15 age groups training in bio-banding groups once a week. In these sessions, players are grouped based on their biological maturity rather than chronological age. This method allows for more equitable comparisons and tailored training experiences that account for individual developmental differences. The bio-banding initiative serves multiple purposes: 

1. It provides late-maturing players with opportunities to showcase their skills against physically similar peers, potentially boosting their confidence and allowing their technical abilities to shine.
2. Early-maturing players are challenged to rely less on their physical advantages and more on their technical and tactical skills when grouped with biologically similar, but chronologically older players.
3. It offers coaches and scouts a more nuanced view of player potential, looking beyond current performance levels that might be heavily influenced by physical maturity.

To evaluate the effectiveness of this approach, scouts are tasked with rating players in both chronological and biological training sessions. This dual assessment helps identify any performance discrepancies between the two settings, providing valuable insights into how maturation impacts player capabilities and perceived potential.

Organizational Changes Supporting Bio-Banding:

The success and potential of the bio-banding initiative led to significant organizational changes within Borussia Dortmund's coaching structure. Notably, an experienced coach with over 30 years at the club was appointed as head of coaching for under-12 to under-15 age groups. This strategic move reflects a commitment to developing coaching practices that align with bio-banding principles while ensuring continuity in implementing these strategies across age groups. The appointment of a seasoned practitioner to oversee this age range demonstrates the club's dedication to embedding bio-banding concepts into their core development philosophy.

Long-term Impact and Sustainability of Initiatives:

A key focus of these initiatives is to create sustainable practices within Borussia Dortmund's youth academy that will endure and evolve over time. The bio-banding concept, in particular, has been embraced to such an extent that it's expected to continue developing even without the original implementer's direct involvement. This indicates a successful embedding of innovative practices into the club's culture, where coaches and staff actively engage in and contribute to the evolution of these methodologies. Holistic Approach to Player Development:

The implementation of bio-banding and biological maturity assessments is part of a broader, holistic approach to player development at Borussia Dortmund. This comprehensive strategy encompasses not only physical training but also integrates aspects of player scouting, personality development, and managing transition phases between age groups. By considering multiple facets of player development, the club aims to nurture well-rounded athletes capable of progressing through the academy system and potentially into professional football. Collaboration with Academia:

Borussia Dortmund's innovative approach to youth development is further enhanced by their collaboration with local universities. This partnership focuses on integrating academic research in areas such as performance diagnostics, personality development, and talent identification into the practical football environment. By bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, the club ensures that their development strategies are informed by the latest scientific insights. These initiatives collectively demonstrate Borussia Dortmund's commitment to evidence-based practices in youth development. By focusing on long-term potential rather than short-term performance, and by considering the complex interplay of biological maturation, skill development, and psychological factors, the club is positioning itself at the forefront of progressive youth development in professional football. 

Where you can find Paul:

LinkedIn
[email protected]
ResearchGate

Sponsors 

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