Explain how undue stress on a swimmer's body might affect their performance during competition, and describe two strategies a coach could implement to address this issue. (4 marks)
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Sample Answer
- Undue physical stress leads to extreme fatigue causing poor technique and body positioning in the water. As a result, swimmers experience increased drag and slower times.
- Muscle fatigue from overtraining causes compromised stroke efficiency. This triggers reduced power output and potential injury as swimmers compensate with incorrect mechanics.
Strategy 1:
- Implement appropriate periodisation in training by varying intensity and volume. This works by incorporating adequate recovery days between high-intensity sessions, which prevents accumulation of fatigue.
Strategy 2:
- Monitor training loads using metrics like rate of perceived exertion (RPE) or heart rate variability. This enables coaches to adjust workloads accordingly, thereby preventing overtraining syndrome.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer
- Undue physical stress leads to extreme fatigue causing poor technique and body positioning in the water. As a result, swimmers experience increased drag and slower times.
- Muscle fatigue from overtraining causes compromised stroke efficiency. This triggers reduced power output and potential injury as swimmers compensate with incorrect mechanics.
Strategy 1:
- Implement appropriate periodisation in training by varying intensity and volume. This works by incorporating adequate recovery days between high-intensity sessions, which prevents accumulation of fatigue.
Strategy 2:
- Monitor training loads using metrics like rate of perceived exertion (RPE) or heart rate variability. This enables coaches to adjust workloads accordingly, thereby preventing overtraining syndrome.