can perform at high efficiency throughout an entire game, and
usually guess as to the amount of work which will produce such
results. In doing so they ignore the important factor of individual
differences which vary as widely with respect to endurance as in
the execution of skilled movements. Thus, some players can give
their best in relatively short periods while others can operate for
longer periods. The fatigue curves permit accurate rating of con-
dition, or endurance, so that individuals may be removed from
competition at pre-determined intervals with the knowledge that
the maximum has been given, and that further effort without rest
would result in inefficient performance.

Fatigue curves also may be used to predict the type of perform-
ance to be expected. In fact, it is possible to determine with as-
tonishing accuracy whether or not an athlete is “hot” or “cold”
for a contest that is about to start by his reactions to a single ten
second spot running fatigue.test providing enough previous tests
have been given him to know his pattern of action. With such
knowledge at hand a coach may choose his starting line-up with
greater accuracy and make substitutions with fewer mistakes.

This pattern of action, or typical response to situations, is com-
posed of the complex elements of an individual's character and
personality traits. Most psychologists believe that some of the
forces which dictate our reactions are innate, but that most of them
are the result of learning; that one’s method of solving problems
largely is developed by habits fixed by practice. For instance, if
one receives practice in facing difficulties squarely and in attacking
them immediately with vigor he develops a pattern of action
leading to energetic and decisive action. On the other hand, if he
is permitted to evade and postpone the solutions his responses will
tend to become weak and inconsistent. The transfer of learning
from one situation to another, of course, is greater when the
elements are similar. Consequently, when one has learned to
respond to physical exertion, such as spot running, with a 100 per
cent fatigue curve the habit will be carried into other vigorous
physical activities such as basketball or football.

That the pattern of action demonstrated by an individual in
athletics is carried into other phases of life is strikingly shown by
a recent news story which related the reaction of an American
soldier to a combat situation. The soldier had developed his
pattern of action in high school and college football where he

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