As the limited PCr stores dwindles, another anaerobic system known as the glycolytic or the short-term energy system takes over. Carbohydrate, in the form of glucose or glycogen can be broken down to a molecule called pyruvate and provide energy in the form of ATP via the “fast glycolytic” pathway.
The pyruvate is converted to lactic acid and then to lactate. Lactic acid inhibits the very process that created it. Lactic acid in the muscle interferes with and diminishes the energy output of the glycolytic energy system.
This system provides most of the energy for moderate to high intensity exercise lasting up to 2 minutes. The glycolytic pathway comes into play during intense rallies that last longer than 10 to 15 seconds, or when recovery periods during practice or play are kept very short.