Performance Improvements

Over TimeWhy have we had so many

improvements in events over time?

WILL IT EVER STOP?

Increased PerformancesOver Time

Every single sport has had some significant change to it to help improve it or make it more spectacular for the spectators to watch.

Improvements have also

seen better performances

by athletes thus lower times

in sports/events.

Increased Performances Over Time

Let’s look at the 100m, 200m and 400m sprints.

We now use electronic timing instead of hand held watches, we use starting blocks, footwear is obviously top notch and track surfaces are bouncier.

Increased Performances Over Time

You all heard in the Sydney Olympics that records were going to be broken by Ian Thorpe in the pool. This is of no coincidence as they made the pool into a “fast pool”, meaning

little drag was caused

by the splashing of water

off the edges. Thus records

were made to be broken.

Developments inClothing,Equipment &Facilities

In recent times, many new or improved fabrics have been created, ~ the use of Lycra for cyclists decreases wind resistance, or Gore-Tex which allows sweat to pass through it.

Look at the women’s basketball team instead of wearing singlets and Bloomer’s they now wear full Lycra outfits.

Sports EquipmentMany new materials are now used in the manufacture of sports goods. Some of these include expensive light weight metals such as titanium and carbon fibre. This has helped sports such as:

Tennis (racquets), Cycling (bikes), Rowing (oars & boats), Fishing (rods), Golf (clubs) and Surfing (boards).

Sports FacilitiesThese have also changed to improve performances. We have already spoken about the pool in the Sydney Olympics but did you know

they also used anti-wave lane ropes, and starting blocks with sloped tops and toe grips.

Artificial playing surfaces are now becoming more popular for soccer and hockey, and even the introduction of Rebound

Ace has sped tennis up.

Sports Facilities

Elastic floors in dance, basketball, aerobics and volleyball are used to absorb shock and aid jumping.

Other things such as electronic

eyes in tennis, the third umpire

in cricket as well as stump cam

and other areas used to improve

sports.

Aussie Rules Football

Lycra jumpers – hard to tackle, lightweight, carries less sweat.

Water vests – prevent against dehydration

Football Boots – more cushioning, more durable

Surfaces – grass has increased speed but spongy to help reduce Knee injuries

TennisRacquets - Light weight

(titanium, carbon fibre) larger head {use to be wooden}

Tennis Balls – more bounce to increase speedCyclops – to see accuracy of servesSports shoes – better cushioning, helps protect ankles and knees.Surfaces – rebound ace