BTEC FIRST CERTIFICATE IN

SPORT

ENERGY SYSTEMS
 3 Main Energy Systems

1. Creatine Phosphate System

also known as the “Alactic Acid” system

5. Lactic Acid System

3. Aerobic Energy System.

 CREATINE PHOSPHATE “ALACTIC ACID”
SYSTEM
• THIS GIVES US IMMEDIATE ENERGY
• Works WITHOUT 02 - ANAEROBIC
• Muscular contractions rely on a high energy compound found stored
within our muscles called ATP – Adenosine Triphosphate.
• ATP releases energy instantly, but it does not last long.
• The small stores of ATP will give enough energy to last for 5 -8
seconds of very high intensity work.
• When our muscle stores of ATP are used up we can quickly re-
make more ATP from another chemical compound stored in our
muscles called CREATINE PHOSPHATE
• This is also stored in small amounts and will only give us enough
energy for about another 10-20 seconds of hard work
• After a burst of activity we need to rest to allow our bodies to refill
their CP stores.
 LACTIC ACID SYSTEM
• THIS GIVES US SHORT TERM ENERGY
• Works WITHOUT 02 - ANAEROBIC
• When we work hard for 10 seconds our ATP and PC stores are
nearly used up.
• We breathe more quickly and deeply – this is to supply 02 to the
muscles to re-make our ATP so that we can continue (02 debt).
• This takes time for O2 to get into bloodstream and to reach
muscles.
• In the mean time LA system uses GLYGOGEN to re-make ATP
• We produce glycogen from the breakdown of CARBOHYDRATES in
our food and store it in the liver and muscles.
• Glycogen is used to re-make ATP
• If not enough 02 is available at the same time then LA is formed.
• If LA builds up contractions will become painful and we become
tired.
 AEROBIC SYSTEM
• THIS GIVES US LONG TERM ENERGY
• Works WITH 02 – AEROBIC
• We use this when enough 02 reaches the working muscles.
• Glycogen and 02 together re-make ATP.
• When enough 02 is available, LA is not formed.
• The waste products are H20 and C02, which do not cause
tiredness.
• The aerobic system can carry on for a long time.
• We use this system for all light exercise and most daily tasks.
• It gives us energy slowly
• The energy comes from the breakdown of Carbohydrates and Fats.
• It gives us energy too slowly for intensive activity.
 ENERGY SYSTEMS AND SPORT
• The energy we need for different sports varies a great deal and in
many sports all three energy systems will work together at different
times to supply the energy needed.

• Look at the sports and activities shown in the pictures and decide
which of the 3 energy systems is the primary energy provider.
The following blocks represent the energy
systems. Identify each activity with respect
the energy blocks 100m, 400m 1500m
marathon.

aerobic ATP-PC Lactic acid

 WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

• 1. What are the names of three Energy Systems?

• 2. What does ATP stand for?
• 3. When ATP runs out, what other chemical compound stored in
the muscles can re-make ATP?
• 4. How long does the Lactic Acid system last for?
• 5. What substance, which is stored in our muscles re-makes ATP
for the Lactic Acid System?
• 6. How is glycogen produced and where is it stored?
• 7. What does Anaerobic mean?
• 8. What is 02 Debt?
• 9. Why does Lactic Acid build up?
• 10. What are the waste products created from the aerobic system?