Physiology of team sports

Question 1

What is the activity profile of team sports?

Answer 1

• Intermittent activity profile
• > 90% of time is spent walking or jogging
• Multiple high-intensity involvements requiring athletes to sprint, jump, tackle, etc
• Game constraints make Vmax sprints unlikely/infrequent. Multiple accelerations take place

Question 2

In terms of training what should be prioritised for team sports?

Answer 2

Technical and tactical activities should be placed at the top of the pyramid.
However their training must also ensure that they are fit enough to perform the duration of the game.

Question 3

How did victor frade define tactical periodization?

Answer 3

In particular, physical preparation should not be isolated and trained independently; it should always integrate with the mental, technical and tactical training.

Question 4

What are the advantages of tactical periodisation?

Answer 4

Prioritises tactical training

Highly specific, excellent transfer to game situations

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of tactical periodisation?

Answer 5

Difficult to quantify and monitor physical load that players are exposed to.

Question 6

Which central factor adaptations will improve team sport performance?

Answer 6

• Cardiac output (HRxSV)
• Increased hormone sensitivity
• Improved fuel transport

Question 7

Which peripheral factor adaptations will improve team sport performance?

Answer 7

• Increased mitochondrial density
• Increased capillary density
• Increased enzymatic capacity
• Increased glycogen storage

Question 8

How may team sport players implement training to induce these adaptations?

Answer 8

Long steady distance (LSD)
RPE = 3 to 6
HR = 65 to 80%

Question 9

Which primary abilities required for sports performance will a solid strength base improve?

Answer 9

• Change of direction ability
• Jump ability
• Sprint ability

Question 10

What does the strength association phase mean in terms of performance?

Answer 10

The stronger an individual gets the more direct cross-over to performance it will have. Within this phase the strength training yields benefits.

Question 11

How strong is “strong enough”?

Answer 11

Strength bench marks are as follows
Squat > 1.5xBW
Bench > 1.3xBW
Pull Up > 1.3xBW

Question 12

What did Charlie Francis report about intensities of training?

Answer 12

Training should only be low intensity or high/explosive intensities, there is no room or need for medium intensity exercise.