OCR GCSE Physical Education key terms

A target that is challenging but realistically possible for the performer’s age, ability and current standard.

Movement of an arm or leg towards the midline of the body.

Continuing to follow an exercise or training programme over time.

The body's capacity to take in, transport and use oxygen to support sustained exercise.

Exercise in which energy is released using oxygen, typically supporting low- to moderate-intensity activity over a prolonged period.

The quality of a movement that makes it visually attractive or pleasing to watch.

The ability to change direction quickly while maintaining control and balance.

The muscle or muscle group that contracts to produce a particular movement; also called the prime mover.

Tiny air sacs at the ends of bronchioles where gas exchange takes place between air and blood.

A synthetic form of testosterone that promotes muscle growth and aids recovery, potentially increasing strength and power.

High-intensity exercise in which energy is released without using oxygen, supporting short bursts of activity.

The muscle or muscle group that opposes the agonist. In a simple antagonistic movement, it relaxes and lengthens to allow the agonist to produce the movement.

The coordinated action of opposing muscles: one contracts to produce a movement while the other relaxes. Their roles reverse to produce the opposite movement.

A performer's level of physical and mental alertness or activation, ranging from low alertness to intense excitement.

A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.

A bone that meets another bone at a joint.

An upper chamber of the heart that receives blood returning to the heart. The plural is atria.

An imaginary line through the body around which the body or a body part turns.

The ability to keep the body's centre of mass over its base of support, whether stationary or moving.

A diet containing the right types and amounts of nutrients, fibre and water to meet an individual’s needs.

A type of synovial joint where the rounded head of one bone fits into a socket in another, allowing movement in several directions.

A drug that blocks the effects of adrenaline, reducing heart rate, blood pressure and anxiety and helping reduce hand tremors.

A muscle at the front of the upper arm that bends the elbow.

The formation of blood cells in bone marrow, including red blood cells that carry oxygen.

The pressure exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels.

How a person sees and feels about their body and appearance.

The amount of mineral contained in a given volume of bone, contributing to its strength.