IMPROVING PERFORMANCE

IMPROVING PERFORMANCE

1. HOW DO ATHLETES TRAIN FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE

   • Strenth Training
     • Resistance training (elastic, hydraulic)
     • Weight training (plates, dumbbells)
     • Isometric training
   • Aerobic Training
     • Continuous / uniform
     • Fartlek
     • Long interval
   • Anaerobic training (power and speed)
     • Developing power through resistance/ weight training
     • Plyometrics
     • Short interval
   • Flexibility training
     • Static
     • Dynamic
     • Ballistic
   • Skill Training
     • Drills practice
     • Modified and small-sided games
     • Games for specific outcomes (decision-making, tactical awareness

2. WHAT ARE THE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS FOR IMPROVING PERFORMANCE

   • Initial planning considerations
     • Performance and fitness needs (individual / team)
     • Schedule of events / competitions
     • Climate and season
   • Planning a trainng year (periodisation)
     • Phases of competition (pre-season, in-season and off-season phases)
     • Subphases (macro and microcycles)
     • Peaking
     • Tapering
     • Sport specific subphases (fitness components, skill requirements
   • Elements to be considered when designing a training session
     • Health and safety considerations
     • Providing an overview of the session to athletes (goal-specific)
     • Warm up and Cool down
     • Skill instruction and practice
     • Conditioning
     • Evaluation
   • Planning to avoid overtraining
     • Amount and intensity of training
     • Physiological considerations (lethargy, injury)
     • Psychological considerations (loss of motivation)

3. WHAT ETHICAL ISSUES ARE RELATED TO IMPROVING PERFORMANCE

   • Use of Drugs
     • The dangers of performance enhancing drug use, e.g. physical effects, loss of reputation, sponsorship and income
     • For strength (human growth hormone, anabolic steroids)
     • For aerobic performance (EPO)
     • To mask other drugs (diuretics, alcohol)
     • Benefits and limitations of drug testing
   • Use of technology
     • Training innovation, e,g,. lactate threshold testing, biomechanical anaylsis
     • Equipment advances e.g. swimsuits, golf ball