body and movement concepts
a group of four concepts used to develop specialised movement sequences and strategies in different sports and physical activities. The concepts are body awareness, space awareness, quality of movement, and relationships (e.g. to objects and other people)
cognitive verbs
task words that will provide information on what students are expected to provide in an answer to a question
data
information collected for reference, analysis and evaluation
instrument-specific marking guide (ISMG)
a tool for marking that describes the characteristics evident in student responses and aligns with the identified objectives for the assessment
multimodal presentation
a presentation comprised of more than one media or component
specialised movement sequence
a combination of movement skills that enable the body to move in response to a stimulus
affordances
opportunities for action that present themselves to athletes in a performance environment. Affordances are provided by the environment or the task – but the ability to take advantage of them depends on the ability of the learner
attunement
the ability to perceive information in a performance environment and use it to identify available affordances
body and movement concepts
a group of four concepts used to guide the development and judge the effectiveness of specialised movement sequences and movement strategies in different sports and physical activities
body awareness
a body and movement concept; body awareness relates to the sense (or consciousness) we have of our own body when performing a skill
cognitive systems approach
a theoretical framework used to help explain the processes involved in motor learning; according to this approach, the brain acts as the central command centre for the body. It creates action plans for movements based on information it receives from the body’s senses and instructs the muscles to perform these actions in a linear order (i.e. step-by-step)
constraint
any internal or external variable that impacts on an athlete’s performance
constraints-led approach
an approach to teaching and learning that involves manipulating constraints in authentic game situations so that learners are challenged to find their own movement solutions to the problems they face (or the goals they want to achieve); as opposed to more traditional coaching techniques that favoured coach-directed technical drills performed in isolation outside authentic game situations
dynamic
a term used to describe a process or system that is constantly changing
dynamic models of learning
theories that sit within the broader theoretical framework of the dynamic systems approach and explain and predict how certain aspects of motor learning and movement take place
dynamic systems approach
a theoretical framework used to help explain the processes involved in motor learning; according to this approach, the intelligence that coordinates and controls body movements is the result of complex interactions between the individual, the environment and the task
dynamic systems theory
a dynamic model of learning that focuses on how a learner’s motor control system interacts with the environment and produces movements that will maximise the chances of success
ecological model
one of two main dynamic models of learning used to explain and predict how certain aspects of motor learning and movement take place; the ecological model focuses on how a learner’s motor control system interacts with the environment in order to simultaneously ‘perceive and act’ and ‘act and perceive’ in order to identify opportunities and produce movements that will maximise the chances of success
environmental constraints
any characteristic of the environment that an athlete needs to overcome or adapt to; they can include physical environmental constraints (e.g. weather, light, noise) and social environmental constraints (e.g. parents, peers, coaches, cultural norms)
fundamental movement skills
basic skills upon which specialised movement sequences and movement strategies are created
learner constraints
any characteristic of the individual (i.e. personal attribute) that an athlete needs to overcome or adapt to; they can include structural learning constraints (e.g. height, weight, physical strength, fitness level) and functional learner constraints (e.g. confidence, motivation, concentration, anxiety)
motor control system
a term used to describe a range of body systems that work together in order to regulate the production of movements (i.e. the nervous system, muscular system, skeletal system, etc.)
motor learning
a field of science that investigates human movement with the goal of understanding how humans acquire and retain the motor skills required to perform specialised movements (i.e. through practice, experience and/or feedback)
movement strategies
a variety of approaches that assist a player or team to successfully achieve a movement outcome or goal (e.g. moving into space to receive a pass or hitting a ball away from opponents to make it difficult to retrieve or return)
perception–action coupling
a process that involves interpreting or giving meaning to information from the environment (i.e. perception) and linking this with a specific movement (i.e. action). This concept suggests that perceiving information and producing an action is a simultaneous two-way relationship (i.e. action influences perception at the same time as perception influences action)
principles of decision-making
a set of guidelines (i.e. cognitive processes) that can be used to help individual athletes or teams make the best and most appropriate decisions in performance environments
principles of play
a set of movement strategies that can be used to help individual athletes or teams adapt to any tactical situation in performance environments
quality of movement
a body and movement concept; quality of movement relates to the characteristics (i.e. qualities) of a movement (e.g. speed, effort, force, accuracy, level of effort, etc.)
rate limiters
types of constraints that have a negative effect on the development of motor skills in an individual and may restrict performance; rate limiters can be related to the task, the learner or the environment
relationships
a body and movement concept; relationships relates to the objects (i.e. the people and equipment) that an athlete interacts with during the performance of the skill
self-organisation
a process in which many different systems and organs in the body interact dynamically with each other (in response to constraints) to achieve a goal or establish a movement pattern that is stable
space awareness
a body and movement concept; space awareness relates to the relationship between the body and its surroundings (i.e. the space around it)
specialised movement sequences
a combination of fundamental movement skills (and movement elements) that enable the body to move in response to a stimulus
tactical awareness
an athlete’s ability to identify and interpret what is happening within a game situation to help them select, adapt and apply the best physical responses and increase their chances of success
tactical strategy
an approach that assists a player or team to successfully optimise performance through the application of specialised movement sequences and movement strategies
task constraints
any characteristic of a task that an athlete needs to overcome or adapt to (e.g. the rules of a game, the size or shape of the equipment, the size and shape of the playing surface)
ability
the degree to which a person possesses the means to do something (i.e. their physical or mental ability) and/or the degree of proficiency or skill a person possesses (i.e. their talent)
agents of socialisation
the people in our lives from whom we learn the types of behaviours and values that are expected of us in society (e.g. parents and guardians, siblings, friends, teachers and coaches)
bias
prejudice for or against a particular person or group (especially in a way that could be considered unfair)
code of behaviour
a document that sets out the expected standards of behaviour for members of a particular group, team or organisation (with a focus on stakeholders who publicly represent the team during training, competitions or club-sanctioned activities)
code of conduct
a document that outlines the principles, standards and rules of a particular group, team or organisation
commercialisation
the process of managing or running something (e.g. a sporting club or sporting code) primarily for financial gain
commodification
the process of turning something with social, cultural or artistic (i.e. non-monetary) value into a commodity (i.e. a product that can be bought and sold)
corruption
a term used to describe dishonest or fraudulent conduct carried out by those in power (typically for personal financial gain); in sport, it also includes any unethical or illegal activity that aims to deliberately change or alter the result of a sporting contest
doping
the use of banned performance-enhancing drugs by athletes and competitors during training or competition
enabler
a factor that encourages a person to participate in a sport or physical activity
equality
a concept that relates to being equal in terms of status, rights or opportunities; it means striving for fairness and justice by treating people the same (regardless of their personal differences)
ethical decision-making framework
a five-stage tool that provides a set of simple, practical tips and recommendations that can be used as a guide when responding to any ethical dilemma
ethical dilemmas
situations in which a difficult choice must be made between two options, when neither option will result in an outcome that is ethically or morally acceptable; in physical education, ethical dilemmas are determined by the interactions between your values and principles, and your purpose for engaging in physical activity
ethical values
a term used to describe a specific group of principles, characteristics or standards of behaviours that most people in a community or society would associate with ethical behaviour
ethics
a system of principles and values (i.e. standards of behaviour) that develop within a social group and by which actions are judged to be ‘good’ or ‘bad’; ‘right’ or ‘wrong’
ethics strategies
any plans of action created with the goal of promoting ethical values, ethical behaviours and fair play
exploitation
the act of treating someone or something unfairly in order to gain an advantage or benefit
fair competition
observing the rules of a sport and complying with codes of conduct and behaviour; it relies on referees and officials acting fairly and without bias
fair play
following the written and unwritten rules of competition and showing respect, fairness, friendship and tolerance to others (both on and off the field)
gender exclusion
the action or state of restricting or excluding people from a sporting club, association or code based on their gender or sex
gender inclusion
the action or state of welcoming or including people in a sporting club, association or code, regardless of their gender or sex
globalisation
a term used to describe the increasing interconnection and interdependence of countries around the world (on a range of economic, cultural, political and environmental issues)
globalisation
a term used to describe the increasing interconnection and interdependence of countries around the world (on a range of economic, cultural, political and environmental issues)
gross domestic product (GDP)
a measure of the market value of all the goods and services produced in a period of time
integrity
the quality of having strong morals and personal values (e.g. honesty, loyalty, respect for others, trustworthiness, fairness)
mass media
a collection of technologies (i.e. print, broadcast, digital) that are used to communicate messages to very large numbers of people
match fixing
the action or practice of dishonestly determining the outcome of a match before it is played (usually for financial or personal gain)
morals
ideals or standards of behaviour that a person may try to follow or live up to in order to be considered ‘good’ and ‘right’ by other members of a society (e.g. being honest, showing respect for others, being faithful, showing kindness)
multinational
a term used to describe clubs, companies or organisations that operate in many different countries
norms
a standard or pattern of behaviour that is acceptable or expected within a particular social group (e.g. family, club, society)
para-sport
any sport played by people with a disability or impairment (including physical, vision, hearing, intellectual)
personal values
the principles or standards of behaviour that guide how an individual lives their life; a person’s judgment on what is important in life (e.g. honesty, fairness, trustworthiness)
Play by the Rules
a national organisation that provides support and resources to help all Australians embrace the concept of fair play
positive engagement
participation in sport and physical activity that sets a good example, both for those who play and watch the sport, and for the wider community
respect
a feeling of admiration towards a person (or thing) based on their abilities, qualities or achievements
risk management
the identification, assessment and implementation of control measures designed to reduce or remove potential safety and wellbeing hazards
sledging
the practice of making taunting or teasing remarks to an opposing player, especially a batsman, in order to disturb their concentration
slippery slope trap
a series of small unethical actions (e.g. ‘bending the rules’) that can develop into more serious unethical behaviour over time
Sport Australia
a federal government agency in Australia responsible for providing strategic leadership and allocating funding for sporting activities at a national level (formerly known as the Australian Sports Commission)
stakeholder
a person (or group of people) who has an interest, connection, concern or investment in something (e.g. stakeholders in a sporting team may include the players, coaching staff, administrative staff, members, spectators, sponsors and investors)
sweatshop
a factory or workshop (especially in the clothing industry), where manual workers are employed at very low wages for long hours and under poor conditions
team spirit
a term used to describe feelings of pride, loyalty and solidarity shared among the members of a group, enabling them to cooperate and work together as a single unit
unwritten rules
a set of expectations, qualities or values that are known and understood by a group but have not been formally documented
written rules
the formally documented regulations governing a sport
active recovery
recovery through low-intensity movements that helps reduce heart rate
acute physiological adaptation
immediate changes in body structures and organs in response to exercise
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
an energy-rich molecule found in the cells of every living organism that provides the energy required for most bodily functions (especially the muscle contractions that enable physical activity); ATP is made up of adenosine and three phosphate groups
aerobic
a term used to describe a chemical reaction that takes place with the presence of oxygen
aerobic capacity
the ability of the heart, lungs and circulatory system to supply oxygen and other nutrients to working muscles so that an athlete can exercise continuously for extended periods without tiring; one of the seven components of fitness
aerobic glycolysis
the process of breaking down glycogen in the presence of oxygen via the aerobic system
aerobic interval training (AIT)
a form of interval training that incorporates longer work periods and rest periods than other forms of interval training (i.e. HIIT and SIT)
aerobic system
an energy system that resynthesises ATP aerobically for use in low- to medium-intensity activities lasting longer than 90 seconds
aerobic training zone
a medium intensity training zone that allows for the development of the body’s circulatory system
agility
the ability to move the entire body (or specific parts of the body) from one position to another, or from one direction to another, quickly and precisely; one of the seven components of fitness
amino acids
the building blocks of protein in our bodies and in the food we eat; they come from the food we eat and are also produced by the body
anaerobic
a term used to describe a chemical reaction that takes place without the presence of oxygen
anaerobic glycolysis
the process of breaking down glycogen without oxygen present via the lactic acid system
anaerobic training zone
a high-intensity training zone in which an athlete works above their lactate threshold in intervals
annual plans
an athlete’s overall training plan for the year, which includes an overview of the physical activities that they need to train for and the times at which they must be in peak physical condition for competition. Annual plans can consist of one or more macrocycles
ATP cycle
a process that simultaneously releases the energy captured in ATP (i.e. by carrying out a chemical reaction that produces ADP and phosphate) and uses energy to resynthesise (i.e. remake) ATP (i.e. from ADP and phosphate)
ATP–PC system
an energy system that resynthesises ATP anaerobically for use in maximum-intensity activities lasting 0 to15 seconds
cadence
the pace, timing or rhythm of an exercise (e.g. performing squats with a 1 down, 1 up or a 3 down, 1 up rhythm)
carbohydrates
a type of nutrient found in food and used as a source of energy; foods high in carbohydrates include grains (e.g. breakfast cereals), starchy vegetables (e.g. potatoes and peas), sugars, fruits and dairy products
cells
the basic building blocks of all living things; membrane-bound units that contain the fundamental molecules of life
chemical energy
a type of energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds (e.g. atoms and molecules) of certain substances, such as food. Chemical energy is released through chemical reactions and transformed into other types of energy (e.g. mechanical energy)
chronic physiological adaptation
longer-term changes in body structures and organs in response to training
circuit training
a type of training method in which a variety of different activities are performed consecutively (i.e. in a cycle)
circulatory system
a body system responsible for moving blood, oxygen and nutrients around the body (i.e. via the heart, veins, arteries and blood vessels)
competition phase
a set period of time within a macrocycle dedicated to maintaining and optimising an athlete’s energy, fitness and skill levels to enable them to compete
components of fitness
a series of seven characteristics used to identify specific aspects of an athlete’s overall fitness (i.e. aerobic capacity, power, strength, speed, agility, muscular endurance, flexibility)
compound exercise
an exercise targeting two or more muscle groups over multiple joints
conditioning phase
a section within a training session devoted to targeting specific energy, fitness and skill objectives; the main part of a training session
continuous training
a type of training performed at the same intensity for an extended period of time without periods of rest
cool down phase
a period of moderate physical activity (e.g. walking or jogging) conducted after vigorous exercise in order to reduce the chance of injury
distress
a bad form of stress that leads to injury, illness or exhaustion
duration
a principle of training that states the length of training time should be appropriate for the selected sport or physical activity
dynamic flexibility training
a type of flexibility training that involves stretching body parts and muscles in a controlled way, gradually increasing reach and/or speed of movement
energy
(in the context of sport and physical activity) power derived from fuels (e.g. foods we eat) and used by the body to perform basic bodily functions and produce movement
energy systems
a system used by the body to provide the energy required to resynthesise ATP and ensure that the body has the energy it needs to take part in physical activity. There are three main energy systems used by the body – the ATC–PC system, the lactic acid system, and the aerobic system
eustress
a good form of stress that leads to physiological adaptation
exercise physiology
a specialised field of physiology that studies the short- and long-term effects of exercise on the human body
fartlek training
a variation of continuous training in which athletes vary the intensity of their exercise by increasing the speed or resistance of their work (e.g. by adding incline, running on sand, running up stairs)
fats
a type of nutrient found in food and used as a source of energy; foods high in fat include oils, nuts, dairy products (e.g. milk, cheese), avocados, some cuts of meat and oily fish
fatty acids
the building blocks of the fat in our bodies and in the food we eat; they come from the food we eat and are also produced by the body
fitness
a term used to describe the condition of being physically fit and healthy, as well as a person’s ability to participate effectively in a particular sport or physical activity
fitness–fatigue model
a theory that explains that the body responds to every training session by experiencing a ‘fitness effect’ and a ‘fatigue effect’ simultaneously, and it is the relationship between the two that determines when an athlete will benefit from training again
fitness profile
a table of fitness-based values designed to help individual athletes understand their overall fitness level (by providing data on a range of components of fitness) and design an appropriate training strategy
flexibility
the ability of a joint to move through its full range of motion; one of the seven components of fitness
flexibility training
a type of training that involves stretching the muscles, tendons and ligaments in and around joints
frequency
a principle of training that states the number of times training occurs in a given period should be appropriate for the selected sport or physical activity
game analysis
the process of observing, recording and analysing performance and skill data from a selected game, sport or physical activity so that this information can be used to design relevant and appropriate training activities
General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)
a theory that explains that the body responds to stress in three phases – alarm, resistance, exhaustion; it states that positive stress (i.e. eustress) results in chronic physiological adaptation and that negative stress (i.e. distress) results in exhaustion
glucose
a simple sugar that is commonly found in many carbohydrates and used as an energy source by the body
glycogen
a substance stored in body tissue that comes from carbohydrates (i.e. a stored form of glucose)
glycolysis
the process of breaking down glycogen in order to resynthesise ATP
haemoglobin
a protein-based molecule in the blood that carries oxygen
heart rate recovery
a measure of the rate at which the heart returns to normal resting levels (in beats per minute) between periods of exercise
high-intensity interval training (HIIT)
a form of interval training that alternates short, intense, unsustainable bursts of anaerobic zone exercise (lasting less than 20 seconds) with short recovery periods
individuality
a principle of training that states the personal needs, goals, fitness levels, motivation and skills of individual athletes should be considered when designing a training program
initial training values
the quantitative measurement of training that you can realistically manage at the start of any training program (number of repetitions, work volume, intensity, W:R, duration, sets)
intensity
a principle of training that states the magnitude of exertion (i.e. how hard an athlete trains) should be appropriate for the selected sport or physical activity
inter-session recovery
the recovery that takes place in between one training session and another training session
interval training
a type of training that manipulates periods of work and rest to enhance a specific component of fitness and target a particular energy system
intra-session recovery
the recovery that takes place within a single a training session (e.g. between sets)
isokinetic resistance training
a type of resistance training in which movement against a resistance maintains a constant speed, no matter how much force is applied
isolated exercise
an exercise targeting a single group of muscles over a single joint
isometric (static) resistance training
a type of resistance training in which the muscle contraction is static (i.e. there is tension in the muscle but no movement across the joint)
isotonic (dynamic) resistance training
a type of resistance training in which the muscle contraction is dynamic (i.e. there is tension in the muscle and movement across the joint) against a constant resistance
kilojoules (kJ)
a standard unit of measure used to describe the energy content of different types of foods
lactate
a component of lactic acid that remains after hydrogen ions (i.e. the acidic component of lactic acid) are separated
lactate threshold
the point at which lactic acid (i.e. lactate and hydrogen ions) begins to accumulate in the muscles at a faster rate than it can be removed (in the blood)
lactate threshold training zone
a specific zone in which the athlete trains at or just under their lactate threshold
lactate turn point (LTP)
a term used to describe the point at which the accumulation of lactic acid (i.e. lactate and hydrogen ions) results in negative effects (e.g. prevents the muscle fibres from contracting properly) and fatigue
lactic acid
a by-product of anaerobic glycolysis that is created when glucose is partially broken down to provide energy for ATP resynthesis
lactic acid system
an energy system that resynthesises ATP anaerobically for use in high-intensity activities lasting 15 to90 seconds
loading
an increase in work volume and/or intensity of work, placing the athlete’s body under stress
loading–recovery pattern
the relationship between loading and recovery, expressed as a ratio
long slow distance (LSD) training
a type of continuous training performed at a steady, low- to moderate-intensity over an extended distance or duration
macrocycle
the training period from the beginning of the preparatory training phase to the end of a transition training phase within an annual plan
maximum heart rate (MHR)
the highest number of times (i.e. beats) your heart is capable of pumping per minute during exercise
mechanical energy
a type of energy that an object has when it is moving
mesocycles
training periods, generally 4 to 6 weeks in duration, with a specific training focus
microcycles
training periods, generally 7 to 10 days in duration, with a specific training focus
molecule
a group of two or more atoms that are bonded together
muscular endurance
the ability to sustain or repeat a series of muscle contractions without fatigue; one of the seven components of fitness
muscular system
a body system responsible for movement (i.e. via the muscles and tendons)
nutrients
components of food that are absorbed and used by the body to provide energy for physical activity and support the growth, repair and proper functioning of cells, organs and body systems
overtraining
training excessively
passive flexibility training
a type of flexibility training that involves having another person stretch body parts and muscles through a full range of motion and holding them in that position for you
passive recovery
recovery where the body is inactive
peak
an optimal state of athletic readiness aimed at the highest possible performance
periodisation
the process of dividing an annual training plan into a series of smaller, more manageable periods of time (known as training phases, mesocycles, microcycles and training sessions). Each period of time is designed to target a specific training objective over a specific period of time
phosphocreatine (PC)
a substance found in the body that is broken down via the ATP–PC system in order to resynthesise ATP
physiology
a field of science that studies the functions and mechanisms at work within living organisms (e.g. humans, animals and plants)
plyometric training
a type of resistance training that involves rapid concentric (i.e. shortening) movements of muscle groups followed by rapid eccentric movements (i.e. lengthening) of the same muscle groups
point of failure
the moment when no more muscle fibres can be recruited to engage in an activity (e.g. the moment an athlete cannot perform any more bicep curls)
power
the ability to exert maximum force in the shortest amount of time; one of the seven components of fitness
pre-competition phase
a set period of time within a macrocycle dedicated to optimising the athlete’s position or event-specific energy, fitness and skill levels
preparatory phase
a set period of time within a macrocycle dedicated to increase the athlete’s general level of fitness
preparedness
an athlete’s level of readiness to achieve physiological adaptation from training
principles of training
a set of guidelines considered in the development, design and evaluation of a training strategy (i.e. specificity, frequency, intensity, duration, progressive overload, individuality, variety)
progressive overload
a principle of training that states that training should be planned to ensure gradual increases in training load to ensure that physiological adaptation is appropriate for the selected sport or physical activity
proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) flexibility training
a type of flexibility training that involves stretching body parts and muscles through a full range of motion passively (i.e. with the assistance of another person), followed by the athlete pushing against the resistance, and then another round of passive stretching that pushes the stretch a little beyond the previous range of motion
protein
a type of nutrient found in food and used as a source of energy; foods high in protein include meat, eggs and dairy products, as well as grains, legumes, nuts and seeds
RAMP approach
a specific warm up technique aimed at: raising body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate and joint viscosity; activating and mobilising key muscle groups, joints and range of motion; and preparing for exercise by incorporating dynamic stretching
recovery
the process of an athlete’s body returning to its normal state; for example, a fatigued athlete’s muscles beginning to feel normal again, and their breathing rate slowing to a normal rate, is a form of recovery
recovery training zone
a low intensity training zone that allows for the recovery and adaptation of the body’s structures following a bout of high-intensity work
repetition duration
the amount of time it takes to perform one repetition of an exercise (e.g. the repetition duration of a bicep curl is commonly around three seconds)
repetition maximum (RM)
the most weight an individual can lift for a defined number of repetitions
resistance training
a type of training that requires an athlete to work against something that resists the movement of the body (or particular body parts)
respiratory system
a body system responsible for the inhalation and exhalation of air (i.e. via the lungs, trachea, mouth and nasal passage)
resynthesise
to put different elements back together again after being broken apart
specialising
concentrating on, and becoming good at, one physical activity only
specificity
a principle of training that states the type of exercise used in training should be relevant (i.e. specific) to the energy systems, position-specific movements, and the fitness requirements of the selected sport or physical activity
speed
the ability to move the entire body (or specific parts of the body) quickly; one of the seven components of fitness
sprint interval training (SIT)
a form of interval training that alternates periods of high-intensity sprints with rest periods
static flexibility training
a type of flexibility training that involves stretching body parts and muscles through a full range of motion and holding them in that position for a period of time with nothing but the use of the agonist muscle (i.e. no assistance)
strength
the ability of a muscle (or muscles) to exert force by contracting against resistance; one of the seven components of fitness
tapering
the gradual reduction of work volume and/or intensity of training in the lead up to a major competition in order for the athlete to peak
target heart rate (THR)
the heart rate you aim to train at during exercise
tempo training
a type of continuous training performed just under an athlete’s lactate threshold
training
(in the context of sport and physical activity) the specific tasks an individual completes to enhance their energy and fitness in preparation for their chosen physical activity
training load
the combination of work volume and intensity; the overall difficulty of the training
training methods
forms of exercise that can be selected and used to target particular components of fitness and performance (i.e. continuous training, fartlek training, resistance training, interval training, flexibility training, circuit training)
training objectives
the specific energy, fitness and skill outcomes that athletes aim to achieve through training
training phases
four distinct stages of training that combine to make an annual plan. Each training phase is designed to target a specific training objective over a specific period of time. There are four main training phases: the preparatory phase, the pre-competition phase, the competition phase and the transition phase
training program
a series of training events/activities planned over a specific period of time (e.g. 1 week, 2 months, 1 year), designed to help an individual or team achieve a range of energy, fitness and skill goals. The features of training programs include: specific training objectives; game analysis; work volume (frequency and duration), intensity; tapering and recovery
training strategies
plans developed to improve the performance of an athlete or help them achieve a goal; training strategies consider the personal requirements of an athlete (e.g. their individual physical and mental characteristics), as well as the requirements of their chosen physical activity (e.g. the physical demands, skills, strategies and techniques needed)
transition phase
a set period of time within a macrocycle dedicated to giving the athlete a physical and mental rest from energy and fitness training
triglycerides
the main constituents of natural fats and oils, as well as the chemical form of fat stored by the body; they come from the food we eat and are also produced by the body
unloading
a decrease in work volume and/or intensity of work, reducing the stress placed on the athlete’s body
variety
a principle of training that states a range of different training activities, movement options and training contexts should be included in a training program
VO2 max
a measure of an individual’s maximum oxygen consumption during intense physical activity
warm up phase
a period, or act, of preparation for a match, performance, or exercise session, involving gentle exercise or practice
work volume
a general measure of how much exercise an athlete does; a combination of the frequency and duration of the training activities undertaken