The November 2021 A-level Physical Education Paper 2 focuses on factors influencing optimal performance in physical activity. Topics include exercise physiology (FITT principles, sodium bicarbonate effects, EPO), biomechanics (angular momentum, drag forces), and sports psychology (group cohesion, stress management techniques). Analytical tasks evaluate National Institutes of Sport′s impact on elite performance and ethical considerations in doping. Keywords: optimal performance, exercise physiology, biomechanics, EPO, stress management, sport ethics.