ACHPER (SA) TRIAL EXAMINATION 2016

2016 ACHPER (SA) PHYSICAL EDUCATION

TRIAL EXAM

SUGGESTED
RESPONSES
Notes for Teachers:
ACHPER provides approval for teachers to copy this master copy for students.
Other than for this specified purpose, copyright exists with ACHPER (SA). It
may not be reproduced for any other purpose without permission from ACHPER
(SA).
Please note these answers are suggested answers developed by experienced
Physical Education teachers. Please let us know of any improvements or
corrections. Any feedback is welcomed to ACHPER (SA) on the details below.
ACHPER (SA) - The Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and
Recreation, SA Branch Inc
First Floor, 105 King William Street, Kent Town SA 5067
Ph: (08) 8363 5700 Fax: (08) 8362 9800
Email: info@achpersa.com.au www.achpersa.com.au
ACHPER (SA) 2016
ACHPER (SA): Promoting Active and Healthy Living

PART 1: SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS (Questions 1 8)

(110 marks)
1.

The graph below shows the relationship between the number of choices available to a subject in match
conditions and the time taken to produce a response in the form of a skill output.

a) Describe the relationship between the number of environmental choices and time taken to produce an
output shown in the graph.
The greater the number of choices, the longer it takes to produce an output.
(1 mark)
b) Explain how Selective Attention will improve the speed of skill response.
The response needs to display an understanding of Selective Attention as part of the explanation
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
Selective Attention allows the subject to focus on only the environmental cues which are relevant in making a
choice on output. If the subject has fewer cues to manage, information processing will be quicker, leading to
quicker decision making and earlier initiation of an output.
(2 marks)
i) As learners progress through the stages of learning in a sport, what would happen to their response time?
Their response time will reduce.
(1 mark)
ii) Elite performers appear to have all the time in the world. Use the relationship shown in the graph to
explain how that is achieved.
This response carries a communication mark and must show an understanding of how it is that the elite
performer appears to have all the time in the world while utilizing information from the graph
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
The graph shows that, if fewer choices are required, an output (skill performance) can happen more
quickly. Elite performers have better signal detection and selective attention than other performers. Because
of this they spend less time processing input (environmental information) and therefore make a decision
on the required output more immediately. This means the elite performer is actually dealing with FEWER
choices and therefore enabling an earlier output, just as the trend in the graph displays. By initiating their
response earlier than the normal performer, the elite performer has more time to complete the output. That
means more time to get into good position and more time to complete ALL required preparatory movement.
So they look like they have all the time in the world.
(3 marks)
PTO
1

2.

The graph below shows comparisons between the blood lactate levels of four different swimmers during a
standardized test of 7 x 200m repetitions, with an allowance of 6 minutes between starts for each repetition.

a) Identify the swimmer who recorded the highest blood lactate level
Swimmer C

(1 mark)

b) i) At what speed does Swimmer C reach the blood lactate level that indicates OBLA?
1.6 metres/second

(1 mark)

ii) Explain which energy system would be dominant as Swimmer C continued to increase speed after reaching
OBLA
This response can focus on information from the graph, OBLA or on oxygen uptake.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 1:
The Lactic Acid system would be dominant. The body cannot take in enough oxygen for the aerobic system to
provide most of the energy needed, so anaerobic glycolysis will provide a higher proportion of the total
energy requirement.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 2:
The Lactic Acid system would be dominant. OBLA is Onset of Blood Lactate Accumulation and only occurs
when the body reaches a point (recognised as 4 mmols/L) where oxygen intake cannot keep up with the
required amount needed for the aerobic system to stay dominant.
(2 marks)
c) i) If Swimmer C wants to match his lactate curve to Swimmer D, which energy system must he develop?
The aerobic energy system.

(1 mark)

ii) Explain the response to 2. c) i)

The more the total energy requirement can be met by aerobic production, the less demand there will be on
anaerobic energy production. This will mean there is less lactic acid production as the lactic acid system will
not have to contribute as much. In turn, OBLA will occur only at a higher speed and the curve of Swimmer Cs
graph line will go up more gradually.
(2 marks)
(continued next page)
2

iii) List TWO training methods Swimmer C could use to move his lactate curve to match Swimmer D.
This response should only mention recognized training methods, in line with the PE curriculum. Any TWO
from the following list will be appropriate:
Threshold, Continuous, Fartlek, Interval, Aerobic, Tempo
(2 marks)
iv) Explain how ONE of the methods listed in 2 c) iii) would be structured to efficiently achieve the planned
improvement.
This response carries a communication mark. It must show understanding of the specific training method
and include characteristics common in prescriptions for training programs.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
Fartlek training is continuous work with regular variations in pace that may range from low intensity through
to short, maximal efforts. It is a very efficient way of improving the aerobic energy system. The swimmer
would need to complete at least 3 evenly spread sessions per week. Each session should be at least 20
minutes in duration and the swimmer should maintain heart rate in the range between 70-100% of max
effort over the session. An example may be a short burst of high intensity effort every second lap of the pool
with variation on the duration and intensity each time.
(3 marks)
d) Between seasons, Swimmer C spent 4 weeks sleeping in an altitude tent at night, while continuing a
training program by day. After that 4 week period, he repeated the same standardised fitness test and found
his lactate curve had moved closer to matching Swimmer D.
Identify ONE physiological adaptation associated with living at altitude and explain its benefit for
performance.
This response carries a communication mark. It must show understanding of the specific physiological
adaptation. There are variations in what different texts will present as physiological adaptations
associated with living at altitude. Acceptable options include: Increased haemoglobin, increased lung
capacity, increased myoglobin (skeletal muscle), increased skeletal muscle capillarisation and increased
mitochondria (skeletal muscle). The most significant physiological change in the minimum acclimatization
period of 16 days is increased haemoglobin levels in the blood.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
The physiological adaptation (most significantly) improved through living at altitude is the increased
haemoglobin concentration in the blood. This improves the bloods oxygen carrying capacity and that means
more oxygen can be supplied to the muscles. Subsequently, the aerobic system will be able to provide more
of the bodys total energy needs during performance, leading to reduced fatigue and greater ability to finish a
race at a higher pace than the opposition.
(3 marks)
e) Athletes living at altitude benefit most when they Live High, Train Low.
i) Describe what it means to Live High, Train Low.
Live High, Train Low means living and sleeping at high altitude (more than 2200m above sea level), but
doing all training at sea level.
(2 marks)
ii) Explain why Live High, Train Low is so efficient at improving performance.
By living high for an extended period (around 3 weeks at least 16 days minimum) the athlete is gaining
the benefit of increased haemoglobin concentration in the blood (to compensate for the lower atmospheric
oxygen concentration). When the athlete trains at sea level, where atmospheric oxygen concentrations are
greater, the athletes extra haemoglobin allows for increased volume of oxygen delivery to the muscles. They
can therefore produce more of their energy at higher intensities through the aerobic (energy) system which
means they can maintain a higher intensity during training. Higher intensity training leads to more efficient
physiological improvements and, therefore, more rapid/efficient performance improvement.
(2 marks)
3
PTO

f)

The 4 swimmers identified in the graph are all elite performers but differences can be seen between male
and female performance.
Identify and explain ONE physiological difference between the average male and the average female that
may account for the difference.

3.

This response carries a communication mark and must include appropriate explanation of why the
physiological difference identified can lead to improved performance.
This response can focus on any of the following physiological differences that exist between the average
male and the average female:
Larger body size in the average male also means larger lung capacity and heart size, so there is
greater potential for aerobic energy production through higher intake of oxygen and more
efficient delivery of oxygen to the muscles.
Males, on average, are taller with longer limb length, and therefore benefit from greater leverage
and not having to use as many strokes per lap.
Males, on average, have greater muscle mass and therefore a higher potential for aerobic energy
production, due to having more mitochondria per muscle.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
The swimmer who can produce more of their total energy requirement aerobically, compared to the other
swimmers, will accumulate blood lactate more slowly as they will not produce as much energy through the
lactic acid system. The two male swimmers (in the graph) both reached OBLA at a higher speed than the two
females, so the males lactate accumulation was slower. This may be because males, on average, have larger
lung capacity and heart size, which means they can deliver greater volumes of oxygen to their working
muscles and therefore have greater potential for aerobic energy production.
(3 marks)
The following graph shows comparisons between the changing phospho-creatine (PC) levels in the skeletal
muscles of 2 netballers, as each completed a series of sprint repetitions during a netball training session.

a) What is the PC level of Subject 1 at the start of Sprint 4?

90%

(1 mark)
(continued next page)
4

b) Explain why the PC levels are lower in both subjects at the start of Sprint 3 compared to the start of Sprint 2.
Each 5 second sprint will rely mainly on the ATP-PC energy system through the early repetitions. When PC
stores are utilized it takes 3 minutes of rest to recover them back to full capacity. With only 50 seconds
recovery between sprints, full recovery of PC stores will not occur, leading to reduced PC levels from one
start to the next (as shown between the starts of Sprint 2 and 3)
(2 marks)
c) Which of the two subjects has the better aerobic capacity?
Subject 1

(1 mark)

d) Using data from the graph, explain your response to 3. c)

This response carries a communication mark and must include information provided by the graph.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
Having a better aerobic capacity will lead to more efficient recovery of PC stores in between sprints. It can be
seen in the graph that, after the first sprint, subject 1 has a higher PC level for every sprint start and the
difference over subject 2 increases more after each recovery period (approximately 15% more PC after the
first recovery period and almost 25% after the 5th)
(3 marks)
e) i) Which energy system would be dominant during the first sprint shown in the graph?
The ATP-PC system

(1 mark)

ii) Identify TWO acute physiological responses that would occur immediately during the first sprint effort.
Any two of the following acute physiological responses could be identified, but note the combinations that
would not be appropriate.
increased stroke volume (but not in combination with increased heart rate or increased cardiac
output)
increased heart rate (but not in combination with increased stroke volume or increased cardiac
output)
Increased cardiac output (but not in combination with EITHER increased stroke volume or heart rate)
Vasodilation in the working muscles OR re-distribution of blood flow to the working muscles
Increased breathing rate (but not in combination with increased breathing depth)
Increased breathing depth (but not in combination with increased breathing rate)
Decreased fuel stores (PC most immediately) in skeletal muscle
Decreased ATP stores in skeletal muscle
Increased A-VO2 difference
(2 marks)
Explain why the listed physiological responses occur.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 1:
Any acute physiological response that increases oxygen delivery to/uptake by the working skeletal muscles
will make ongoing energy production more efficient by increasing potential for aerobic energy production.
Increased breathing rate/depth and heart rate/stroke volume will deliver more oxygen to the working
muscles.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 2:
The ATP-PC energy system will increase its production more rapidly than the other systems as an immediate
response to increased activity levels. Phospho-Creatine (PC) fuel stores will immediately decrease as they are
used by the ATP-PC system.
(2 marks)
5

iii) The graph shows PC levels over 6 sprint repetitions. Use data from the graph to explain the interplay of
anaerobic energy systems that would occur if Subject 2 was required to continue with the same pattern of
repetition sprints for an extended period (eg: 30 repetitions instead of just 6).
This response carries a communication mark and must include information provided by the graph. It only
needs to focus on the two anaerobic energy systems.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
By the start of sprint 6, Subject twos PC level has recovered to only 60% of the 100% available for sprint 1.
There is progressive reduction from one sprint to the next. It can be seen that, if more repetitions were
required, Subject 2s PC levels would soon be so reduced that the ATP-PC system would not be able to provide
the majority of energy production for additional sprints. When the ATP-PC system can no longer be
dominant, because there is insufficient PC available for the full 5 second sprint, the Lactic Acid system will
take over as the dominant supplier.
(3 marks)
iv) What would be the main cause of muscle fatigue if Subject 2 was required to continue the same pattern of
repetition sprints for an extended period?
Increased hydrogen ion concentration, that occurs simultaneous to lactate production, is actually
responsible for the muscular fatigue because it increases blood and muscle acidity that, in turn blocks nerve
signals from the brain to the muscles. However, the notion that lactic acid accumulation is associated with
muscle fatigue is still accepted within the SACE PE course.
Blood lactate accumulation/lactic acid accumulation OR increased hydrogen ion concentration
f)

(1 mark)

The graph shows results coming from a training session in Netball.

i) What name is given to the training method that produced the graph results?
Interval Training.

(1 mark)

ii) Show how the training session is relevant to Netball by explaining its use of any TWO training principles.
The two training principles must be evident in the graph information. Any two principles, with appropriate
explanation of relevance (1 mark for the principle and 1 mark for the explanation in each case) could come
from the following:
Intensity Netball is played with many short, high intensity efforts. The interval session shown in the
graph is a series of 5 second sprints, repeated regularly (after 50 seconds rest).
Overload Most continuous, high intensity efforts in Netball will be shorter than 5 seconds. By having to
complete 5 second maximal sprints, the Netballers represented in the graph are overloading
on the required match efforts.
Specificity Netball is played with many short, high intensity efforts often with very short recovery
periods. The interval session shown in the graph is a series of short 5 second sprints with 50
seconds rest between each sprint.
Duration Netball is played with many short, high intensity efforts. The interval session shown in the
graph is a series of 5 second sprints and reflects the short, high intensity efforts required in
the game (Duration would normally only be applied to the length of a session or program,
but by showing an understanding that the time element in each sprint is relevant to the
efforts required in the game, the response shows understanding of duration)
(4 marks)

4.

The following graph shows a comparison of the time taken for an athlete to fatigue when using a sports drink
and plain water. The same quantity of fluid was ingested in each case.

a) What is ONE benefit that both drinks would provide the athlete.
Hydration/reduced risk of dehydration
(1 mark)
b) i) Identify TWO benefits that would be specific to the Sports Drink and not to the Water.
Sports drinks contain (High GI) carbohydrates and electrolytes. The carbohydrates will help to replenish blood
glucose and muscle glycogen used during energy production and the electrolytes will replenish those lost
through perspiration.
(2 marks)
ii) Explain ONE of the benefits identified in 4. b) i)
This response carries a communication mark.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
During aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis, blood glucose and glycogen stored in the working muscles will be
used as a fuel for energy production. Sports Drinks are a very efficient way of ingesting High GI carbohydrates
that can be quickly absorbed into the blood and used to replenish blood glucose and muscle glycogen, used
by both systems.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
Electrolytes such as sodium (also chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium) are lost through perspiration.
Electrolytes help regulate the balance of fluid in all our bodys cells and are important to help maintain
efficiency of muscle action and nerve impulse. Sports Drinks are a very efficient way of ingesting electrolytes
that can be quickly absorbed into the blood to replenish those lost through perspiration.
(3 marks)
c) When competing in hot, humid conditions, additional fluid intake is necessary because dehydration is more
likely.
i) Explain how dehydration will affect energy production and what that will mean for performance during an
endurance activity.
This response carries a communication mark.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
Dehydration occurs when excessive fluid loss causes the blood to thicken and flow more slowly. Glucose and
oxygen cannot be transported as effectively as normal because blood flow is slowed, so aerobic energy
production will be less efficient. Endurance performance will be negatively affected because there will be a
higher dependency on anaerobic pathways for energy production. Fatigue will come more quickly because of
the increased lactic acid production and quicker depletion of glycogen.
(3 marks)

ii) The bodys cooling system will be affected if dehydration occurs during exercise. Explain this statement.

5.

This response carries a communication mark. Appropriate explanation of the reduction in efficiency of
Radiation OR Sweating would be suitable.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 1:
One method for regulating the bodys core temperature is Radiation, where blood vessels near the skin
surface dilate to allow heat from the blood to radiate out through the skins pores into the atmosphere. This
cooling system of the body is made less efficient when the blood thickens through dehydration. The blood
flow through the vessels close to the skin surface is slower, as it is throughout the circulatory system, so heat
release through radiation is not as effective.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 2:
One method for regulating the bodys core temperature is perspiration, where sweat secreted to the skin
surface evaporates and has a cooling effect. This cooling system of the body is made less efficient when the
blood thickens through dehydration. Fluid to replenish sweat glands comes from the blood plasma, but the
plasma is low on fluid and the sweat glands cannot be refilled, so perspiration production is minimized and
the full cooling effect is lost.
(3 marks)
Following is a graph showing changes in muscle glycogen stores over 72 hours in two subjects, completing
three sessions of 2 hour exercise bouts, at 24 hour intervals. One subject maintained a high carbohydrate diet
before and after each exercise bout. The other subject maintained a low carbohydrate diet before and after
each exercise bout.

a) What was the measure of muscle glycogen in the subject using a low carbohydrate diet at the end of the
second exercise bout?
Approximately 30 mmols/kg
(1 mark)
b) Carbohydrates can be High GI or Low GI.
i) Which type of carbohydrate would be most useful for muscle glycogen replenishment immediately after
each 2 hour bout of exercise?
High GI
(1 mark)
8
PTO

ii) Using evidence from the graph, explain your response to 5. b) i)

This response carries a communication mark. Appropriate information from the graph must be
incorporated into the response.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
The graph shows that a high carbohydrate diet provides significantly better recovery than a low carbohydrate
diet (eg: after the first exercise bout the high carb diet helps the subject to recover 40 mmols/kg while the
subject on a low carb diet recovers only 15 mmols/kg). If the high carb diet is also High GI carbohydrate, the
recovery will be maximized as the High GI helps muscle glycogen to replenish more rapidly than Low GI
carbohydrate.
(3 marks)
c) Identify a standardised fitness test that would be suitable for a sport requiring 2 hours of continuous activity
and explain why it would be appropriate.

6.

Any test that focuses on measurement of aerobic capacity would be appropriate, but an explanation of why
it would be appropriate is also necessary. The following are among the most likely to be identified:
Beep Test (20m Shuttle Run/Multi-Stage Fitness Test), Maximal Treadmill Test, (Coopers) 12 Minute Run,
Harvard Step Test, 3km Run Test, 1.5km Run Test.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
The Beep Test (20m Shuttle Run/Multi-Stage Fitness Test) would be appropriate because it measures a
subjects VO2 maximum. Capacity to produce energy aerobically is the most important factor in endurance
performance, so the higher a subjects VO2 maximum the more capable they will be in endurance events.
(2 marks)
The data in the following table shows movement analysis from a Touch game, played in 2 x 20 minute halves.

a) What percentage of time is spent at Med-High intensity effort?

8.1 %
b) Use data from the table to explain TWO Fitness Factors needed to play this sport well.

(1 mark)

1 mark for each identified factor and 1 mark for the explanation of each. Any TWO of the following factors
are evidenced in the table: Aerobic capacity, Speed, Muscular Power, Anaerobic Capacity.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
AEROBIC CAPACITY is evidenced as an important fitness factor by the fact that the game is played over 40
minutes and there are numerous repeat efforts (of varying duration) meaning that rapid recovery between
efforts will be beneficial. A good Aerobic Capacity will allow the player to finish the full 40 minutes with less
fatigue and to recover more rapidly between repeat efforts.
SPEED is evidenced as an important fitness factor by the fact that High speed efforts (17-20kph) and Very
High Speed efforts (20-25kph) are required at times in the game.
(4 marks)
c) Explain whether continuous or fartlek would be the most suitable training method for this sport.
This response carries a communication mark. Fartlek is the ONLY correct response but its nature and
relevance must be appropriately identified. The response should incorporate elements from the table.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
Fartlek is the most suitable because, while requiring continuous effort, it also has irregular variations of
intensity ranging from low/moderate to very high (or even maximal). This makes the movement pattern more
specific to the game than continuous training would be. The table shows that efforts range in intensity from
Low through to Very High across 2 x 20 minute halves.
(3 marks)
(continued next page)
9

d) i) Identify TWO Chronic physiological adaptations to skeletal muscle that would occur from the training
explained in 6. c)
Because of the nature of fartlek training, this response could identify skeletal muscle adaptations that are
either aerobic or anaerobic in nature. The TWO IDENTIFIED RESPONSES would most likely come from:
Capillarisation, Increased myoglobin, Increased mitochondria, Increased fuel (triglyceride/glycogen) stores,
Muscular hypertrophy (increase size of fast twitch fibres), Increased ATP stores, Increased glycolytic enzymes.
(2 marks)
ii) With reference to the table, explain how ONE of the adaptations identified in 6. d) i) will help the Touch
players performance
The physiological benefit of the adaptation and how it will improve performance in Touch will both be
required elements in this response. 1 mark for each element.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 1:
CAPILLARISATION will improve delivery of oxygen to the muscle tissue/mitochondria and therefore allow
more efficient aerobic energy production. This will improve the players ability to recover more rapidly
between repeat efforts, when the aerobic energy system will be dominant.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 2:
INCREASED MITOCHONDRIA will allow for more efficient production of aerobic energy as oxygen available in
the capillaries will be utilized more thoroughly and the player will be able to complete the game with less
fatigue (or perform at a higher average intensity for the duration of the game)
SAMPLE RESPONSE 3:
The high intensity efforts in Fartlek training will lead to muscular hypertrophy that will allow for stronger and
more rapid fibre contraction, so the player will be able to improve their maximum speed (and therefore be
harder to catch or better in chasing opponents)
(2 marks)
e) The data from the Touch game, shown in the table, could only be accurate with the aid of technology.
Explain what technology would have been most accurate in recording the data shown in the table.
This response needs to identify tracking technology of some kind, the most accurate available being GPS
tracking. At least some credit could be given for a response detailing any other movement tracking system
that can be validated, but GPS technology is the expected response.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
Players can wear GPS units that, through transmission with satellites, can give a very accurate history of
distance covered in single efforts or total distance and also map the varying speeds of movement of any
player. Associated software can produce a detailed summary of all data.
(2 marks)

10

7. Following is a photo sequence of the movement involved in Long Jump, from the last stride of the approach
phase (run up to the take-off board), through to the landing in the pit which occurs at the end of the jump phase.

a) Identify ONE biomechanical principle that will contribute to the Long Jumpers velocity during the jump phase
and explain its contribution.
1 mark for identifying a relevant principle and 2 marks for the explanation. Principles that may be
identified include: Momentum, Force Summation and Newtons first/second/third Laws.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 1:
MOMENTUM sustained from the run up approach will be critical to maximizing the velocity of the Long
Jumper during the jump phase. If speed is lost as the jumper plants her take-off foot, momentum will be lost
and the jump phase will not have the same velocity.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 2:
NEWTONS THIRD LAW states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. If the jumper can
exert more force into the track with each step of the run up, the opposite reaction will drive her forward with
greater speed. Over multiple steps the run up will be faster overall. The greater the run up speed, the better
the jumpers velocity will be during the jump phase.
(3 marks)
b) Explain how Angle of Release is important to maximizing the distance gained in the Long Jump.
Angle of Release determines trajectory, which is a combination of vertical and horizontal velocity. The
higher the angle of release, without loss of horizontal velocity, the further the jumper will carry through the
air before landing, resulting in a longer jump.
(2 marks)
c) Identify the muscle fibre type that would be most evident in an elite Long Jumpers legs and explain why.
1 mark for identifying a relevant fibre type and 2 marks for the explanation.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
Fast Twitch fibres would be most evident in the elite Long Jumpers legs because it is an explosive event
where power is essential for good performance. Fast Twitch fibres are capable of faster, more powerful
contractions than Slow Twitch fibres (which are more suitable for endurance based activity). More Fast Twitch
fibres means the jumper has greater potential for run up speed and take-off power, the two factors that will
combine to produce the longest possible jump.
(3 marks)

11

8. The image below shows a gymnast part way through a balance beam routine, when she is about to lose balance.

a) Using terms associated with equilibrium, explain why the gymnast is about to lose balance.
This response carries a communication mark.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
The gymnast has a very small Base of Support (her left foot) and her Line of Gravity has moved outside the
boundaries of the Base of Support. When the Line of Gravity does not fall within the boundary of the Base of
Support, balance will be lost.
(3 marks)
b) Explain ONE strategy she is applying as she tries to retain balance.
The most obvious strategy relates to extending one body part to counter for movement of another body
part in the opposite direction, but the bend of the left knee could also be cited as an attempt to bring the
centre of gravity closer to the base of support. Any response must focus on a strategy that can be
ABSOLUTELY evidenced in the image.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 1:
The gymnasts right leg is extending away from the direction of her potential fall to counter the fact that her
trunk is leaning the other way. By doing so, she is attempting to bring the Line of Gravity, which has shifted
with her trunk, back toward the centre of the Base of Support. The nearer the Line of Gravity falls to the
centre of the Base of Support, the greater the stability.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 2:
The gymnasts left knee is bent which could mean she has tried to lower her Centre of Gravity in relation to
her Base of Support. By doing so, she is attempting to bring the Line of Gravity back toward the centre of the
Base of Support. The nearer the Line of Gravity falls to the centre of the Base of Support, the greater the
stability.
(2 marks)
c) Feedback will be very important to any gymnast seeking to improve from one competition to the next.
i) Explain whether the gymnast would benefit more from Knowledge of Results (KR) or Knowledge of
Performance (KP).
Knowledge of Performance would be most important because it will help the gymnast to understand which
technical elements might need improving to gain a better mark. Knowledge of Results will amount to the
mark given by judges. If the gymnast does not know why they achieved a certain mark, high or low, they will
not know what to replicate their performance or how to improve it for the next time.
(2 marks)
ii) Identify and explain ONE type of feedback, not mentioned above, that the gymnast would use during
performance.
This response must focus on a type of feedback available to the gymnast DURING performance. Options
include: Internal Feedback, Proprioceptive Feedback or Kinaesthetic Feedback, all of which could be explained
the same way.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
During physical activity, proprioceptors in the joints provide feedback that helps the gymnast know the
position of their body and provides a feeling for correct technique and coordination.
(2 marks)
12

d) i) Explain how the gymnast, when rehearsing in training, might use BOTH distributed and massed practice.
This response carries a communication mark and should show an understanding of both types of
rehearsal and how they might be applied by the gymnast.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
Massed Practice, where a single technique or skill element may be rehearsed repeatedly could be very
important for the gymnast to establish a feel (muscle memory) for the action. There are many different
techniques and skill elements in gymnastics so Distributed Practice, where the gymnast would move from
brief rehearsal of one technique/skill to the next, would allow for more techniques/skills to be rehearsed
over the period of a training session.
(3 marks)
ii) Identify TWO methods of mental rehearsal the gymnast could use at training or immediately before
performance
Rehearsal techniques that could be cited could include: Visualisation, Mental Imagery, Centred Breathing,
PMR (Progressive Muscle Relaxation), Cue Routines and Positive Self-Talk.
(2 marks)
iii) Explain how ONE of the methods listed in 8. d) ii) could be applied.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 1:
Through Visualisation prior to the event, the gymnast could see their routine in their mind and/or see it
being successfully completed. This can help establish confidence and create a positive mindset for
performance.
SAMPLE RESPONSE 2:
Centred Breathing could be used just prior to competing to help reduce tension/anxiety, achieve optimal
arousal and also focus concentration on the upcoming performance.
(2 marks)
e) Self Esteem is extremely important for any athlete to perform well, but the way a coach helps a gymnast
develop, and maintain self-esteem, may be different depending on the standard of the gymnast.
i) To ensure good self-esteem, what would the gymnastics coach emphasise most when the learner was at
the cognitive stage of learning?
Fun/enjoyment OR success are the only acceptable responses here. No explanation is required as it will come,
in part with the next response.
(1 mark)
ii) Explain, briefly, how the coachs approach to ensuring good self-esteem would be adjusted as the gymnast
moved to the autonomous stage and set a goal to become elite.
The sense of fun in the early stages would be established by activities that the learner enjoys. New tasks
would be carefully chosen so they were not too hard. This way success would be regular and new
achievements would be regularly celebrated, creating ongoing enjoyment and motivation to continue.
When the gymnast shifts focus to becoming elite, elite standards will become the target. Regular successes
will still be needed to maintain long term motivation, but the coach would be able to stress training methods
and routines that were more hard work than fun, but seen as essential for long term success. At this
stage, the gymnast will be able to endure longer periods between successes without suffering reduced selfesteem.
(2 marks)

13
PTO

PART 2: EXTENDED RESPONSE QUESTION (Questions 9)

(10 marks)
9. Experienced endurance athletes, all running approximately 80 km every week in normal training, were split into 3
groups and each group was given a reduced training program for ONE week. At the end of that week they were
tested to see how the reduced training affected their performance. The data is shown in the table below.

The results show NO negative performance effect from ANY of the reduced programs. Groups 2 and 3 actually
improved.
Training Group 3 showed the most improvement. Other testing showed that Training Group 3 also experienced
increased levels of muscle glycogen in the leg muscles and haemoglobin in the blood.
Each athlete in this study has to prepare for an endurance race every 3 months. Use the information provided to
explain how a year-long training program can be structured so these athletes can optimize:
Performance (in each race)
Motivation (for training and each race)
Arousal and Anxiety (for each race)
This response carries a communication mark and there would be 3 marks available for addressing each of the 3
dot points to gain the total of 10 marks. Terms like tapering and/or periodization should be used at some stage
in the response and understanding of each of the dot point terms should be clearly shown. The response must
also include a description of an appropriate training program structure.
SAMPLE RESPONSE:
Performance will be optimized when the athlete is at peak physical condition for each endurance race. The evidence
of the table indicates that a reduced training program with emphasis on shorter training sessions, run at higher
intensity, for at least a week prior to an event, would help to optimize performance. It would also be necessary to
allow recovery after each event, perhaps also for approximately 1 week. This would mean loading the distance
training into the middle 2.5 months (10 weeks) between races.
Motivation is often about not being bored. If there is some variation in training across the year, it will make the
training program more interesting (ie: less boring). The taper week prior to each race will help provide that
variation. There is also the concept that goals can be set to work really hard for 10 weeks, knowing that there will be
an easier week of training immediately followed by the fun/challenge of a race, then a rest/recovery week.
Arousal and anxiety are linked. If a performer is over-aroused they will be anxious. If they are not relaxed enough
physiologically to optimize muscle function, coordination and aerobic energy production, performance will be
negatively affected. Knowing that they are well prepared will help to achieve optimal arousal and minimize anxiety.
Knowing the proven benefits of the adjusted program one week out from each race will help them feel like they have
prepared well.
The fact that a taper period one week before each race, at 3 month intervals, can improve performance may also
point to doing the same in the middle of the period between races.
The suggested annual program would therefore be a cycle repeated every 3 months. The cycle would start with
continuous training, 5 sessions per week for a total of 80km per week. After 5 weeks, there would be a change for
one week when the Training Group 3 session from the table (9.5km completed over a series of 500m max efforts)
would be completed. The athletes would then return to their normal 80km week, for 4 weeks, hopefully able to
complete each session at a slightly higher intensity than the first 5 weeks of the cycle. One week out from the race
they would repeat the Group 3 training week shown in the table to optimize performance, motivation and arousal.
Post-race, there would be a week of reduced or no training, depending on physiological and psychological need, prior
to commencing the cycle again.