Physical Education key terms

Clear space beyond a playing boundary that allows participants to slow down safely without hitting an obstacle.

An imaginary line passing through the body from front to back, around which movement in the frontal plane occurs.

An imaginary vertical surface dividing the body into left and right portions; forwards-and-backwards movements take place in this plane.

The shoulder blade, located at the back of the shoulder.

A lever system with the load between the fulcrum and the effort.

Inactive; engaging in little or irregular physical activity.

A way of living that involves very little physical activity.

Focusing on relevant sensory information while ignoring irrelevant information.

A person’s belief in their ability to succeed at a task or meet a challenge.

A person's sense of their own worth or value.

A skill whose start and speed, rate or pace are controlled by the performer.

Words or statements a performer says to themselves, silently or aloud. Positive self-talk provides encouragement and reinforces confidence.

The wall separating the right and left sides of the heart, preventing oxygenated and deoxygenated blood from mixing.

A chemical messenger associated with mood and feelings of wellbeing; GCSE PE refers to it as a feel-good hormone.

A group of repetitions performed before taking a rest.

Prejudice or discrimination based on a person's sex.

A compact bone, such as a carpal in the wrist, that enables finer controlled movement.

A response of the body experienced within 36 hours after exercise.

Memory that briefly holds information about the current situation or events that have just happened.

An unintended effect of a medicine, which may be harmful or unpleasant.

A skill involving few decisions and relatively little co-ordination or concentration, which is usually learned quickly.

The framework of bones that supports the body, protects organs and works with muscles to allow movement.

A learned action or behaviour that brings about a predetermined result with maximum certainty and minimum time and energy.

The categorisation of sporting skills along continua according to features such as decision making, environmental influence, pacing and muscle groups used.

Rehearsing movements or techniques needed in a particular sport before performing them in training or competition.

Practising movements or techniques used in the activity that will follow.

A sporting goal that is specific, measurable, accepted, realistic and time-bound, giving a clear focus for improvement.