Improving Sports Performance

Semester Elective Unit

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Description

This semester length elective focusses on various factors that contribute to improving sporting performance. It explores some theoretical and practical content which is linked to the Year 11 and 12 VCE Physical Education Studies courses. It combines practical and theoretical components, helping students develop a comprehensive understanding of scientific concepts and their real world applications.

Essential Questions

How have advancements in technique and technology affected sporting performance?
What are the characteristics of an exemplary sports coach and what strategies do they implement to achieve skill acquisition and game sense improvements?
How have advancements in taping and bracing techniques and technology improved injury prevention and management in sport?

Areas of Study

Technique and Technology in Sport

Technological advancements in sports equipment design, material, structure and biomechanical technique.
Understanding some of the biomechanical principles evident in technological advancement and how the application of the principle has resulted in the change.
Factors affecting changes in equipment (e.g. clothing, footwear and playing fields) or technique.
Changes in performance as a result of the technological change.
Implications of the technological change such as biomechanical, social and ethical.

Sports Coaching

This area of study examines important coaching principles. Student have the opportunity to complete the Australian Sports Commission Community Coaching General Principles online course which is the first step towards obtaining a specific sport coaching accreditation.

The following principles are studied:

Roles and responsibilities expected of a coach including an understanding of the coaching Code of Conduct.
Investigation of the different styles of coaching.
Skills and behaviours of an exemplary coach, including understanding group dynamics, leadership skills, conflict resolution, communication, setting boundaries and inclusive coaching practices.
Open and closed skill and sport continuum; comparing environmental stability and instability.
Skill-learning principles such as stages of learning (cognitive, associative and autonomous), skill-learning processes and the role of feedback in skill-learning.
Coaching pathways and accreditation for coaches.

Injury Prevention and Support: Taping and bracing in Sport

Introduces students to the principles and techniques of taping and bracing in sport and basics in sports first aid.
Focuses on injury prevention, protection, and management for common areas such as the ankle, wrist, and knee.
Teaches students how to assess, apply, and evaluate various taping methods to support athletes during activity.
Combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice.

Assessment