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Year 10 - Physical education

Planes and axes of movement

Movement analysis and basic biomechanics

Unit Summary

This unit will explore basic principles of movement and their effect on sporting performance to include the classification of levers, planes of movement and axis of rotation. This understanding enables pupils to maximise efficiency of movement or generate more power.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to name and describe the three planes of movement and axes of rotation.

Key Notes

  • A plane is an imaginary flat surface running through the body along which movement takes place.
  • An axis is a line which the body or body part can turn.
  • There are sagittal (left and right), frontal (front and back) and transverse (top and bottom) planes.
  • The sagittal (side-to-side), frontal (forward/backward) and vertical (rotational) axis enable movement analysis.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • transverse plane: divides the body into top and bottom
  • frontal plane: divides the body into front and back
  • sagittal plane: divides the body into left and right
  • axis: a line around which the body or body part can turn

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The saggital plane is linked with the saggital axis.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

A plane is an imaginary flat surface running through the body along which movement takes place. An axis is a line which the body or body part can turn.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'transverse plane'

divides the body into top and bottom.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: The saggital plane is linked with the saggital axis. Correction: They share the same name; however, the sagittal plane is linked with the frontal axis. The saggital axis is linked with the frontal plane.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Physical education guide library.