CIC Athlete Development & Training Techniques 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A young female soccer player experiences her peak height velocity (PHV) at age 12. According to LTAD, approximately when should coaches expect her peak weight velocity to follow?
- 6 months before PHV
- Simultaneously with PHV
- 6–12 months after PHV (Correct answer)
- 2–3 years after PHV
Correct answer: 6–12 months after PHV
Peak weight velocity typically follows peak height velocity by approximately 6–12 months in female athletes during the growth spurt.
Question 2: What is 'training monotony' and why is it a concern for interscholastic coaches?
- Repeating the same sport skill; it reduces enjoyment
- Low day-to-day variation in training load; it increases overtraining risk (Correct answer)
- Using only one energy system in training; it limits aerobic capacity
- Practicing only one position; it reduces team versatility
Correct answer: Low day-to-day variation in training load; it increases overtraining risk
Training monotony, calculated as average load divided by standard deviation, indicates insufficient variation and is associated with elevated overtraining syndrome risk.
Question 3: Which plyometric exercise progression is MOST appropriate when introducing depth jumps to a high school athlete?
- Begin with depth jumps from 36-inch boxes immediately
- Start with squat jumps, then box jumps, then depth jumps from lower boxes (Correct answer)
- Begin with depth jumps on hard concrete for maximum ground contact
- Introduce depth jumps only after the athlete can squat 2.5× body weight
Correct answer: Start with squat jumps, then box jumps, then depth jumps from lower boxes
Plyometric progressions should move from lower-intensity bilateral jumps to more demanding reactive/depth jumps as the athlete develops landing mechanics and strength.
Question 4: During a pre-participation physical examination, an athlete's resting heart rate is 48 bpm. How should an interscholastic coach interpret this finding?
- Refer the athlete immediately for cardiac evaluation
- Consider it a likely sign of good aerobic fitness in a trained athlete (Correct answer)
- Restrict the athlete from high-intensity training
- Recommend the athlete increase salt intake
Correct answer: Consider it a likely sign of good aerobic fitness in a trained athlete
A resting heart rate of 48 bpm is common in well-trained endurance athletes and typically reflects beneficial cardiac adaptation (athlete's heart).
Question 5: Which of the following BEST describes 'muscle imbalance' in the context of athlete development?
- A difference in muscle fiber type distribution between athletes
- A significant strength or flexibility discrepancy between opposing muscle groups or limbs (Correct answer)
- The use of unilateral exercises in a training program
- An unequal distribution of muscle mass across the body
Correct answer: A significant strength or flexibility discrepancy between opposing muscle groups or limbs
Muscle imbalances occur when opposing muscle groups or contralateral limbs show significant differences in strength or flexibility, increasing injury risk.
Question 6: An athlete completes a 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds. Which phase of speed development would contribute MOST to improving this time?
- Maximum velocity mechanics
- Deceleration training
- Acceleration mechanics (first 10 yards) (Correct answer)
- Lateral change of direction
Correct answer: Acceleration mechanics (first 10 yards)
In a 40-yard dash, athletes rarely reach maximum velocity, so acceleration mechanics in the first 10 yards have the greatest impact on total time.
Question 7: What is the recommended fluid intake strategy for athletes during practice sessions lasting longer than 60 minutes in warm conditions?
- Drink only when thirsty to avoid overhydration
- Consume 6–8 oz of fluid every 15–20 minutes during activity (Correct answer)
- Drink 1 liter before practice and nothing during
- Use thirst as the sole guide and supplement with salt tablets
Correct answer: Consume 6–8 oz of fluid every 15–20 minutes during activity
NATA guidelines recommend 6–8 oz of fluid every 15–20 minutes during prolonged exercise to maintain hydration and performance.
CIC Athlete Development & Training Techniques 5
A young female soccer player experiences her peak height velocity (PHV) at age 12.
According to LTAD, approximately when should coaches expect her peak weight velocity to follow?