Training Methods

Question 1

Disadvantages of altitude training (cost) and alternative

Answer 1

-One problem for an athlete is the cost of going to altitude, they may not be able to afford to travel to get there and may be able to mimic the demand of altitude in a hypoxic tent, which had a lower PO2 (partial pressure of oxygen for a lower cost)

Question 2

Disadvantage of altitude training (altitude sickness)

Answer 2

-The sickness and inability to train can lead to detraining and this means that the athlete may lose fitness

Question 3

How does plyometric training work?

Answer 3

-Hopping, bounding and jumping movements
-Aims to develop power, speed and explosive strength
-Involves mainly type II x fibres
-Eccentric contraction followed by a concentric contraction
-The stretch reflex is activated, detected by the muscle spindles
-Sends a nerve impulse to the CNS and elastic energy is stored
-Muscle spindles prevent overstretching of the muscles and avoids injury
-Three phases of stretch shortening cycle

Question 4

How does SAQ (speed agility quickness) training work and benefits?

Answer 4

-Involves progressive exercises to develop an athletes ability to be more skilful at faster speeds and with greater precision
-The benefits of SAQ include increased muscle power, brain signal efficiency, kinaesthetic spatial awareness, motor skills and reaction time.
-Newton’s 3rd law- apply a muscular force to the ground; equal and opposite GRF moves the body
-The ability to change direction and start and stop quickly under control.