On Sunday we witnessed a great example of psychological strategies being used during a high pressure moment in the NRL Grand Final between Cowboys and Broncos. After the last try from the Cowboys, scored after the final hooter, Jonathan Thurston took about 5 minutes to set himself before taking the all important kick from the [...]
Training types and methods vary and are grouped as: aerobic, anaerobic, flexibility, resistance or strength, and skill training. I thought it would be good to apply training types to the great sport of rugby league, given this is the Grand Final weekend. So what type of training best suits rugby league? Training type The training [...]
The use of painkillers in sport is very common, but a highly debated ethical issue. Last Friday night I watched as Justin Hodges fell awkwardly in a tackle. Hodges then struggled to continue playing as he has injured his lower back. He then went off the field to the dressing room where he was given a [...]
The 5 min reading time at the beginning of your 3 hour HSC PDHPE exam is a big bonus. It is important to make the most of this reading time, so here are some tips I often give students to fill in this time: Read Through the Exam It is obvious, but read through the [...]
The three energy systems fall into 2 groups: anaerobic and aerobic. There is 1 aerobic energy system, but 2 anaerobic systems, which are: the alactacid or ATP/PC system and the lactic acid system. It is vital in understanding these systems, that their interrelation is understood. Each energy system produces ATP used to create movement and [...]
The aerobic energy system is your diesel-powered semi-trailer. It takes a while to warm up, but once it is going, it goes the distance producing plenty of ATP with great efficiency. This energy system uses fats, carbs, and protein to produce plenty of ATP, but produces them at a slower rate compared to the two [...]
The lactic acid energy system can be likened to a powerful SUV that emits plenty of smog. This energy system is fast and maintains good power, with limited endurance and a whole lot of waste product that hurts. This system last 1-3min and produces ATP quickly, but uses a lot of carbohydrate (its fuel source) to [...]
The alactacid energy system also known as the ATP/PC system is the Ferrari of the energy systems. It has all the glamour of the 100m sprint and provides the energy used for power and strength. This system has lots of power, but uses its fuel without care. When used flat out it lasts no more than [...]