HSC Option 4: Improving performance

How do athletes train for improved performance?

To comprehend how athletes train for improved performance means being able to understand and analyse how gains in strength, power, speed, endurance, flexibility and skill improvement can be achieved.

To explore these areas, click on the links for each area.

Training for strength, power, speed or endurance

When considering resistance training it must be remembered that most athletes train specifically to improve their performance in a chosen sport. They consider:

• the exercise design for major muscle groups
• types of resistance training
• overload techniques, to optimise their strength
• plyometrics
• the effects on the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems
• measuring maximum volume of oxygen (max VO₂).

Training for flexibility, skill and improvement

All training programs require an element of flexibility training to optimise the athlete's range of motion and performance. Understanding the types of flexibility training, as well as the design of an effective stretching program whilst avoiding contraindications is essential. Athletes must also train for skill improvement to optimise their performance. These include considering:

• variety of practice or drills
• analysis of technique
• technique correction.