Analyse how the type component of the FITT principle can be manipulated to improve aerobic capacity in team sport athletes. (8 marks)
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Sample Answer – Any 3 – 4 of the following in depth
Game-based conditioning::
- Small-sided games (3v3 to 6v6) can be designed to maintain high heart rates (70-85% MHR) while developing sport-specific movement patterns and decision-making.
- These games provide high transfer to competition while maintaining athlete motivation and engagement compared to traditional aerobic training.
Sport-specific interval training:
- Intervals can be designed to replicate the movement patterns and work-to-rest ratios of specific sports.
- For example, basketball players might perform court-length sprints, defensive slides, and jumping combinations rather than generic running.
- This enhances transfer of aerobic development to game performance.
Circuit training:
- Circuits combining aerobic exercises with sport-specific skills can effectively develop aerobic capacity while maintaining technical proficiency.
- By manipulating work periods, rest intervals, and exercise selection, coaches can create appropriate aerobic training stimulus while reinforcing skill development.
Cross-training:
- Utilising different aerobic training modalities (cycling, swimming, rowing) can provide effective aerobic stimulus while reducing orthopedic stress from sport-specific movements.
- This is particularly valuable during heavy competition periods or for athletes returning from injury.
Fartlek training:
- Incorporating variable-intensity training with sport-specific movements allows athletes to develop aerobic capacity in a manner that mimics the unpredictable nature of team sports.
- Sessions can be structured or unstructured depending on the training phase and athlete needs.
Environmental manipulation:
- Changing training environments (sand, hills, water) can increase training stimulus while maintaining sport-specific movement patterns.
- For example, beach volleyball players performing footwork drills in sand increases intensity while enhancing sport specificity.
High-intensity aerobic intervals:
- Team sport athletes benefit from high-intensity intervals (85-95% MHR) that develop both aerobic power and lactate threshold.
- These intervals must be carefully designed to match sport demands and recovery capacities.
Most effective approach:
- Integrates multiple training types throughout a periodised program, with greater emphasis on general aerobic development in the preparatory phase and increasing sport-specificity as competition approaches.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer – Any 3 – 4 of the following in depth
Game-based conditioning:
- Small-sided games (3v3 to 6v6) can be designed to maintain high heart rates (70-85% MHR) while developing sport-specific movement patterns and decision-making.
- These games provide high transfer to competition while maintaining athlete motivation and engagement compared to traditional aerobic training.
Sport-specific interval training:
- Intervals can be designed to replicate the movement patterns and work-to-rest ratios of specific sports.
- For example, basketball players might perform court-length sprints, defensive slides, and jumping combinations rather than generic running.
- This enhances transfer of aerobic development to game performance.
Circuit training:
- Circuits combining aerobic exercises with sport-specific skills can effectively develop aerobic capacity while maintaining technical proficiency.
- By manipulating work periods, rest intervals, and exercise selection, coaches can create appropriate aerobic training stimulus while reinforcing skill development.
Cross-training:
- Utilising different aerobic training modalities (cycling, swimming, rowing) can provide effective aerobic stimulus while reducing orthopedic stress from sport-specific movements.
- This is particularly valuable during heavy competition periods or for athletes returning from injury.
Fartlek training:
- Incorporating variable-intensity training with sport-specific movements allows athletes to develop aerobic capacity in a manner that mimics the unpredictable nature of team sports.
- Sessions can be structured or unstructured depending on the training phase and athlete needs.
Environmental manipulation:
- Changing training environments (sand, hills, water) can increase training stimulus while maintaining sport-specific movement patterns.
- For example, beach volleyball players performing footwork drills in sand increases intensity while enhancing sport specificity.
High-intensity aerobic intervals:
- Team sport athletes benefit from high-intensity intervals (85-95% MHR) that develop both aerobic power and lactate threshold.
- These intervals must be carefully designed to match sport demands and recovery capacities.
Most effective approach:
- Integrates multiple training types throughout a periodised program, with greater emphasis on general aerobic development in the preparatory phase and increasing sport-specificity as competition approaches.