Module 5 – Training Science and Performance Development
Prerequisites: anatomy, biomechanics and muscle slings. Technique training remains a separate area; the existing SPORTMATCH definition of talent is retained unchanged.
Learning pathway
5.1 Supercompensation, traditional practice and progression. 5.2 Physiology, complete/sufficient/beneficial rest intervals, recovery beyond the session and tissue load tolerance. 5.3 Biochemistry and genetics, specific tissue structures, supported prevalence estimates and limits of genetic explanations. 5.4 Evaluating performance development and reviewing individual training decisions.
Scientific working principles
Claims can be traced to source markers in the submodules. Source type, study populations and limits of transfer are identified. Teaching examples and diagrams are not study results. No invented percentages, universal recovery times or guarantees of remaining injury-free.
Assessment
26 open questions in the submodules and a final case assignment. Understanding, application and recognition of uncertainty are assessed. Calculations describe the timing of exercise, not physiological recovery.
Worked answer to the timing calculation
5 × 20 + 4 × 40 = 260 seconds = 4 minutes 20 seconds. Only work periods and intervals between them are included, not warm-up, cool-down or a final rest period.
Assessment anchors
5.1: distinguish storage variables from overall performance; do not treat historical success as sole validation of the model; justify progression in relation to the goal. 5.2: relate rest-interval definitions to the task; calculate duration correctly; distinguish within-session rest from longer-term recovery; do not give blanket tissue clearance. 5.3: energy systems overlap; distinguish acute signals from long-term adaptation; do not turn population findings into individual determinism; distinguish diagnoses from traits; do not generalise routine-care data worldwide. 5.4: select relevant data; consider comparability and measurement variation; include athlete feedback; explain the decision and subsequent review.
Status
The German course was published following owner approval on 2 October 2026. This English translation is a review draft. Final full-text verification of all scientific sources remains outstanding.
Case assignment
An athlete shows a slight improvement in a standardised test after four weeks. She also reports poor sleep and recurrent joint instability. A commercial genetic test recommends greater training volume. A coach wants to increase every session and cites a supercompensation peak after 48 hours. Analyse separately: established observations, model assumptions, possible explanations and missing information. Justify a provisional training decision, professional responsibilities and subsequent review. Use at least three module sources and identify their transfer limits.
Assessment criteria
Each question: 0–3 points. 0: missing/incorrect; 1: correct term without adequate explanation; 2: accurate explanation with a relevant example; 3: also a justified transfer limit or decision-related application. Do not diagnose from insufficient information. A pass threshold has not yet been set.
