Stretching

Question 1

Identify the open-closed classifications of motor skill and describe how they relate to specific sporting actions

Answer 1

Open-Closed continuum: how much performance of skill affected by factors outside of performer, environment

Open: skill affected by environment/performed in dynamic changing situation/environment e.g. required for actions of other players, ball flight, acquiring & using external information, high level of decision making, e.g. striking & fielding games - typically externally paced

Closed skill: skill performed in a stable, unchanging environment, where environment has little/no impact on skill performance. E.g. in athletics, shot put or in gymnastics, vaulting
Actions = habitual, require little or no decision making. Typically self-paced

Question 2

Identify the gross-fine classifications of motor skill and describe how they relate to specific sporting actions

Answer 2

Gross–Fine Continuum – level of precision/fine control performer uses when performing skill

Gross Skill: strong powerful movement requiring use of major muscle groups. Major body movement involving large muscle groups. E.g. strength, power & endurance; often fundamental motor patterns, e.g. kicking & throwing

Fine Skill: small, precise movement showing high levels of accuracy & co-ordination, using small muscle group, requiring good hand–eye coordination, e.g. badminton net drop shot

Question 3

Identify the discrete-serial-continuous-continuum classifications of motor skill and describe how they relate to specific sporting actions

Answer 3

Discrete–Serial–Continuous Continuum: whether it’s possible to determine movement has definite beginning or end

Discrete skill: movement with a clear beginning and end. Single specific skill, often short, brief. To repeat performer must start from beginning. E.g. basketball free throw, tennis serve

Serial Skill: series of specific movements (often discrete) chained together in sequence. First movement in series triggers next. E.g. gymnastics routine, triple jump

Continuous Skill: no clear beginning & end, one end blends into start phase of next cycle - movement is ongoing, pattern continuously repeated. E.g. running, swimming, cycling

Question 4

Identify the externally-paced & self-paced classifications of motor skill and describe how they relate to specific sporting actions

Answer 4

Externally Paced–Self-Paced Continuum – how much control performer has over rate & timing of action

Externally Paced skill: e.g. skill initiated by something other than performer. Rate/initial movement controlled/influenced by external factors, e.g. opponents, receiving a tennis serve.

Self-Paced skill: performer decides when movement will begin & pace at which movement performed. Rate/initial movement controlled by performer, e.g. speed of rotation in gymnastics somersault

Question 5

Examine the short-term and long-term impact on the heart of a novice runner after completing a training programme for a 10 km race

Answer 5

Body functions more effectively at these intensities - body able to generate same output for lower work rate or, alternatively, greater output for same work rate
Main impact = cardiac hypertrophy, stronger heart, increases contractile force
Decreased resting heart rate/bradycardia. Increased strength helps pump more blood into aorta & arteries
Increased stroke volume = increased volume of blood ejected from left ventricle per beat, more nutrients supplied to working muscles

Question 6

Comment on the different sports science developments a coach could
use to improve an athlete’s performance

Answer 6

Physiology:
Physiologists, fitness coaches, S&C coaches analyse activities & fitness/energy demands involved
Nutrition specialists design athlete specific nutrition/hydration strategies to allow max performance, especially important for endurance athletes

Psychology:
Sports psychologists work to improve visualisation, confidence, motivation
Goal setting for training phases and competition
Individual & team performance profiling, team dynamics & team bonding strategies

Technology:
Biomechanics & movement analysis
Developments in clothing & equipment to improve performance (aerodynamics, compression clothing, materials such as carbon fibre, titanium)
Performance analysis methods (heart rate monitoring, VO2 max measurement, GPS)