GCSE PE Movement Analysis: Levers, Planes, and Axes
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GCSE PE - Movement Anaylsis
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28 Jun 2025
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GCSE PE Movement Analysis: Levers, Planes, and Axis (PDF & PPT)
Naomi Haughton
@naomihaughton_edze
Types of Levers, Mechanical Advantage, Axes, and Planes in GCSE PE
This page covers essential concepts in movement analysis for GCSE Physical Education, including types of levers, mechanical advantage, axes of rotation, and planes of movement. These concepts are crucial for understanding how the human body moves during various sporting activities.
Types of Levers
The document explains the three classes of levers and their applications in sports:
- First Class Lever: The fulcrum is located between the effort and the load.
Example: Heading the ball in football.
- Second Class Lever: The load is located between the fulcrum and the effort.
Example: Take-off in long jump or standing on toes before diving.
- Third Class Lever: The effort is located between the load and the fulcrum.
Example: Bicep curl.
Vocabulary:
- Fulcrum: The pivot point or center of the joint
- Load: The body's own weight or piece of sporting equipment
- Effort: Muscles used to move the load
Mechanical Advantage
The concept of mechanical advantage in lever systems is explained:
Definition: Mechanical advantage is the ability to move a larger load with a small amount of effort.
- It is calculated as the ratio of effort arm to weight arm.
- Increasing the length of the resistance arm can generate greater speed.
- Second class levers always provide mechanical advantage.
- First class levers can provide mechanical advantage depending on fulcrum position.
- Third class levers never provide mechanical advantage.
Highlight: The body's lever system can be made more efficient by using equipment to increase the length of the resistance arm.
Axes of Rotation
The document describes three main axes of rotation:
- Longitudinal Axis: Runs vertically from top to bottom.
Example: An axel jump in skating, discus throw rotation, or a gymnast performing a twist.
- Frontal Axis: Runs horizontally from back to front.
Example: Gymnast performing a cartwheel or a star jump.
- Transverse Axis: Runs horizontally from left to right.
Example: Somersault in diving or gymnastics.
Planes of Movement
The three planes of movement are explained:
- Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right sides.
Example: Bicep curl, running, somersault, sit-ups.
- Frontal Plane: Divides the body into front and back.
Example: Gymnast performing a cartwheel or star jump.
- Transverse Plane: Divides the body into upper and lower parts.
Example: Arm action when bowling in cricket or a golfer's follow-through.
The document concludes by explaining how axes and planes work together to produce various movements in sports.
Highlight: Understanding the relationship between axes and planes is crucial for analyzing complex movements in sports and physical activities.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE PE Movement Analysis: Levers, Planes, and Axis (PDF & PPT)
Naomi Haughton
@naomihaughton_edze
GCSE PE Movement Analysis: Levers, Planes, and Axes
This document provides a comprehensive overview of movement analysis in GCSE Physical Education, focusing on:
- Types of levers and their practical examples in sports
- Mechanical advantage in lever systems
- Axes of rotation... Show more
Types of Levers, Mechanical Advantage, Axes, and Planes in GCSE PE
This page covers essential concepts in movement analysis for GCSE Physical Education, including types of levers, mechanical advantage, axes of rotation, and planes of movement. These concepts are crucial for understanding how the human body moves during various sporting activities.
Types of Levers
The document explains the three classes of levers and their applications in sports:
- First Class Lever: The fulcrum is located between the effort and the load.
Example: Heading the ball in football.
- Second Class Lever: The load is located between the fulcrum and the effort.
Example: Take-off in long jump or standing on toes before diving.
- Third Class Lever: The effort is located between the load and the fulcrum.
Example: Bicep curl.
Vocabulary:
- Fulcrum: The pivot point or center of the joint
- Load: The body's own weight or piece of sporting equipment
- Effort: Muscles used to move the load
Mechanical Advantage
The concept of mechanical advantage in lever systems is explained:
Definition: Mechanical advantage is the ability to move a larger load with a small amount of effort.
- It is calculated as the ratio of effort arm to weight arm.
- Increasing the length of the resistance arm can generate greater speed.
- Second class levers always provide mechanical advantage.
- First class levers can provide mechanical advantage depending on fulcrum position.
- Third class levers never provide mechanical advantage.
Highlight: The body's lever system can be made more efficient by using equipment to increase the length of the resistance arm.
Axes of Rotation
The document describes three main axes of rotation:
- Longitudinal Axis: Runs vertically from top to bottom.
Example: An axel jump in skating, discus throw rotation, or a gymnast performing a twist.
- Frontal Axis: Runs horizontally from back to front.
Example: Gymnast performing a cartwheel or a star jump.
- Transverse Axis: Runs horizontally from left to right.
Example: Somersault in diving or gymnastics.
Planes of Movement
The three planes of movement are explained:
- Sagittal Plane: Divides the body into left and right sides.
Example: Bicep curl, running, somersault, sit-ups.
- Frontal Plane: Divides the body into front and back.
Example: Gymnast performing a cartwheel or star jump.
- Transverse Plane: Divides the body into upper and lower parts.
Example: Arm action when bowling in cricket or a golfer's follow-through.
The document concludes by explaining how axes and planes work together to produce various movements in sports.
Highlight: Understanding the relationship between axes and planes is crucial for analyzing complex movements in sports and physical activities.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user