Evaluate nutritional strategies for a team sport involving both energy systems. (6 marks)
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Sample Answer
Team sports require both immediate and sustained energy:
- Players need adequate carbohydrates to fuel both their short sprints during play and maintain energy levels throughout the entire game, making a balanced diet with plenty of complex carbohydrates essential
Different playing positions have varied nutritional needs:
- Players who perform more anaerobic activities like repeated sprinting need higher protein intake for muscle recovery, while those doing more continuous running require higher carbohydrate intake.
Meal timing is important:
- Pre-game nutrition should include easily digestible carbohydrates to ensure energy availability for both immediate and sustained efforts during play, with light snacks available during breaks to maintain energy levels.
Post-game nutrition focuses on replenishment:
- Players need to consume both carbohydrates to restore energy and protein to repair muscles, with food consumed soon after the game when the body is most receptive.
Hydration strategies need to be individualised:
- Players should drink water regularly before and during the game based on their individual needs and the environmental conditions to maintain performance in both energy systems.
Daily nutrition planning matters:
- Players need to consume adequate amounts of all nutrients including carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle maintenance and recovery, and essential vitamins and minerals for optimal energy system function.
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Sample Answer
Team sports require both immediate and sustained energy:
- Players need adequate carbohydrates to fuel both their short sprints during play and maintain energy levels throughout the entire game, making a balanced diet with plenty of complex carbohydrates essential
Different playing positions have varied nutritional needs:
- Players who perform more anaerobic activities like repeated sprinting need higher protein intake for muscle recovery, while those doing more continuous running require higher carbohydrate intake.
Meal timing is important:
- Pre-game nutrition should include easily digestible carbohydrates to ensure energy availability for both immediate and sustained efforts during play, with light snacks available during breaks to maintain energy levels.
Post-game nutrition focuses on replenishment:
- Players need to consume both carbohydrates to restore energy and protein to repair muscles, with food consumed soon after the game when the body is most receptive.
Hydration strategies need to be individualised:
- Players should drink water regularly before and during the game based on their individual needs and the environmental conditions to maintain performance in both energy systems.
Daily nutrition planning matters:
- Players need to consume adequate amounts of all nutrients including carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle maintenance and recovery, and essential vitamins and minerals for optimal energy system function.