Explain how the purpose of fitness testing changes across different phases of an athlete's annual training cycle. Provide specific examples to support your answer. (5 marks)
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Sample Answer
- During the off-season phase, fitness testing primarily identifies areas requiring improvement and establishes baseline measurements, with comprehensive assessment across all relevant fitness components to inform the subsequent pre-season program design.
- Pre-season testing shifts purpose toward tracking progress in targeted components and fine-tuning position-specific requirements, with assessments becoming more sport-specific such as using yo-yo intermittent recovery tests for team sport athletes.
- In-season testing narrows focus to maintenance of key fitness attributes while minimising fatigue, often utilising abbreviated testing protocols that monitor essential components without compromising competitive performance.
- Testing immediately prior to major competitions serves to confirm readiness and provide final confidence boosts, focusing on performance indicators rather than physiological assessment.
- Post-season testing completes the annual cycle by providing comprehensive comparison to pre-season baselines, identifying which program elements were most effective and informing adjustments for the next annual plan.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
- During the off-season phase, fitness testing primarily identifies areas requiring improvement and establishes baseline measurements, with comprehensive assessment across all relevant fitness components to inform the subsequent pre-season program design.
- Pre-season testing shifts purpose toward tracking progress in targeted components and fine-tuning position-specific requirements, with assessments becoming more sport-specific such as using yo-yo intermittent recovery tests for team sport athletes.
- In-season testing narrows focus to maintenance of key fitness attributes while minimising fatigue, often utilising abbreviated testing protocols that monitor essential components without compromising competitive performance.
- Testing immediately prior to major competitions serves to confirm readiness and provide final confidence boosts, focusing on performance indicators rather than physiological assessment.
- Post-season testing completes the annual cycle by providing comprehensive comparison to pre-season baselines, identifying which program elements were most effective and informing adjustments for the next annual plan.