Muscle Mechanics
What is the all-or-none law in muscle contraction?
All muscle fibres in a motor unit contract fully or not at all.
What is tapering and why is it important before competition?
Tapering reduces training load before competition to allow peak performance.
What is the Inverted U hypothesis?
Moderate arousal = peak performance; too high or low = decline.
What is the primary energy system used during a 100m sprint?
ATP-PC system – it produces ATP very quickly for explosive efforts.
What is a performance routine and how does it help athletes?
Routine behaviours that help athletes focus and regulate arousal.
Name two differences between Type I and Type IIb muscle fibres.
Type I: slow-twitch, fatigue resistant. Type IIb: fast-twitch, fatigues quickly.
List two aerobic adaptations and how they help endurance performance.
Increased mitochondria and capillaries help oxygen delivery and usage.
Describe one example of how self-talk improves performance.
E.g. “I can do this” helps control nerves and focus attention.
Describe the interplay of energy systems in a 400m sprint.
ATP-PC first, then anaerobic glycolysis. Aerobic kicks in late.
Explain how task cohesion can improve team performance.
Working together with clear roles increases motivation and success.
Explain the force–length relationship.
Force depends on sarcomere length — optimal overlap gives max force.
What are two symptoms of overtraining and how can they be prevented?
Fatigue, decreased motivation. Prevention: rest days, varied training.
What are the three types of goals and how do they help motivation?
Process, performance, outcome. Help break goals into achievable steps.
How does the body use carbs and fats differently during exercise?
Carbs provide fast energy; fats are slower but more sustainable.
Define social loafing and describe its impact on team dynamics.
Team members reduce effort when individual contribution is less visible.
Describe how motor unit recruitment affects force production.
More units recruited = more force. Recruitment increases with intensity.
Explain how compression garments assist in recovery.
They increase blood flow and reduce muscle soreness post-exercise.
Explain how imagery can help manage arousal before a competition.
Imagery creates a mental plan and reduces anxiety before performance.
Describe the energy system contributions in a team sport like netball.
All three systems contribute depending on duration/intensity of play.
Evaluate how a coach could improve group cohesion using Carron’s model.
Address environmental, personal, leadership, and team factors with strategies.
Explain how force–velocity and force–length relationships together influence maximal strength movements.
Force–velocity = fast = low force, slow = high force.
Force–length = optimal overlap = max force.
Together they impact heavy lifts.
Analyse how a poorly managed taper can negatively impact both physiological and psychological readiness.
If taper is too long/intense, athlete may detraining or feel flat.
Mentally, confidence drops and fatigue returns.
Discuss how an athlete’s use of relaxation, self-talk, and imagery must change under high-pressure conditions.
Under pressure, athletes need calming imagery, focused self-talk, and slower breathing to control arousal.
Evaluate how energy system contributions and by-products affect pacing strategies in multi-event competitions.
Systems shift based on event.
Accumulated by-products like H+ and heat affect second events if recovery is poor.
Explain how poor leadership can lead to social loafing and reduced task cohesion in a team sport.
Poor leadership causes confusion and lack of effort.
No clear roles = social loafing = weaker cohesion and performance.