Performance Analysis (Strengths and Weaknesses)

OCR

GCSE

Candidates are required to conduct a systematic observation of a live performance, accurately isolating discrete strengths and weaknesses across technical, tactical, and fitness domains. Responses must transcend descriptive commentary; credit is awarded for the application of theoretical principles (AO2) to justify why a specific weakness is detrimental to overall performance outcomes. High-level analysis (AO3) necessitates the formulation of a progressive action plan, applying principles of training (SPORT/FITT) to remediate the identified deficit.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award marks for the precise identification of one strength and one weakness in each category: skills, fitness components, and tactics/strategies.
Credit responses that justify the identified weakness using specific examples from a recent competitive performance, referencing the impact on the overall outcome.
Candidates must link the identified weakness to relevant theoretical concepts (e.g., biomechanics, movement analysis) to explain why the error occurred.
Assess the Action Plan for the application of SPOR and FITT principles, ensuring the proposed drills directly address the identified weakness.

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"You have identified a weakness, but you must explain the biomechanical cause of this error to access higher mark bands."
"Your action plan lists drills; to improve, explicitly state how you will manipulate Intensity and Time using the FITT principle."
"Differentiate clearly between a tactic (decision-making) and a skill (execution). Your current analysis conflates the two."
"Evidence of competitive context is weak. Describe a specific match scenario where this weakness negatively impacted the result."

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award marks for the precise identification of one strength and one weakness in each category: skills, fitness components, and tactics/strategies.
Credit responses that justify the identified weakness using specific examples from a recent competitive performance, referencing the impact on the overall outcome.
Candidates must link the identified weakness to relevant theoretical concepts (e.g., biomechanics, movement analysis) to explain why the error occurred.
Assess the Action Plan for the application of SPOR and FITT principles, ensuring the proposed drills directly address the identified weakness.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When analysing a skill weakness, explicitly reference the preparation, execution, and recovery phases of the movement.
💡Ensure the Action Plan spans a realistic timeframe (e.g., 6-8 weeks) and includes a mid-point test to monitor progress.
💡Use the 'Impact-Cause-Consequence' model: State the error, explain the biomechanical cause, and describe the consequence for the team/performance.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Misclassifying fitness components as skills (e.g., citing 'speed' as a skill rather than 'sprinting technique').
Providing descriptive narratives of a game ('I missed the goal') rather than technical analysis ('My non-kicking foot was too far back').
Proposing generic coaching drills in the Action Plan without specifying frequency, intensity, or progressive overload.

Study Guide Available

Comprehensive revision notes & examples

Read Study Guide

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Isolation of Technical, Tactical, and Fitness Components

Theoretical Justification of Performance Deficits

Application of Progressive Training Principles (Action Planning)

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Analyse

Evaluate

Justify

Describe

Design

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic