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32 — Improving Performance (20 marks) (a) How does planning for performance differ for elite and amateur athletes? (b) Evaluate the effectiveness of processes used to identify and manage an overtrained athlete. - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 32 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 32
32 — Improving Performance (20 marks) (a) How does planning for performance differ for elite and amateur athletes? (b) Evaluate the effectiveness of processes use... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:32 — Improving Performance (20 marks) (a) How does planning for performance differ for elite and amateur athletes? (b) Evaluate the effectiveness of processes used to identify and manage an overtrained athlete. - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 32 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
How does planning for performance differ for elite and amateur athletes?
Answer
Planning for performance varies significantly between elite and amateur athletes due to various factors such as commitment levels, training structure, and resources available.
Commitment Levels
Elite athletes often dedicate their entire lives to training and competition, training multiple times a day under professional guidance. In contrast, amateur athletes usually balance training with work or studies, limiting their available training time.
Training Structure
Elite athletes typically follow a structured and periodized training plan tailored to peak at specific competitions, like national or international events. They have access to sports scientists, nutritionists, and coaches, which allows them to employ sophisticated strategies to enhance performance. Amateur athletes, however, might not have access to such resources, leading to a less structured approach and training that may not align with their competitive schedules.
Resources
Elite athletes often benefit from sponsorships, allowing them to access better facilities, technology, and support staff. Amateur athletes, on the other hand, may face financial limitations that restrict their ability to train optimally, impacting their overall performance development.
Examples
For example, an elite swimmer may train daily with a coach focusing on technique and endurance, while an amateur swimmer may only practice a few times a week due to work commitments, affecting their capability to improve competitively.
Step 2
Evaluate the effectiveness of processes used to identify and manage an overtrained athlete.
Answer
The processes used to identify and manage an overtrained athlete are crucial for ensuring their well-being and maximizing performance potential.
Identification Processes
Methods for identifying overtraining often include monitoring training loads, performance metrics, and athlete feedback on fatigue. Utilizing wearable technology can provide data on physiological markers like heart rate and recovery time, allowing coaches to identify warning signs early.
Management Processes
Once identified, managing an overtrained athlete typically involves reducing training intensity or volume, implementing rest days, and using recovery techniques such as physiotherapy or psychological support. Coaches can also communicate with athletes to adjust training plans, ensuring the athlete feels involved and aware of their training journey.
Effectiveness
These processes are generally effective when executed promptly. Early identification of overtraining can prevent long-term physical and mental fatigue, allowing athletes to return to peak performance with a structured recovery plan. Additionally, athlete-coach partnerships in decision-making foster a sense of control and motivation for the athlete.
Challenges
However, challenges remain, such as athletes' reluctance to report feelings of fatigue due to fear of losing their position in the team or competition. Coaches must create an environment where athletes feel comfortable sharing these concerns without repercussions.
Overall, with the right systems in place, coaches significantly reduce the incidence of overtraining, leading to better performance outcomes and athlete longevity.