Physical Education key terms

An aggressive action by a sports performer that harms or risks harming another person and goes beyond the legitimate physical contact of the sport.

The ability of a tissue, such as a ligament or tendon, to bend or stretch readily.

Training to increase power through an eccentric contraction followed rapidly by a larger concentric contraction, as in bounding or depth jumping.

A place on a bone where a muscle is anchored, allowing its contraction to pull on the bone.

Information or praise that identifies what a performer did correctly, encouraging them to repeat it.

Giving yourself encouraging statements or positive instructions to build confidence, maintain focus and control arousal.

Developing encouraging thoughts about performance and success rather than dwelling on negative thoughts or past failures.

The phase after competition, aimed at rest and recovery while light aerobic training maintains a level of general fitness.

The shape and alignment of the body when standing, sitting or moving, maintained by the skeleton working with muscles.

The ability to apply strength quickly; often described as explosive strength.

Decided in advance; for example, the intended outcome of a sporting action.

Movement with an intended action and expected outcome decided before it is performed.

The training phase before competition, aimed at developing general/aerobic fitness and the specific fitness needed for a sport.

Newspapers and magazines that communicate news, reports and other content, in print or online.

A rule used to guide the design of an effective exercise or training programme.

Gradually increasing training demands over time as the body adapts.

Gradually increasing the amount of overload so that fitness improves while limiting the risk of injury.

A substance that sporting rules forbid a performer from using.

Publicising and encouraging physical activity to increase awareness and interest.

The skeleton's function of shielding internal organs from damage.

A nutrient needed for the growth and repair of muscle tissue.

The facilities, equipment, coaching and activities supplied or arranged for participants.

The circuit carrying blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and back to the left atrium.

Gentle activity that gradually increases heart rate, raising body temperature and increasing oxygen delivery to working muscles.

Gentle activity that gradually increases heart rate at the start of a warm-up.

A muscle group at the front of the thigh that straightens the knee.

The group of muscles at the front of the thigh that straightens the leg at the knee.