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 as a method of data collection for AFLW

An advantage is that it is low cost and easy to conduct

A disadvantage is that there is low accuracy because there is no supporting data for observed information because it is based on one persons point of view.

Critique direct observation with statistical recording as a method of data collection for AFLW

An advantage is that the statistical data recorded can be saved for future use.

A disadvantage is that it can be difficult to observe and record at the same time so observers could miss some skills or movements.

Critique digital recording as a method of data collection for AFLW

An advantage is that the video can be watched by coach and athlete and be replayed, stopped and paused then the video can be stored for future use.

A disadvantage is that the video can’t move with the player.

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.

What physiological information can be gathered from skill frequency data

Muscle actions

Muscle groups

Fitness components

What physiological information can be gathered from movement patterns

Fitness components

Energy systems

Distances and intensities

What physiological information can be gathered from heart rate data

Fitness components

Energy systems

Intensities

What physiological information can be gathered from work: rest ratio

Fitness components

Energy systems

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

Muscular power is important in AFLW for the kick as the athlete combines speed and strength to accelerate their leg and strike the ball with maximal force so that it travels further towards their goal end.

Justify which fitness component is important to handball

Muscular power is important in AFLW for the handball as the athlete combines speed and strength to accelerate their hand and strike the ball with maximal force so that their opponent does not intercept it.

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

Muscular power is important in AFLW for when players explosively jump up to mark the ball, combining speed and strength for the athlete to accelerate high into the air so they can gain possession of the ball before their opponent.

Justify which fitness component is important to tackle

Muscular strength is important in AFLW as to successfully tackle their opponent the AFLW player must apply a force strong enough to stop them moving forwards.

Justify which fitness component is important to change direction

Agility is important in AFLW as players need to change direct quickly and accurately to evade opponents while maintaining balance to avoid being tackled.

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

Flexibility is important in AFLW as players need to reach their hands forwards and upwards to mark the ball. This requires good range of motion around the shoulder joint so they are able to gain possession of the ball before their opponent does.

Justify which fitness component is important to sprint

Speed is important in AFLW as when players gain possession of the ball, they may sprint away from opponents towards their goal end to avoid being tackled whilst holding the ball.

Justify which fitness component is important for repeated high intensity efforts

Anaerobic capacity is important in AFLW as athletes complete repeated high intensity efforts with minimal rest periods as they work to move the ball towards their goal end which relies on the efficiency of the two anaerobic systems to produce energy when insufficient oxygen is available.

Justify which fitness component is important for low intensity jogging, walking and stationary 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.

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 is a direct measure of muscular power in the lower body specifically the quadriceps and hamstrings which are important muscles used in kicking

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 is a direct measure of 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