The use of IPP and the impact on team performance in high school sports: a cross-sectional survey of varsity coaches

OBJECTIVE: to establish if using an IPP was associated with team performance measures in high school varsity sports.

DESIGN: cross-sectional anonymous survey

METHODS: A survey was sent via email to 1,686 high school varsity coaches in Minnesota with 443 responses; 412 were included in the final analysis. Coaches reported win-loss record, progress in the post-season, and use of and compliance with an injury prevention program.

RESULTS: Teams that reported using an IPP for at least half of the season had a higher winning percentage (59% vs 52%, p=0.050) and a higher rate of making it past the first round of post-season play (68% vs 48%, p=0.014) compared to teams that did not use a formal IPP.

CONCLUSION: There was a positive relationship between the use of a formal IPP and team performance. This team-level benefit of IPP may improve the use of IPP in high school teams.