Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Physical Education

Defining Plyometrics

Plyometrics is a training method focused on developing explosive power. It utilizes the stretch-shortening cycle, which consists of three phases:

• Eccentric: Stretching of the agonist muscle, storing elastic energy in the series elastic component.
• Amortization: The brief pause between the eccentric and concentric phases.
• Concentric: Shortening of the agonist muscle, releasing the stored elastic energy from the series elastic component.

Key Factors for a Plyometric Training Program

A successful plyometric training program considers the following factors:

• Progressive Overload: Gradually increasing the training stimulus over time.
• Specificity: Training movements should be specific to the demands of the sport.
• Sport-Specific Patterns:

TWIST: Is damage caused to a body part, as a result of turning or bending it too much, or in the wrong direction (torcedura)
SPRAINS: is a type of injury that happens when a person abruptly stretches or turns a joint too much (esguince)
ARTHRITIS: Is a disease where the joints are swollen and painful
HIP REPLACEMENT: Is a surgical operation. The hip joint is replaced by an implant that is similar to the previous biological structure
STROKE: is a medical condition in which a tube taking blood to the brain suddenly becomes blocked or bursts (derrame)
BRAIN INJURY: is when there is a change in brain function due to factors like an outside force, a stroke, or destruction of brain cells (lesión cerebral)
OSTEOPOROSIS: is a disease that affects the bones.

Passing

You must pass the ball backward with both hands. No forward passes are allowed with the hands. If so, a free pass will be awarded to the opposing team at the place where the ball left the player’s hands.

The 'Tackle' (Tag)

A tag refers to the removal of one of the two ribbons placed at both sides of a player (see picture). The only player on the field who can be tagged is the player in possession of the ball. The defender will then hold the ribbon above their head and shout “Tag!” loud and clear for all to hear.

The Free Pass

A free pass is used to start the game (from the center of the field) or to restart it at the place where the ball went out of play or an infringement took place.

What Happens After a Tag?

Both the ball carrier and... Continue reading "Understanding Flag Football Rules and Techniques" »

ACROSPORT

CONCEPT

It is an acrobatic-choreographic sport, since there are three key elements incorporated into its exercises:

• Figure formations or body pyramids.
• Realization of floor gymnastic skills (jumps, turns and balances) which are used as transitions from one figure to another.
• Music, which supports the choreographic component of the combination of the previous elements.

As a competitive sport, acrosport has the following general characteristics:

1. Categories in which you can compete: female partners, male partners, mixed partners, female trios, and male quartets.
2. The elements of balances and acrobatic stunts make up the principal part of the exercise, forming a harmonious and rhythmic set with other gymnastic elements of flexibility and dance.

Artistic Gymnastics

Introduction

Artistic gymnastics involves performing simple individual exercises and transitions or combinations of these exercises on a mat or specific apparatus. It is called artistic gymnastics because, in addition to a high level of execution, aesthetics are also important.

Apparatus

Balance Beam

The balance beam is a rectangular bar 120cm above the ground, on which simple movements are performed such as walkovers, turns, jumps switching legs, as well as complex exercises like handstands or flic flac. It requires a sense of balance and coordination. The gymnast should remain on the bar between 70 and 90 seconds.

Uneven Bars

With the uneven bars, the gymnast has to perform ten different routines with different grips, foot and... Continue reading "Artistic Gymnastics: Guide to Apparatus, Techniques & Rules" »

Handball: Essential Concepts

Crossovers

A crossover is a maneuver in which a dribbling player rapidly switches the ball from one side to the other in order to move around a defender.

Communication

Communication is the exchange or transfer of signals, facts, ideas, and symbols. It requires a sender, a message, and an intended receiver. Communication involves the activity of conveying information or meaning. Effective communication requires a common language (which may be written, spoken, or non-verbal).

Function

Function: To work or operate in a proper or particular way.

Interaction

Interaction: Communication or direct involvement with someone or something.

Defense

The defense back's task is to cover the attacking back and prevent shooting, breaking through... Continue reading "Handball and Swimming: Key Terms and Rules" »

Nutrition: The Foundation of Health

1.1 Definition

Nutrition is the study of foods and their impact on our growth and well-being. It encompasses the behaviors and social factors that influence our food choices.

Foods provide us with energy (calories) and essential nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Consuming a balanced diet provides the energy we need for daily activities, helps maintain a healthy weight, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Metabolism: The Body's Energy Engine

2.1 Definition

Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within living cells and organisms to sustain life. These processes involve breaking down substances to release energy and synthesizing... Continue reading "Understanding Nutrition and Metabolism: Essential Concepts for Health" »

The Match

Winning the Game

The team that scores the most goals over two 30-minute halves wins the match.

Shot Clock

There is no shot clock in handball; however, referees can advise a team to expedite their goal-scoring attempts if they are taking an unreasonable amount of time.

Rules

Permitted Actions

• Holding the ball for up to 3 seconds
• Running three steps with the ball
• Dribbling as many times as desired
• Passing or shooting the ball
• Running three steps before and after dribbling

Prohibited Actions

• Using arms or legs to push, grab, tackle, kick, hit, or hold opponents
• Making contact with the ball below the knees
• Double dribbling and air dribbling
• Stepping on or across the goal area line
• Charging into a defender

Warnings and Disqualifications

Warnings

• Referees

Adams Closed-Loop Theory of Motor Learning

Adams' Closed-Loop Theory emphasizes the crucial role of feedback in learning motor skills. Feedback also strengthens memory and the perceptual trace, both of which are central to acquiring a motor skill.

Weaknesses:

• Cannot explain fast movements, only slow, linear movements.
• Too many action plans create a significant storage problem in memory.
• Doesn't explain an individual's ability to perform novel skills.

Schmidt's Schema Theory: A Cognitive Approach to Motor Learning

Schmidt's Schema Theory proposes cognitive mental constructs that describe a rule developed to overcome the weaknesses of Adams' theory. It utilizes the Generalized Motor Program (GMP), which is an abstract memory of a movement. The GMP contains... Continue reading "Motor Skill Acquisition: Theories, Neural Control, and Performance Insights" »

Discuss results of Spiteri et al.

Spiteri found that stronger athletes had faster total time during the COD performance test. Stronger athletes had overall better breaking & propulsive vertical, horizon force, and impulse.

Discuss results of Bloomfield (2007)

Bloomfield showed that there was a larger % improvement with SAQ equipment on many variables compared to w/o SAQ equip train, however there seems to be really no big different improvements when looking at each variable. Suggest that although SAQ equip could be handy, equip training itself cannot be said to be superior compared to no equip training.

What is the refractory period?

Delay in responding to the second of two closely spaced stimuli. How soon a person can switch from making a goal-... Continue reading "Improving Change of Direction Speed in Basketball Players" »