ACSM ACSM Sports Performance Coaching 3

Question 1

When designing a strength-endurance block for a wrestling athlete, which rep-set scheme is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

4×12–15 at 60–70% 1RM with short rest

Answer

Higher repetitions (12–15) at moderate loads with short rest periods develop muscular endurance, matching the metabolic demands of wrestling.

Question 2

A coach notices an athlete's hip drops to one side during single-leg squat assessment. Which muscle weakness is MOST likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Hip abductors (gluteus medius)

Answer

Contralateral hip drop during single-leg squat typically indicates weakness of the stance-leg hip abductors, particularly the gluteus medius.

Question 3

In the ACSM model of athlete monitoring, which marker is MOST sensitive for detecting early signs of non-functional overreaching?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate variability (HRV)

Answer

HRV is a sensitive autonomic nervous system marker that can detect accumulated fatigue and early overreaching before performance declines.

Question 4

Which of the following BEST describes the principle of specificity in sports performance training?

Accepted Answer

Training adaptations are specific to the demands imposed

Answer

The SAID principle (Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands) states that the body adapts specifically to the type of stress placed on it.

Question 5

A volleyball player needs to improve approach jump height. Which training phase should immediately precede the competitive season?

Accepted Answer

Power/peaking phase

Answer

A power/peaking phase using lower volume, higher-intensity plyometrics and loaded jumps is placed closest to competition to express force rapidly.

ACSM Practice Test