Training and Performance

The course will cover the basic principles for training adaptations in individuals at difference performance levels. The primary topics will be strength, endurance and technique training, but also how environmental factors affect training and performance will be addressed. The effect of different types of training will be discussed in the context of how it influences performance in different sports.

Knowledge

The student has

• knowledge of the basic training principles
• knowledge of methods and tools for measuring performance and performance-determining variables
• knowledge about physical growth and (performance) development throughout childhood and adolescence
• basic knowledge on the effect of different types of physical training on performance in athletes
• knowledge of basic principles of movement technique and tactics and how this can affect performance
• basic knowledge on sports nutrition and its effect on training and performance
• knowledge on the effect of the menstrual cycle and the use of hormonal contraceptives on training and performance
• knowledge on specific challenges related to para sports and testing and training of para athletes
• knowledge on specific challenges related to research and development in elite sports
• insight into how elite sports and performance improvement may create ethical problems (e.g. body weight, burnout, doping).

Skills

The student

• can apply theories in physiology and motor learning to explain the effects of different types of training on physical adaptation and performance
• is able to design a training program with the purpose of improving performance
• can evaluate internal and external factors influencing the performance of an individual (e.g. heat, cold, and altitude) and make appropriate adjustments in a training program
• is able to evaluate the effect of training with use of relevant tests.

General competence

The student is able, through writing and discussion, to disseminate theories and challenges within elite sports in addition to suggest and argue for relevant solutions.

The course has lectures throughout the whole semester. Up to 42 hours lectures/exercises/group work. Parts of the course may be taught in English.