Biomechanics
What is the main purpose of biomechanics in sport?
To improve performance and prevent injuries
Name one function of the skeletal system.
Support / Protection / Movement / Storage / Blood cell production.
What are the three stages of learning a motor skill according to Fitts and Posner?
Cognitive, Associative, Autonomous
What are the two main parts of an effective warm-up?
Aerobic activity and stretching
Name the three phases of movement.
Preparation, Action, Follow-through
What type of bone is the femur?
Long bone
What is one characteristic of the cognitive stage?
High error rate / Trial and error / Needs lots of feedback / Creating a mental picture
Name three components of health-related fitness.
Cardiorespiratory endurance, Muscular strength, Muscular endurance, Flexibility, Body composition
Give an example of how an equipment change can prevent injury in sport.
E.g., cushioned footwear absorbs force to reduce injury risk, better grip increases stability. Surfaces that reduce friction or impact allow for safer, more efficient biomechanics.
Which anatomical plane divides the body into left and right halves?
Sagittal plane
What is the difference between open and closed motor skills?
Open = unpredictable environment; Closed = stable and predictable
What does a step test measure?
Cardiorespiratory endurance
Apply the phases of movement to a tennis forehand. Describe how biomechanical errors in one phase might affect the next.
Poor preparation (e.g., late backswing) leads to rushed action and weak follow-through, reducing accuracy and speed.
Name three major bones involved in lower body movement.
Femur, Tibia, Fibula (others: Pelvis)
Explain how a coach should modify their feedback approach between the cognitive and autonomous phases of learning.
Cognitive: Frequent, external, visual/verbal feedback. Autonomous: Minimal, kinaesthetic-based, strategy-focused feedback for refinement.
Describe two physiological changes that occurs during a warm-up.
Increased blood flow / Raised muscle temperature / Increased oxygen delivery
Long bones (e.g., femur) support weight and facilitate movement; flat bones (e.g., scapula) protect organs and provide large surface area for muscle attachment.
Define serial, discrete, and continuous skills, and give an example of each.
Serial = sequence of discrete (e.g. gymnastics routine), Discrete = clear start/end (e.g. throw), Continuous = no clear end (e.g. running)
Justify the inclusion of both aerobic activity and muscle-specific stretching in an effective warm-up routine.
Aerobic activity increases heart rate and circulation; specific stretching prepares targeted muscles for expected movement, improving performance and reducing injury.