SCSA Physical Education Studies Biomechanics

Answers could include:

Olyslagers – self-talk:

• by talking to herself she is able to reduce stress/enhance motivation
• allows Olyslagers to lower her heart rate and remain composed/increasing her intensity for her jump
• allowing her to reach optimal performance state for the next jump.

Patterson – performance routine:

• by rocking back and forth she is lowering or increasing her arousal levels
• Patterson’s rehearsed movement pattern could have been triggered, ensuring a sense of calm
• allowing her to reach optimal performance state for the next jump.

Other strategies:

• imagery: visualise/mentally rehearse performing the perfect jump over the height
• goal-setting: setting a short-term goal at the start of event to jump over a particular height
• relaxation: any technique used to lower mental and/or physical stress.

Impulse is Force x Time which causes a change in momentum of an object. Both the magnitude and duration of the force determine the effect of an object's motion, and the application of force over time changes the momentum of an object.

When leaping off the ground, the jumper aims to maximise change in momentum (impulse) to increase velocity to maximum after take-off. Increasing force on take-off generates greater vertical velocity by maximising segments used. The jumper maximises the time at which the force is being applied by flexion at the ankle, hip, and knee, and more impulse on take-off allows for a higher jump.

When landing on the mat, the jumper aims to maximise change in momentum (impulse) to decrease velocity to zero on landing. The foam of the mat increases the time the force is applied by the jumper landing. More contact time with the mat means maximum time of force application decreases peak force, and less force on landing prevents injury to the athlete.

Answers could include:

• varying the motor unit size/number – by stimulating contraction in larger motor or more motor units, the amount of force can be increased (to drive down the fairway) (or vice versa)
• recruiting the correct fibre type – by stimulating Type IIa fibres, greater force and velocity of contraction can be achieved (to drive the ball down the fairway) (vice versa with Type I)
• varying the frequency of neural impulse – more frequent impulses will lead to more force (when driving down the fairway) (or vice versa).

Answers could include:

Temperature:

• warmer balls will have a higher COR than cooler balls
• warmer balls will travel further due to increased COR.

Material of ball:

• a ball made from more rubber has more elasticity and will therefore have a higher COR than a ball made from less elastic material
• more rubberised balls will travel further due to increased COR.

Velocity of ball:

• the higher the velocity of the ball the lower the COR
• the increased velocity causes more energy to be lost in collision.

Environmental factors include eligibility to represent Australia, opportunities for socialising through team training camps and social events, and pride in representing Australia.

Leadership factors involve mutual respect between athletes and leadership, a leadership style that meets the needs of the Australian team, and high-level communication skills between the athletes and leadership.

Team factors include a collective identity where players understand what it means to represent Australia, a desire for team success through goals or aims, and expected behaviours.

Topspin causes the ball to drop or dip and travel shorter in flight, which allows for a greater margin of error.

Backspin causes the ball to rise higher in the air and travel further, and is used to keep the ball in play if the player needs to stay in the rally, giving the player time to get back into position.

Sidespin causes the ball to curve to the left or right depending on what side of the ball spin is imparted, and is used to curve the ball away from the opponent's reach.