An Investigation Into the Effect of Fatigue On a Penalty Kick.

AS and A Level Physical Education (Sport & Coaching)

RYAN BATE SPORT STUDIES

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECT OF FATIGUE ON A PENALTY KICK

RYAN BATE

Planning

B – Pre-test

In order to test and carry out my means of data collecting in a successful and productive manner, I carried out a pre-test. This pre-test involved me observing and analysing seven footballers; all of who, are of a similar ability level. I was able to gather the participants before an organised training session to try and avoid inconvenience to the subjects. I had a full size football pitch at my disposal although; I only needed one goal with and 18-yard box.

The first task that I asked the participants to complete was a gentle warm-up, which involved the 7 subjects passing the ball around in a circle while following their passes. This enabled me to take a brief look at the ability and footed preference of the participants while providing a light warm-up.

Another reason why the pre-test had to be carried out was because I had to pick out an appropriate viewing angle to analyse the participants. I had to be close enough to observe small limb movements but I needed to make sure that the subjects had enough space.

In the pre-test there were seven participants who each took 5 penalties resulting in a score out of 50 from the goal set-up below: -

The participants then took part in a bleep test, until they dropout or fatigue is reached. As they finish the bleep test, the participants then made there way to the goal where they took a further 5 penalties which is then compared to the initial score. This will then generate a direct correlation to reflect pre and post fatigue performance, showing the effect (if any) of fatigue.

Evaluation of Initial Pre-test

The purpose of the pre-test is vital in me understanding and identifying the difficulties within my data collection procedure. I realised that I needed to make a number of changes to improve data collection and efficiency.

The general ‘method’ and stages of collecting the information was successful and provided me with a sound basis as to finalise my final method. However, the scores that I recorded did not provide any clear distinctions in the effect of fatigue on performance, as the pre and post fatigue results varied dramatically from player to player, this therefore will not allow me to complete relevant conclusions.

I believe that this was due to the scoring system of the goal. I noticed that the divides in the goal were of quite a large scoring difference, which led to the vast variation in scores. To alter this I will construct a more compact scoring system. (This will be shown in the final method). Which will also enable me to have a proper quantitative set of results.

Another factor of the pre-test that I feel needs revising, is the warm-up. I believe that each player should take a few penalties to become accustomed to the situation (kinaesthetic ...