Key Inquiry Question 2:
How does training influence movement and performance?

In this key inquiry question, you will examine how training choices shape both how you move and how well you perform. You will assess different forms of training, evaluate the principles of training, and examine how specific training loads produce physiological adaptations. This helps you move beyond simply naming training methods and instead understand why some methods are more relevant than others for particular sports and performance goals.

2.1 – Assess the types of training and training methods and their relevance for a variety of sports

You will begin by assessing the relevance of different types of training and training methods for a range of sports. This includes anaerobic training, such as anaerobic interval training, HIIT, SIT, plyometric training and resistance training, as well as aerobic training, including continuous, fartlek, aerobic interval and circuit training. It also includes flexibility training, such as static, dynamic, ballistic and PNF stretching, strength training using free weights, fixed weights, body weight exercises and elastics, and skill and tactical development through drills, modified games and games for specific outcomes. To assess these methods properly, you need to judge how well they match the energy demands, movement patterns, competition structure and performance needs of the sport.

2.2 – Evaluate the application of the principles of training to both aerobic and strength training

You will then evaluate how the principles of training apply to both aerobic and strength training. This includes progressive overload, training thresholds, reversibility, specificity, variety, and the role of warm-up and cool-down. Evaluation requires more than describing each principle. You need to judge how effectively these principles are applied and how poor application can limit improvement, cause plateaus, reduce efficiency, or increase injury risk. Training that lacks overload, variation or specificity may still involve effort, but it is less likely to produce the best possible gains.

2.3 – Examine the relationship between the principles of training, physiological adaptations and improved performance

Finally, you will examine how training principles lead to physiological adaptations that improve performance. These adaptations may include changes in heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, oxygen uptake, lung capacity, haemoglobin levels, muscle hypertrophy, and the role of fast and slow twitch muscle fibres. The key idea is that improved performance does not come from training alone. It comes from training that is planned in a way that produces adaptations relevant to the sport or activity. NESA teaching advice also makes it clear that students should make judgements about which physiological adaptations matter most in different sports and how the relevant principles of training help produce them.

By completing this key inquiry question, you will understand that effective training is specific, structured and purposeful. You will be able to explain how carefully selected methods and principles lead to body adaptations that improve movement and performance.