Block 1: Physiology & Biomechanics
Known as the universal energy currency of the cell, this molecule releases energy to power muscular contractions when one of its phosphate bonds is hydrolyzed.
What is Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)?
Unlike gross motor skills that rely on large muscle groups for walking or jumping, precision tasks like threading a needle, typing, or writing with a pen are classified as this type of skill.
What is a fine motor skill?
Driven by external rewards or avoiding punishment rather than internal enjoyment, this form of motivation includes competing primarily for trophies, prize money, or social recognition.
What is extrinsic motivation?
With well over 600 million followers, this legendary soccer forward isn't just the most-followed athlete on Instagram—he is the most-followed individual human on the entire platform.
Who is Ronaldo?
Jumping jacks, side-lunge exercises, and lateral arm raises all occur within this anatomical plane, which divides the body into anterior and posterior sections.
What is the frontal (or coronal) plane?
According to Self-Determination Theory, optimal intrinsic motivation requires satisfying three basic psychological needs: competence, relatedness, and this need to feel in control of one's own actions.
What is autonomy?
Essential for human survival and performance, this trio of dietary components—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—provides the caloric energy the body requires in large quantities.
What are macronutrients?
Drafted #1 overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024 after shattering NCAA scoring records at Iowa, this point guard brought unprecedented viewership and sellout crowds to women's basketball.
Who is Caitlin Clark?
Unlike anaerobic glycolysis, aerobic metabolism takes place inside this 'powerhouse' organelle, utilizing oxygen to yield ATP
What is the mitochondria
This training principle states that adaptation only occurs when the training stress continuously exceeds the physiological demands the body is accustomed to.
What is progressive overload?
This clinical syndrome occurs when an athlete's dietary intake is insufficient to cover energy expenditure, impairing metabolic rate, bone health, immunity, and endocrine function in all genders.
What is Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)?
Ending a 12-year stint with Mercedes, this seven-time World Champion made massive motorsport news by signing to drive for Scuderia Ferrari starting in the 2025 F1 season.
Who is Lewis Hamilton?
Spreading your fingers wide apart or raising your arm straight out to the side away from the body's midline are both examples of this anatomical movement.
What is abduction?
This training rule dictates that movement velocity, joint angles, energy systems, and neurological recruitment patterns must directly mirror the target performance to transfer effectively.
What is the principle of specificity (or Specific Adaptations to Imposed Demands)?
Described by the Inverted-U hypothesis and Drive theory, this neutral physiological and psychological state of readiness ranges from deep sleep to extreme excitement and dictates an athlete's activation level.
What is arousal?
Entering the NHL in 2021, Seattle's hockey franchise chose this mythical multi-tentacled sea creature for its team name and mascot.
What are the Seattle Kraken?
During maximal-intensity efforts lasting under 10 seconds, this high-energy compound stored in muscle tissue donates its phosphate group to rapidly re-phosphorylate ADP without requiring oxygen or producing lactate.
What is phosphocreatine (or creatine phosphate / PC)?
Moving away from traditional cognitive "information processing" theories, this motor control framework views movement as a continuous interaction between the individual, task, and environment.
What is ecological dynamics?
Distinct from somatic anxiety—which manifests as physical symptoms like an elevated heart rate or sweaty palms—this form of anxiety consists of negative thoughts, worry, and apprehension that directly disrupt an athlete's concentration and decision-making.
What is cognitive anxiety?
Originally located in Cleveland and then Los Angeles, this NFL team moved to St. Louis in 1995 before returning to LA in 2016, making them the only franchise to win NFL titles representing three different cities.
Who are the Rams (Los Angeles / St. Louis)?