Unit Code: R/502/5410
Credit Value: 5
Guided Learning Hours: 30
UNIT 1: FITNESS TESTING AND
TRAINING
BTEC Level 2 Diploma In Sport and
Extended Certificate
AIM AND PURPOSE

This unit gives learners the opportunity to explore the essential fitness requirements and training methods
used to achieve successful sports performance. The unit also explores lifestyle and psychological factors and
the effects these can have on sports training and performance. Learners will investigate their personal fitness
levels by participating in a series of fitness tests.
UNIT INTRODUCTION

It is often said that ‘failing to prepare equals preparing to fail’. It is essential, therefore, that those involved in,
and studying, sport have a good understanding of concepts relating to effective preparation. In this unit,
learners will have the opportunity to examine the basic factors of fitness, lifestyle, and psychology in sport.

Fitness is vital to achieving excellence in sport. To determine how fit an individual is, they can undertake a
fitness assessment which will include a number of tests specific to each component of fitness. Fitness testing
can play a valuable role in the development of physical fitness by helping to predict performance potential,
identifying strengths and areas for improvement and providing feedback on the relative success of a training
programme. Many individuals who take part in sport aim to improve their performance. Successful athletes
develop and maintain high levels of physical fitness and take fitness training very seriously.

The first part of this unit will give learners an insight into the physical fitness requirements and training
methods used to achieve excellence in a selected sport. Learners will also explore lifestyle factors which may
affect sports performance. The second part of the unit will enable learners to participate in a series of fitness
tests to assess their current fitness levels and performance. Learners can then compare their own level of
fitness and potential with the demand of competing at their desired level. In the final part of the unit learners
will examine psychological factors which may affect training and sports performance.

This unit is particularly relevant for those who would like to work in sports coaching, fitness instruction and
elite sport.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this unit a learner should…
1.
Know the fitness and training requirements necessary to achieve excellence in a selected sport.
2.
Know the lifestyle factors that affect sports training and performance.
3.
Be able to assess their own level of fitness.
4.
Know the effects of psychological factors on sports training and performance.
UNIT CONTENT
1. KNOW THE FITNESS AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE IN A SELECTED
SPORT.
Components of fitness: physical fitness (aerobic endurance, muscular endurance, flexibility, speed, strength, body
composition); skill-related fitness (agility, balance, coordination, power, reaction time).
Fitness training methods: e.g. flexibility training (static, active, passive, ballistic), strength and power training
(resistance machines, circuit training, plyometrics, reps, sets and resistance), endurance training (continuous
training, fartlek training, interval training, heart rate, training zones), speed and speed endurance (hollow sprints,
acceleration sprints, interval training).
Excellence: e.g. typical fitness levels/requirements of regional, national, international and professional performers.
2. KNOW THE KNOW THE LIFESTYLE FACTORS THAT AFFECT SPORTS TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE.
Lifestyle factors: e.g. stress, alcohol, smoking, drugs, sleep, demands of work, medical history, level of activity, diet,
weight, gender, culture, sports participation (training and competition).
3. BE ABLE TO ASSESS THEIR OWN LEVEL OF FITNESS.
Fitness tests: e.g. flexibility (sit and reach test, goniometers), strength (one-repetition maximum (1RM), grip
dynamometer), aerobic endurance (multi-stage fitness test, Chester step test), speed (40 m sprint), power (vertical
jump, Wingate test), muscular endurance (one-minute press-up, one-minute sit-up), body composition (skinfolds,
bioelectrical impedance analysis, body mass index).
Administration of tests: pre-test procedures (informed consent, calibration of equipment); test protocols; reliability,
validity and practicality of tests; recording test results.
Interpretation of test results: compare personal fitness test results to normative data; compare personal fitness test
results to levels required for excellence.
4. KNOW THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS ON SPORTS TRAINING AND PERFORMANCE.
Factors: motivation; arousal and anxiety; personality; concentration.
Effects: short term e.g. increased motivation, activate athletes towards targets and goals; long term e.g.
maintenance of targets and goals, improved sports performance.
ASSESSMENT & GRADING CRITERIA
To achieve a pass grade
the evidence must show
that the learner is able
to:
To achieve a merit grade
the evidence must show
that, in addition to the
pass criteria, the learner
is able to:
P1 - describe the fitness
requirements for achieving
excellence in a selected sport.
M1 - explain the fitness
requirements for achieving
excellence in a selected sport.
To achieve a distinction
grade the evidence must
show that, in addition to
the pass and merit
criteria, the learner is
able to:
P2 - describe three different
fitness training methods used
to achieve excellence in a
selected sport.
P3 - describe four different
lifestyle factors that can
affect sports training and
performance.
P4 - carry out four different
fitness tests for different
components of fitness,
recording the results
accurately.
P5 - interpret their test
results and personal level of
fitness.
M2 - explain their test results
and personal level of fitness,
identifying strengths and
areas for improvement.
D1 - evaluate their test
results and personal level of
fitness, considering the level
required to achieve excellence
in a selected sport.
P6 - describe the effects of
psychological factors on
sports training and
performance.
M3 - explain the effects of
psychological factors on
sports training and
performance.
D2 - analyse the effects of
psychological factors on
sports training and
performance.
ASSIGNMENT BRIEF ONE
Assignment Title:
Fitness and Training For Sporting Excellence
Start Date:
Deadline Date:
Submission Date:
Assessor:
The Purpose of this assignment is to: Enable learners to understand the fitness
requirements to achieve excellence in a selected sport.
Scenario: After the successful campaign for London to hold the 2012 Olympic Games the
British Olympic Committee (BOC) have decided to employ a junior researcher to work
alongside young sports performers in order to improve their performance with the aim to
compete at the games. Every sports coach and performer needs to understand the
concepts relating to fitness testing and training. Using the phrase ‘failing to prepare is
preparing to fail’ coaches and performers alike are searching for that extra ingredient of
success from factors such as: Fitness; Lifestyle; Psychology. As part of your research role
you have been asked by the BOC to investigate these concepts and report your findings
back to them, the countries hopes for Gold rest in your hands, good luck!
Task 1: Select an up and coming 2012 British Olympic athlete and describe the fitness
requirements needed to achieve excellence in their event.
Make sure you include all the physical and skill related fitness components.
Rank the fitness requirements in order of importance and give your reasons.
Refer to learning outcome 1 for key terms
This provides evidence for P1
Task 2: Describe 3 different fitness training methods that your Olympian could use to
achieve excellence in their event.
This provides evidence for P2
Task 3: Explain the fitness requirements your Olympian needs to achieve excellence in their
event. Relate this to the fitness requirements of your athlete
EG A professional Sprinter needs good reaction time for…… they also need excellent
muscular strength in order to……
This provides evidence for M1
This brief has been verified as being fit for purpose.
Assessor:
Signature:
Date:
Internal Verifier:
Mrs Heather Blackburn
Signature:
Date:
ASSIGNMENT BRIEF TWO
Assignment Title:
Exploring Lifestyle Factors
Start Date:
Deadline Date:
Submission Date:
Assessor:
The Purpose of this assignment is to: Enable learners to understand that lifestyle factors
can affect training and performance.
Scenario: The BOC have now decided that you must look into your Olympians lifestyle and
identify factors that might be helping or hindering their chance of success in 2012!
Task 1: Choose 4 different lifestyle factors and describe how they can affect sports training
and performance. The lifestyle factor may help or hinder sporting excellence for your up
and coming Olympian.
This provides evidence for P3
This brief has been verified as being fit for purpose.
Assessor:
Signature:
Date:
Internal Verifier:
Mrs Heather Blackburn
Signature:
Date:
ASSIGNMENT BRIEF THREE
Assignment Title:
How Fit Are You?
Start Date:
Deadline Date:
Submission Date:
Assessor:
The Purpose of this assignment is to: Enable learners to investigate their personal fitness
levels by participating in a series of fitness tests and interpreting test results.
Scenario: As a junior researcher it is important that you know how to assess levels of
fitness for a variety of fitness components. The BOC would now like you to test four
components of fitness for yourself and the up and coming 2012 Olympian.
Task 1: Carryout 4 different fitness tests for different components of fitness, recording the
results accurately on to a results table.
This provides evidence for P4
Task 2: Interpret your test results and personal level of fitness. Compare them to published
tables and to the levels required for excellence and your Olympian.
This provides evidence for P5
Task 3: You will need to provide a written explanation of your test results and personal level
of fitness, identifying strengths and areas for improvement (M2). You will need then to
provide a written evaluation of your test results and personal level of fitness, making
recommendations as to how you could improve areas of fitness showing that you have
considered the level required to achieve excellence by your chosen Olympian (D1).
This provides evidence for M2 & D1
This brief has been verified as being fit for purpose.
Assessor:
Signature:
Date:
Internal Verifier:
Mrs Heather Blackburn
Signature:
Date:
ASSIGNMENT BRIEF FOUR
Assignment Title:
Exploring Psychological Factors
Start Date:
Deadline Date:
Submission Date:
Assessor:
The Purpose of this assignment is to: Enable learners to understand the psychological
factors that can affect sports training and performance.
Scenario: The BOC realise that not only do young Olympians need to be physically fit; they
also need to be mentally fit. Your next task is to investigate psychological factors that can
affect sports training and performance in he build up to 2012.
Task 1: Describe the effects of psychological factors on sports training and performance.
You will need to look into personality, motivation, arousal, anxiety and concentration, also
comment on how the psychological factors affect the short and long term goals of a
specific athlete
This provides evidence for P6
Task 2: Explain further task 1 with greater detail and more sporting examples.
You need to use relevant theories to explain your answer. EG the importance of intrinsic
and extrinsic motivation, inverted u theory.
This provides evidence for M3
Task 3: Analyse further the above theories and their relevance using sporting examples.
Think carefully about how the psychological factors are related and how they can have both
positive and negative effects on training and performance. Conclude which factors affect
training and performance the most.
This provides evidence for D2
This brief has been verified as being fit for purpose.
Assessor:
Signature:
Date:
Internal Verifier:
Mrs Heather Blackburn
Signature:
Date:
ASSESSMENT & GRADING CRITERIA
ACHIEVED
Qualification:
BTEC Level 2 Diploma In Sport
Year:
2010-2012
Unit:
Unit 1: Fitness Testing and Training
Learner Name:
Date that grading criteria was achieved
PASS
P1
MERIT
DISTINCTION
M1
P2
P3
P4
P5
M2
D1
P6
M3
D2
Strengths
Areas For Improvements
Learner Comment
Assessor Signature:
Learners Signature:
Date Unit Completed: