ACSM Sports Performance Coaching 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A performance coach uses GPS data showing an athlete's high-speed running distance has dropped 20% over three consecutive weeks. The BEST initial response is to:
- Immediately increase training volume to build resilience
- Assess total training load and recovery markers before modifying programming (Correct answer)
- Prescribe maximum-intensity sprint sessions to rebuild speed
- Ignore the data and continue the current program
Correct answer: Assess total training load and recovery markers before modifying programming
A consistent decline in high-speed output is a load-monitoring red flag requiring assessment of acute:chronic workload ratios and recovery status before adjustments.
Question 2: Which acute variable manipulation would MOST increase the specificity of resistance training for a shot putter?
- Increasing repetitions to 15-20 per set
- Incorporating accommodating resistance with bands and chains (Correct answer)
- Reducing load to bodyweight-only movements
- Extending rest periods beyond 5 minutes between sets
Correct answer: Incorporating accommodating resistance with bands and chains
Accommodating resistance maintains tension throughout the strength curve and trains force at velocities more specific to throwing mechanics.
Question 3: In the context of sports performance coaching, 'functional threshold power' (FTP) is MOST directly relevant to which athlete population?
- Sprint swimmers
- Competitive cyclists (Correct answer)
- Basketball players
- Volleyball players
Correct answer: Competitive cyclists
FTP represents sustainable aerobic power output and is a primary performance metric in cycling-specific periodization and training.
Question 4: A coach monitors an athlete's heart rate variability (HRV) and notices a sustained 10-day depression. According to ACSM guidance, this MOST likely suggests:
- Optimal training supercompensation
- Accumulated fatigue or early non-functional overreaching (Correct answer)
- A permanent decrease in aerobic capacity
- An equipment malfunction with no clinical significance
Correct answer: Accumulated fatigue or early non-functional overreaching
Sustained HRV depression over multiple days indicates the autonomic nervous system is not recovering, a sign of accumulated fatigue or non-functional overreaching.
Question 5: Which training protocol BEST develops alactic speed endurance for a 100-meter sprinter?
- Continuous 30-minute aerobic runs at 65% VO2max
- Repeated 6-8 second maximal sprints with 2-3 minute rest intervals (Correct answer)
- 60-second bouts at 85% maximal speed with 60-second recovery
- 400-meter repeats at threshold pace
Correct answer: Repeated 6-8 second maximal sprints with 2-3 minute rest intervals
Short maximal sprints (≤10 seconds) with long recovery (1:10-1:20 work:rest ratio) train the ATP-PCr system without significant glycolytic accumulation.
Question 6: When assessing movement quality in athletes, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is BEST used to:
- Predict athletic performance and speed directly
- Identify fundamental movement pattern asymmetries and limitations (Correct answer)
- Replace sport-specific skill assessments
- Measure cardiovascular fitness
Correct answer: Identify fundamental movement pattern asymmetries and limitations
The FMS identifies asymmetries and movement limitations that may increase injury risk, not to predict sport performance directly.
Question 7: An ACSM-certified performance coach is working with a high school athlete. Which ethical responsibility is MOST critical?
- Prioritizing sport performance outcomes above all other considerations
- Coordinating with medical and coaching staff while respecting athlete confidentiality (Correct answer)
- Administering diagnostic tests without physician referral
- Applying adult periodization models without modification
Correct answer: Coordinating with medical and coaching staff while respecting athlete confidentiality
Ethical practice requires working within an interdisciplinary team, maintaining communication with medical staff, and respecting athlete confidentiality and developmental needs.
ACSM Sports Performance Coaching 4
A performance coach uses GPS data showing an athlete's high-speed running distance has dropped 20% over three consecutive weeks.
The BEST initial response is to: