Unit 4 AOS 1 SAC: specific to AFLW

What was the purpose of the AFLW activity analysis

To determine the physiological requirements of AFLW which will then determine the relevant fitness components, energy systems and muscle groups. This then allows the coach to select fitness tests and design a training program for players that is specific to AFLW 

Critique Direct observation/w statistical recording as a method of data collection for AFLW

an advantage is that it gives immediate feedback so the coach can make changes during the game. A disadvantage is that there is low accuracy because there is no supporting data as it is just one person’s point of view.

Critique digital recording as a method of data collection for AFLW

an advantage is that videos can be paused and replayed and stored for future reference. A disadvantage is that it doesn’t give immediate feedback and frame size can be an issue to record larger fields

Critique heart rate monitoring as a method of data collection for AFLW

An advantage is that heart rate data is objective which is very accurate.

A disadvantage is that it doesn’t show the type of activity or movement performed.

Critique Global positioning system (GPS) as a method of data collection for AFLW

An advantage is that it gives objective data which is very accurate.

A disadvantage is that it doesn’t show the type of activity or movement performed

Critique eye in the sky technology as a method of data collection for AFLW

An advantage is that it allows players to be monitored when off the ball to allow tactical decisions to be observed.

A disadvantage is that this amount of filming technology can be very expensive.

Critique mobile apps in activity analysis as a method of data collection for AFLW

An advantage is that is gives objective data which is very accurate

A disadvantage is that it doesn’t show the type of activity or movement performed.

Skill frequency data - method of data collection + physiological information gathered

direct observation or videorecording

Muscle actions, Muscle groups, Fitness components

Movement pattern data - method of data collection + physiological information gathered

GPS, direct observation, videorecording, eye in the sky

Distances & intensities, energy systems and fitness components 

Heart rate data - method of data collection + physiological information gathered

heart rate monitors or mobile apps

intensities, energy systems and fitness components

Work: rest ratio - method of data collection + physiological information gathered

direction observation, videorecording or GPS

energy systems and fitness components.

Muscular power definition

the ability to exert a maximal force in one explosive effort. It is a combination of speed and strength.

Factors affecting muscular power

Fibre type as athletes with a greater percentage of fast twitch fibres compared to slow twitch fibres will have greater muscular power as they have greater cross sectional area of muscle.

Age as muscular power tends to peak at the age of 28 and then declines 1% every year.

Muscular strength definition

The force a muscle or muscle groups can exert against a resistance in one maximal contraction.

Factors affecting Muscular strength

Fibre type as athletes with a higher percentage of fast twitch fibres compared to slow twitch fibres will be capable of stronger muscular contractions.

Age as muscular strength tends to peak at the age of 28 and then decline 1% every year.

Agility definition

The ability to change body position or direction quickly and accurately while maintaining balance.

Factors affecting agility

Fibre type because athletes with a higher percentage of fast twitch fibres compared to slow twitch fibres will be capable of more explosive contractions resulting in greater speed to change direction quickly.

Flexibility as athletes with a greater range of motion about a joint will be more able to change direction more accurately.  

Flexibility defintion

the capacity of a joint to move through its full range of motion. it reflects the ability of muscles and connective tissue to stretch.

Factors affecting flexibility

Age because flexibility tends to peak at age 10 then decline.

Temperature as warming up decreases joint viscosity and increases flexibility of the joint.

Aerobic power definition

The maximal rate of energy production using the aerobic energy system.

Factors affecting aerobic power

Fibre type as athletes with a greater percentage of slow twitch fibres compared to fast twitch fibres will have greater aerobic power because they have more mitochondria and oxidative enzymes to resynthesise ATP aerobically.

Age as aerobic power tends to peak at the age of 28 and then decline 1% every year.

Anaerobic capacity definition

The ability of the body to produce energy without using oxygen and hence the efficiency of the anaerobic glycolysis and ATP-CP energy systems.

Factors affecting anaerobic capacity

Fibre type because athletes with a greater percentage of fast twitch fibres compared to slow twitch fibres will have greater anaerobic capacity as they have more CP stores, glycotic and creatine kinase enzymes.

Age as anaerobic capacity tends to peak at age 28 then decline after this.

Speed definition

The ability to move the whole body from one place to another in the shortest time possible.

Factors affecting speed

Fibre type because athletes with a higher percentage of fast twitch fibres compared to slow twitch fibres will be capable of more explosive contractions.

Age as speed tends to peak at 28 then decline after this age.

Muscular endurance definition

the ability of a muscle or muscle group to sustain repeated contractions against a resistance for an extended period of time.

Factors affecting muscular endurance

Fibre type as athletes with a higher percentage of slow twitch fibres compared to fast twitch fibres will have greater muscular endurance as they are more resistant to fatigue.

Age as muscular endurance decreases 1% every year from the age of 28

Coordination definition

the ability to use the body’s senses to execute motor skills smoothly and accurately to sequence your movements.

Balance definition

maintaining equilibrium while stationary or moving

Factors affecting balance

Shifting line of gravity towards oncoming force

Extending base of support in the direction of oncoming force

Lower centre of gravity

Increase base of support by widening stance

Justify which fitness component is important in kicking

lower muscular power - the player must combine speed and strength to apply a large and explosive force to the ball with their leg as they swing through their kick so that it travels further towards their goal end.  

Justify which fitness component is important to handball

upper muscular power - the player must combine speed and strength to apply a large and explosive force to the ball with their hand as they use their arm to accelerate the ball further away from opponents.

Justify which fitness component is important to jump up to mark the ball

upper muscular power - when jumping up to mark the ball, AFLW players will combine speed and strength to accelerate themselves as high as they can into the air so they can gain possession of the ball before their opponent.

Justify which fitness component is important to tackle

muscular strength - important for AFLW players to apply a sufficient force against their opponents when tackling by using their arms to grip onto them to prevent them getting away.

Justify which fitness component is important to change direction

agility - important for AFLW players as they need to change direction quickly and accurately to evade opponents while maintaining balance, so they do not get tackled.

Justify which fitness component is important reach upwards to mark a ball

flexibility - when reaching to mark the ball, players will extend their hands above their head which requires good range of motion of the shoulder joint so they can reach higher to gain possession of the ball before their opponent does.

Justify which fitness component is important to sprint

speed - when players gain possession of the ball they need to move as fast as possible away from their opponents to avoid being tackled while holding the ball.

Justify which fitness component is important for repeated high intensity efforts or heart rate from 85-95-100% max HR

anaerobic capacity - in AFLW there are often passages of play requiring multiple high intensity movements such as jumping, tackling, kicking and second efforts which requires the body to produce energy when there is insufficient oxygen, relying upon the anaerobic systems for energy production.

Justify which fitness component is important for Jogging, walking, standing, work: rest ratio, heart rate from 65-85% max HR, playing time

Aerobic power is important in AFLW as athletes need have periods of low intensity walking, standing or jogging in between high intensity efforts to recover which relies on energy produced by the aerobic energy system.

Justify which fitness component is important for AFLW players to change direction

agility - important for AFLW players as they need to change direction quickly and accurately to evade opponents while maintaining balance, so they do not get tackled.

From a physiological perspective which fitness test should be used to test muscular power in relation to an AFLW kick

Vertical jump test would be appropriate because it measures muscular power in the lower body specifically the quadriceps and hamstrings which are important muscles used to achieve a powerful kick

From a physiological perspective which fitness test should be used to test muscular power in relation to an AFLW player jumping up for a mark

Vertical jump test would be appropriate because it measures muscular power in the lower body specifically the quadriceps and hamstrings which are important muscles used to explosively jump up for a mark

From a physiological perspective which fitness test should be used to test muscular power in relation to a AFLW handball

Seated basketball throw would be appropriate as it is a direct measure of muscular power in the upper body specifically the biceps, triceps and deltoid which are important muscles used to achieve a powerful handball 

From a physiological perspective which fitness test should be used to test muscular strength in relation to a tackle

1RM bench press would be appropriate because it is a direct measure of upper body muscular strength specifically the pectoralis major, biceps, triceps and deltoid which are important muscles to exert a large force when tackling an opponent.

From a physiological perspective which fitness test should be used to test agility in relation to an AFLW changing direction

Semo-agility test would be appropriate as it involves sprinting forwards, side stepping, back pedalling and changing direction which mimics the physiological movements of AFLW as players sprint forwards with the ball, defensive shuffle, evade opponents, tackle and react to changes in play. 

From a physiological perspective which fitness test should be used to test flexibility in relation to an AFLW reaching for the ball

Shoulder and wrist elevation test as it is a direct measure of the flexibility of the shoulder joint which is important when the player reaches their hands upwards to mark the ball. 

From a physiological perspective which fitness test should be used to test speed in relation to an AFLW sprinting

20m sprint as the data shows the athlete sprinted 20m x amount of times so therefore testing their maximal sprint at this distance mimics the requirements of an AFLW game.

From a physiological perspective which fitness test should be used to test anaerobic capacity in relation to an AFLW player completing repeated high intensity efforts

Phosphate recovery test as this assesses the athlete's ability to repeatedly produce maximal efforts with short recovery periods which matches the demands of AFLW to sprint to contests, tackle opponents, accelerate forwards, recover briefly by jogging or walking then complete another maximal effort. 

From a physiological perspective which fitness test should be used to test aerobic power in relation to and AFLW player having periods of jogging, walking and being stationary

Yo-yo intermittent recovery test as this closely resembles the intermittent demands of AFLW where players perform repeated high-intensity activity followed by short rest periods, relying on a combination of both aerobic and anaerobic energy supply.

Justify fitness tests from a psychological perspective

• AFLW players should be motivated to strive to achieve the best results they can

• The test can be completed alongside teammates so they can encourage each other

• The test can be completed at the same time as their team mates to increase motivation levels as it can promote friendly competition

• Feel comfortable as the test is not intrusive or culturally insensitive

• Feel confident that they have an adequate fitness and skill level to do one maximal jump

Purpose of fitness testing from a physiological perspective

Identify strengths and weaknesses so a training program can be tailored to improve or maintain specific fitness components 

Establish a baseline so that training adaptations can be measured 

Determine team positions 

Psychological purposes of fitness testing

• To motivate athletes to want to reach a certain benchmark 

• So athletes can set goals on the areas they want to improve in  

• To give athletes confidence about their fitness and skill level 

• Results should remain confidential

Validity

the degree to which a test measures what it intends to. The test should be a recognised test and have norms to compare to.

Accuracy

the ability of a test to produce correct results. To achieve accuracy the tester must follow the methodology and use regularly calibrated and maintained testing equipment.

Reliability

the ability of a test to produce consistent and repeatable results. To achieve reliability the tests should be performed in the same order, at the same time of day, with the same tester and equipment. The athlete should have the same nutrition and hydration status.

Informed consent

The individual must agree to continue with the testing after being made aware of the risks involved. They should be given the opportunity to ask questions about the testing, and they can withdraw their informed consent at any stage during testing. A person under the age of 18 will require parental consent.

Health Screening

the individuals will complete a survey prior to fitness testing designed to assess the individuals readiness to participate in the fitness testing.

How could these fitness testing results be analysed/compared/used

Normative reference approach comparing the individuals results with the AFLW draft to see their potential

Pre and post testing would allow improvements in specific areas to be seen

Fitness testing battery

series of different tests which have been selected to assess the various fitness components relevant to AFLW

Sequencing of fitness tests

• Flexibility last  

• Sequence tests from non-fatiguing to fatiguing  

• Never do 2 maximal tests on one day (completed to exhaustion so insufficient time for recovery) 

Maximal fitness tests

a test that is performed to exhaustion. for example yo-yo intermittent recovery test, phosphate recovery test, 1RM bench press

Submaximal fitness tests

tests not performed to exhaustion. for example 5RM bench press

Direct fitness tests

directly measures the function of a fitness component

Indirect fitness tests

is based on productive measures and equations linked to norms for estimating fitness levels.

Field fitness tests

functional

practical

accessible

Laboratory fitness tests

elite performers

where accuracy is paramount