Explain why the 'Frequency' component of the FITT principle needs to be modified when an athlete moves from pre-season to in-season training. Use a specific sport to support your answer. (4 marks)
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Sample Answer – Chosen sport – Netball
- Pre-season allows higher training frequency because no competitive matches exist to create additional stress.
- Athletes can train 5-6 times weekly as recovery time is dedicated solely to training demands.
- Example: A netball player completes 5 training sessions weekly during pre-season preparation.
- In-season frequency must be reduced due to the physical and mental demands of regular competition.
- This reduction is necessary because match play provides high-intensity stimulus requiring recovery time.
- Training frequency drops to 2-3 sessions weekly to prevent accumulated fatigue affecting performance.
- Match demands create significant physiological stress which limits available recovery time for additional training.
- Therefore in-season training focuses on maintaining fitness rather than building new improvements.
- Example: The same netball player reduces to 2 light training sessions between weekend matches.
- This modification ensures optimal performance on match day while preventing overtraining and injury risk.
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Sample Answer
- Pre-season allows higher training frequency because no competitive matches exist to create additional stress.
- Athletes can train 5-6 times weekly as recovery time is dedicated solely to training demands.
- Example: A netball player completes 5 training sessions weekly during pre-season preparation.
- In-season frequency must be reduced due to the physical and mental demands of regular competition.
- This reduction is necessary because match play provides high-intensity stimulus requiring recovery time.
- Training frequency drops to 2-3 sessions weekly to prevent accumulated fatigue affecting performance.
- Match demands create significant physiological stress which limits available recovery time for additional training.
- Therefore in-season training focuses on maintaining fitness rather than building new improvements.
- Example: The same netball player reduces to 2 light training sessions between weekend matches.
- This modification ensures optimal performance on match day while preventing overtraining and injury risk.