Performance Support
How specialists work with coaches and athletes to enhance key elements of performance
Performance support refers to the people and professions who work collaboratively with coaches and athletes to support and develop the fundamental elements of performance. It encompasses various disciplines across sports science, sports medicine, strength and conditioning, wellbeing and engagement, engineering, and more. 1, 2
The Australian High Performance System has committed to 'Winning Well'. This includes using world-leading knowledge, innovation, and practices to ensure that Australian athletes, coaches, and performance support work as high functioning performance teams. 1
The Australian high performance sport system has developed minimum standards that must be met for performance support practitioners to work in National Sporting Organisations and the National Institute Network. 3
Topics
Discover how performance support can enhance performance outcomes.
Biomechanics
The study of human movement and how people interact with equipment.
Medicine
Skills in injury care, medical issues, and exercise for health and disease prevention.
Nutrition
The science and practice of eating to support health and performance
Performance Analysis
Recording performance objectively to measure key elements accurately and consistently.
Physiology
The biological science that studies how the body’s organs and systems work individually and together.
Psychology
The psychological skills and knowledge needed to support peak performance in sport.
Recovery
Using effective physical and mental recovery techniques helps improve sport performance.
Skill Acquisition
A multi-disciplinary science that studies how to develop, optimise, and maintain motor skills.
Strength and Conditioning
Deliberate training of speed, strength, endurance, agility, power, stability, and flexibility.
Network Resources
Networks are a useful way for organisations, committees and both formal and informal working groups to connect, share ideas and exchange knowledge and resources—either openly or through secure channels—to support the development of sport.
Some resources could require login or membership and may be restricted to those working in the Australian sport sector due to licensing, copyright or privacy conditions. If you think you should have access, please contact us.
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REFERENCES
- 2032+ Australia’s High Performance Sport Strategy, Australia's High Performance Sport System, (2022).
- Performance Support, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 17 February 2026).
- Australian Performance Support Practitioner Minimum Standards, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 18 February 2026).
Last updated: 18 February 2026 Content disclaimer: See Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer
Is this information complete? The Clearinghouse for Sport is a sector-wide knowledge sharing initiative, and as such your contributions are encouraged and appreciated. If you would like to suggest a resource, submit a publication, or provide feedback on this topic, please contact us.
