Factors affecting performance

Services sport and physical activity

Synopsis

In this lesson students look at the various environmental conditions which could affect a sportsperson's performance and consider the differences between acclimatising to extreme conditions and gaining skills to operate in them. Students are shown videos aimed at British Service Personnel which provide information on how to cope in extreme conditions. They then examine three case studies and make recommendations on how competitors should prepare for the conditions outlined in each situation.

MOD Topic

Services sport and physical activity

Curriculum Checklist

2.4b;
2.4c;
2.4d;
3d;
3e

Curriculum Links

• Citizenship
• Biology

Prior Knowledge

None required

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Be aware that our physical performance can be affected by environmental factors such as temperature and terrain.
• Know that the impact of environmental factors such as temperature and altitude on our performance can be lessened via an acclimatisation programme.
• Know that an acclimatisation programme is very important to members of UK Armed Forces.

Average ability students will:

• Be familiar with a range of environmental factors that can influence sporting performance, and the impact of these factors.
• Understand the reasons for the need to acclimatise to environmental conditions in order to optimise performance. Be able to make some recommendations for acclimatisation.
• Be aware of the impact of other factors affecting performance that can also support acclimatisation, such as lifestyle, diet and personal history. Be aware of the importance of this to the training of UK Armed Forces.

Higher ability students will:

• Understand and be able to explain in detail the wide range of environmental factors that can influence performance, and their potential impact on a sportsperson.
• Understand and be able to make recommendations for acclimatisation to a variety of conditions, including altitude and extreme temperatures in order to optimise performance.
• Understand and be able to explain how other factors affecting performance can also support acclimatisation, such as lifestyle, diet and personal history. Be able to explain the importance of this knowledge to the training of UK Armed Forces.

Lesson code

PE5