The diagram shows a person performing a somersault dive from a 10 m platform.

Outline how they use the law of conservation of angular momentum to perform a somersault dive.

Identify the use of a digital technology that will improve each of the following:

(i)   officiating
(ii)  sports performance
(iii) and health.

Discuss the benefits for a coach of using information technologies when training a young tennis player.

Periodization can be used to optimize an athlete’s performance. Explain how a coach uses the other key principles of training to maximize athletic development.

angular momentum is defined as angular velocity x moment of inertia;

Newton’s first law / a rotating body will continue to rotate with constant momentum unless an external force / torque is applied
OR
angular momentum of the diver is constant during the dive
OR
there is an inverse relationship between moment of inertia and angular velocity;

first point of the dive:
the diver starts off with a high moment of inertia before jumping;

during somersault:
in order to complete sufficient rotations in the dive, diver tucks body in towards centre of mass/ reduces the moment of inertia;

therefore causing an increase in angular velocity;

preparation for entry:
in order to safely enter the water <in streamlined position> diver straightens out body / increases moment of inertia;

therefore slows them down and reduces their angular velocity;

Award [1 max] for aspects of definition of angular momentum.

i. officiating:
e.g. Hawkeye can provide objective data for officials in tennis to support their decision making regarding a line call;

ii. sports performance:
e.g. Dartfish can be used to capture movement during a soccer game which then can be analysed and improved;

e.g. Prozone can be used to aid in the analysis of soccer game;

iii. health:
e.g. Bodybyte can be used to monitor nutrition and fitness programs for runners;

Award [1 max] for a list of three digital technologies with link to its use.

Accept other appropriate technologies, e.g. Fitbit, Coach’s Eye.

information technologies:
provide data that is not available through traditional analysis techniques;

data can be recorded over short or long timescales;

data is often objective/accurate;

processed data can improve visualization and allows image comparison;

feedback is immediate and efficient;

feedback information is manageable and is specifically adjusted for individual needs;

many new software technologies are relatively inexpensive / accessible;

progression: coach needs to ensure that challenge of sessions increases gradually, e.g. gradual increases in weights or repetition sets;

overload: coach plans to increase intensity/frequency/time/FIT of sessions <with appropriate rest to elicit beneficial adaptations/ minimise risk of injury> e.g. increasing frequency of training per week;

specificity: coach plans sessions that focus on developing muscles/skills/energy systems/movement patterns/strategy that are relevant for their performance, e.g. sprinter developing leg muscles;

reversibility: coach managing appropriate rest periods to prevent detraining/loss of adaptation/managing workload to prevent injury/illness, e.g. setting rest day;

variety: to maintain motivation/prevent boredom, coach plans a range of activities/methods, e.g. crossfit training;

Award [1 max] for a list of two or more principles

Award [2 max] per principle

Candidates struggled to access the higher marks for this question. Many were credited for mark point 1 (angular momentum is defined as angular velocity x moment of inertia) and describing what happens during the somersault. However, many failed to provide sufficient points for the marks available for the question.

Some candidates failed to identify the use of the technology and therefore could not be credited the mark.

Candidates found this question challenging. Although many tried to write in detail, they failed to provide sufficient points for the marks awarded. Most candidates identified that technology can provide accurate and objective data for the coach, and could be used for comparison or to provide feedback.

As an applied area of the course, many candidates struggled to identify the principles. To explain the principles candidates could use suitable examples to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. Candidates were poorly prepared for this question.