SPORTS MANAGEMENT

Sports Management

Sports Management

Specificity of sports

One of the main principles utilized in physical training is the concept of specificity. In other words, an individual needs to train in a manner that is most like the way in which they want to perform. To perform better at distance running events, one must run long distances; to be stronger, one must lift heavy weights; to be more explosive and powerful, and one must perform explosive lifts or drills. While much of sport specificity in training for a particular sport is addressed by the sport coach, there are aspects of specificity that can be developed more effectively in the weight room setting. This specificity concept is supported by the physiological changes that are known to occur in the body with various types of resistance training, both normal and explosive. By definition, resistance training includes performing various weight training exercises for a specified number of repetitions (depending on the main desired outcome) generally for multiple sets, with a defined rest period between those sets (again depending on the main desired outcome) (Zatsiorsky, 1995, pp. 47). Possible desired outcomes include muscular endurance, muscle hypertrophy (size increases), strength, and power, and the emphasis would vary based on the demands of the sport and the time of year in terms of training and competition. A second major component of training is specificity. Even though swimming and biking for 3 hours would provide a similar aerobic stimulus to running, the act of swimming lacks specificity; simply put, you need to practice what you wish to perform. The benefits of cross-training may be covered elsewhere; however, for maximal efficiency of training, you get the biggest benefit to eventual performance by training in the mode of exercise you will eventually compete in. Furthermore, while training in the same mode as the competition, an athlete will also attempt to mimic the speed, range of motion, and typical resistance likely to be attempted on a race day. For example, training for a mountain bike race by spending time riding easy trails will be beneficial for performance; however, if the race is over challenging terrain with obstacles, steep climbs, and fast descents, there would be greater performance gains in general if the athlete had trained at least to some extent on similar terrain. Adaptations in muscle strength, speed, and coordination are partly peripheral at the myocyte cellular level, but they are also central, with “motor memory” developed for the activities the brain, spinal cord, and neurons would otherwise be unaccustomed to (Young, 2001, pp. 13).

Specificity of Testing

The principles of training specificity have implications when assessing athletic performance. The greatest degree of improvement in muscle function following training is registered with the test modality that most closely matches the training movement. Similarly, greatest effects are observed during testing at velocities in the range featured in training. It follows that testing should be specific to the movement patterns and velocity used in training in order to be sensitive to training-induced changes in muscle ...