Option: Improving Performance

5 dot points across 2 inquiry questions, in syllabus order. Each dot point has a focused answer, with exam-style questions and worked answers where available.

What are the planning considerations for improving performance?

Planning a training program for an athlete: initial planning considerations (performer's profile, performance goals, demands of the sport), sport-specific energy systems, fitness components, training principles, time available

Planning. Initial considerations (performer profile, goals, sport demands), energy systems and fitness components analysis, principle application, and time-budgeting.

7 min read →

Types of training programs and methods (aerobic, anaerobic, flexibility, strength), application to specific sports, monitoring and adjustment of the training program

Training program types. Aerobic, anaerobic, flexibility, and strength program design, application to specific sports, and how to monitor and adjust.

6 min read →

Application of training principles to a specific sport: integrating progressive overload, specificity, reversibility, variety, training thresholds, warm-up and cool-down into a coherent sport-specific program

Applying training principles. Three worked examples (rugby league forward, swimmer, javelin thrower) showing how the seven principles combine into coherent programs.

6 min read →

What ethical issues are related to improving performance?

Use of drugs to enhance performance: types of performance-enhancing drugs (anabolic steroids, EPO, hGH, peptides, stimulants), the rationale for use, consequences (physical, social, legal), drug testing and the role of WADA, Sport Integrity Australia and ASADA

Drugs in sport. Types of PEDs (anabolic steroids, EPO, hGH, peptides, stimulants), rationale, consequences, and the anti-doping framework (WADA, Sport Integrity Australia).

7 min read →

Use of technology to enhance performance: equipment and apparel (footwear, swimsuits, bikes), recovery technology, monitoring technology (GPS, heart rate, biomarkers), video and biomechanical analysis, ethical considerations of access and fairness

Technology. Equipment and apparel, recovery technology, GPS and biomarker monitoring, video and biomechanical analysis, and the access/fairness debate.

7 min read →