Advanced Performance Improvement – A Level Sport Science CCEA Revision

Advanced Performance Improvement involves sophisticated techniques aimed at enhancing an athlete’s performance in sports.
It incorporates multifaceted strategies that include physical, technical, tactical, and psychological aspects of training to optimise an athlete’s potential.

The principles of Specificity, Overload, Progression, Reversibility, and Tedium (SPORT) form the foundation for designing effective training and improvement programmes.
The Specificity principle states that training should match the demands of the sport, including the muscle groups used and energy systems involved.
The principle of Overload suggests that an athlete’s body must be pushed beyond its normal level of stress to elicit adaptation and improvement.
The Progression principle emphasises gradual increase in training load, ensuring athlete’s safety and avoiding excessive strain.
The principle of Reversibility refers to regression if training is stopped or decreased, highlighting the need for regular and consistent workouts.
The principle of Tedium underlines the importance of variety in workout routines to avert boredom and improve motivation.

Performance Profiling involves evaluating the key competencies for an athlete’s specific sport, determining their current proficiency level, and identifying areas for improvement.
It combines both objective measurements and subjective assessments to determine a comprehensive performance profile.

Periodisation promotes optimum performance by systematically arranging training into distinct phases targeting different physiological adaptations.
Each phase aims at specific sport performance aspirations: Endurance, Strength, Power, and Peaking - allowing athletes to reach peak performance during competitions.

Mental resilience and the right mindset are vital for sport performance. Strategies may include: Goal Setting, Visualisation, Self-Talk, and Relaxation Techniques.
Goal Setting enhances motivation and provides a clear training direction.
Visualisation is a powerful tool for helping athletes imagine successful execution of their skills.
Self-Talk can improve focus and confidence, shaping an athlete’s mental state during performance.
Relaxation Techniques help control anxiety and manage stress levels, enhancing sport execution under pressure.

Nutrition plays a substantial role in an athlete’s training and recovery. Implementing the right diet can enhance performance and assist in recovery.
Understanding the role of Macronutrients (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats) and their timing in regards to training and competition is crucial.
Awareness of common ergogenic aids, naturally occurring substances like caffeine or beetroot juice, which can potentially enhance performance, can be beneficial.

For team-based sports, improving team cohesion and communication can significantly enhance team performance.
Applying leadership models and developing efficient communication strategies play a vital role in team-oriented sports.

Recovery strategies, such as Active Recovery, Cold Water Immersion, and Adequate Sleep, are vital to minimise fatigue and prevent overtraining.
These strategies reap significant benefits by replenishing energy stores, and aiding in body repair and growth.

In order to optimise sport performance, a comprehensive understanding of Advanced Performance Improvement and its various facets is vital.