Evaluation of Performance (Justification and Improvement)

OCR

GCSE

Candidates must critically analyse live performance to identify specific physiological, biomechanical, and psychological strengths and weaknesses. Responses require the application of theoretical principles to justify these observations, moving beyond mere description to causal explanation using precise terminology. An effective evaluation culminates in a progressive, periodised action plan designed to eradicate identified faults, demonstrating a holistic understanding of training principles and performance optimisation.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Subtopics in this area

Evaluation of Performance (Justification and Improvement)

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award marks for the precise identification of a major weakness, categorised correctly as a skill, fitness component, or tactic
Credit the application of theoretical principles (SPOR, FITT) to a designed action plan
Responses must justify training choices using physiological evidence (e.g., 'plyometrics to recruit fast-twitch fibres')
Assess the depth of evaluation regarding how the identified weakness negatively impacts overall performance outcomes
Award marks for the precise identification of one distinct strength and one distinct weakness in a specific skill, tactic, or fitness component.
Credit justification that links the identified weakness to its impact on the overall performance or outcome of the event.
Candidates must apply theoretical principles (e.g., levers, planes of movement, energy systems) to explain why the weakness occurred.
Assess the action plan for the inclusion of specific drills, coaching points, and the explicit application of Principles of Training (SPOR, FITT) to ensure progression.

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"You have identified the weakness, but you must explain the specific impact this has on the game outcome (e.g., loss of possession)"
"Your action plan lists drills; to access higher marks, specify the intensity (heart rate zones) and rest periods"
"Justify your choice of interval training by referencing the specific energy system required for your sport"
"Ensure you use technical terminology (e.g., 'hypertrophy', 'neuromuscular pathway') rather than lay terms"
"You have identified the error, but you must explain the biomechanical cause (e.g., lack of elbow extension) to access higher mark bands."
"Your action plan lists drills; strictly specify the frequency and intensity (FITT) to demonstrate understanding of training principles."
"Link the identified tactical weakness directly to the outcome of the game to strengthen your justification."
"Ensure your theoretical reference (e.g., arousal levels) is relevant to the specific skill failure observed."

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award marks for the precise identification of a major weakness, categorised correctly as a skill, fitness component, or tactic
Credit the application of theoretical principles (SPOR, FITT) to a designed action plan
Responses must justify training choices using physiological evidence (e.g., 'plyometrics to recruit fast-twitch fibres')
Assess the depth of evaluation regarding how the identified weakness negatively impacts overall performance outcomes
Award marks for the precise identification of one distinct strength and one distinct weakness in a specific skill, tactic, or fitness component.
Credit justification that links the identified weakness to its impact on the overall performance or outcome of the event.
Candidates must apply theoretical principles (e.g., levers, planes of movement, energy systems) to explain why the weakness occurred.
Assess the action plan for the inclusion of specific drills, coaching points, and the explicit application of Principles of Training (SPOR, FITT) to ensure progression.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Explicitly link the action plan to the principle of Progressive Overload by detailing how intensity increases over the 6-8 week period
💡Use the 'Identify-Define-Impact' structure when analysing the weakness to ensure depth of response
💡Ensure the frequency and duration of training sessions proposed are realistic and sufficient to cause physiological adaptation
💡Ensure the action plan spans a realistic timeframe (e.g., 6-8 weeks) to allow for physiological adaptation.
💡When justifying a weakness, use the 'Statement - Explanation - Impact' structure to secure full marks.
💡Explicitly name the Principle of Training being applied (e.g., 'I will increase intensity by reducing rest intervals') rather than implying it.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Identifying a weakness that cannot be trained (e.g., height) or is too broad (e.g., 'fitness' instead of 'cardiovascular endurance')
Listing drills without specifying intensity, duration, sets, or repetitions (FITT components)
Describing the action plan without justifying *why* specific methods were chosen using theoretical course content
Identifying a weakness (e.g., 'passing') without specifying the type (e.g., 'chest pass') or context.
Providing a generic action plan (e.g., 'practice shooting for 20 minutes') without detailing drills or coaching points.
Failing to apply Progressive Overload explicitly within the action plan (frequency, intensity, time, or type).
Confusing 'fitness components' with 'skills' when categorizing strengths and weaknesses.

Study Guide Available

Comprehensive revision notes & examples

Read Study Guide

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Analysis of Technical and Tactical Performance

Theoretical Justification of Strengths and Weaknesses

Design of Progressive Action Plans (Periodisation)

Analysis of Performance (Skill, Tactic, Fitness)

Theoretical Justification of Weaknesses

Action Plan Design and Periodisation

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Analyse

Evaluate

Justify

Describe

Propose

Explain

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic