Your muscles and bones work together like a perfectly coordinated...
Understanding Movement Analysis in AQA A-Level PE






Skeletal and Muscular Systems Working Together
Ever wonder how your body manages to move so smoothly? Your skeletal system does way more than just hold you upright - it stores minerals, protects your vital organs, produces blood cells, and creates the framework for movement.
The real magic happens when your muscular system teams up with your bones. Muscles pull on bones through tendons to create movement, but they're also busy maintaining your posture, helping you breathe through intercostal muscles, and even producing heat to keep your body temperature stable.
Think of major bones like your femur (thigh), humerus (upper arm), and tibia (shin) as the framework, while muscles like anchors that create the pulling power. The smaller bones in your hands (carpals, metacarpals, phalanges) and feet (tarsals, metatarsals) work together for precise movements.
Quick Tip: Remember SSPPMM for skeletal functions - Support, Structure, Protection, Production, Mineral storage, Movement!

Movement Through Planes and Axes
Understanding how your body moves is simpler than it looks - every movement happens through one of three planes of movement. The sagittal plane splits you into left and right halves, allowing forward/backward movements like flexion and extension. The frontal plane divides front and back, creating sideways movements like abduction (away from body) and adduction (towards body).
The transverse plane cuts you into upper and lower sections for rotational movements. Each plane works with a specific axis of rotation - think of these as invisible rods your body parts rotate around during movement.
Your joints determine what movements are possible. Hinge joints like your elbow and knee only allow flexion and extension, while ball-and-socket joints at your shoulder and hip are movement superstars, allowing almost every type of motion including horizontal abduction and adduction.
Memory Hack: "Some-sagittal, Fun-frontal, Too-transverse" and "Times-transverse, Starts-sagittal, Late-longitudinal" for planes and axes!

Major Joint Movements and Muscles
Your shoulder joint is the ultimate multitasker with the largest range of movement. Four key muscles make this possible: the deltoid handles abduction, pectoralis major controls flexion and adduction, while teres minor and latissimus dorsi work together for extension and various other movements.
The elbow keeps things simple as a hinge joint. Just two main players here - biceps brachii for flexion (bending) and triceps brachii for extension (straightening). All elbow movements occur in the sagittal plane around the transverse axis.
Your hip joint mirrors the shoulder's versatility as another ball-and-socket joint. The gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus work alongside muscles like iliopsoas and the adductor group to create the full range of hip movements essential for walking, running, and jumping.
Sport Connection: Understanding these muscle groups helps explain why footballers need strong glutes for powerful kicks and swimmers need flexible shoulders for efficient strokes!

Muscle Contractions and Antagonistic Pairs
Muscles never work alone - they operate in antagonistic pairs where one muscle contracts while its partner relaxes. When you bend your elbow, your biceps acts as the agonist (the muscle doing the work) while your triceps becomes the antagonist (the relaxing muscle). These roles flip when you straighten your arm.
There are three types of muscle contractions you need to know. Isometric contractions happen when muscles contract without changing length - think planks or wall sits where you're holding position. Isotonic contractions involve muscle length changes during movement.
Isotonic concentric contractions shorten the muscle (like lifting weights up), while isotonic eccentric contractions lengthen the muscle under tension (like slowly lowering weights down). Eccentric contractions are crucial for controlling movement and preventing injury.
Real Example: During a bicep curl, lifting the weight uses concentric contraction, while slowly lowering it uses eccentric contraction - both are equally important for strength building!

Movement Analysis in Action
Analysing sporting movements becomes straightforward once you understand the basics. During the drive phase of sprinting, your ankle performs plantar flexion (pointing toes) using the gastrocnemius, your knee extends via the quadriceps, and your hip extends through the powerful gluteus maximus - all using concentric contractions.
In javelin throwing, the preparation phase involves elbow extension (triceps working concentrically) and shoulder abduction (deltoid contracting). The pull-back phase of kicking shows your ankle in plantar flexion, knee flexing through hamstring contraction, and hip extending via the glutes.
Each movement analysis requires identifying the joint type , the specific movement occurring, which muscles are the agonist and antagonist, and what type of contraction is happening. This systematic approach works for any sporting action.
Exam Success: Practice analysing everyday movements like walking upstairs or throwing a ball - the more you apply these concepts, the easier they become to spot in exam questions!
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.
Similar content
Most popular content: Musculoskeletal System
9Muscle Function & Anatomy
Explore the muscular system, focusing on the roles of agonist and antagonist muscles, fixators, and the differences between voluntary and involuntary muscles. This summary covers key muscle groups, their functions during movement, and the importance of oxygen supply during exercise. Ideal for students studying Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Movement Analysis in PE
Explore the fundamentals of Movement Analysis in Physical Education, covering types of levers, axes of rotation, and planes of movement. This summary highlights key concepts such as mechanical advantage and practical examples, essential for understanding functional anatomy and biomechanics. Ideal for GCSE PE students.
Muscle Fiber Types & Functions
Explore the different types of muscle fibers, including Type I, Type IIa, and Type IIb, and their roles in physical activities. Understand the concept of antagonistic muscle pairs and how they work together to facilitate movement. This summary covers key concepts in muscle physiology, ideal for students studying anatomy and sports science.
Biomechanics: Levers & Movement
Explore the essential concepts of biomechanics in Physical Education, focusing on levers, planes of movement, and axes. This summary covers first, second, and third-class levers, along with sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes, providing practical examples from sports like football and gymnastics. Ideal for GCSE PE students preparing for exams.
Joint Movements Explained
Explore the essential movements of joints in sports and physical education. This summary covers key concepts such as flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, along with examples like biceps curls and jumping jacks. Ideal for A-Level Physical Education students seeking to understand functional anatomy and the role of joints in athletic performance.
Muscle Types & Functions
Explore the three types of muscles: smooth, cardiac, and skeletal. Understand their roles, involuntary vs. voluntary control, and key muscle groups involved in physical activities. This summary covers essential concepts in functional anatomy and the muscular system, ideal for PE and sports science students.
Muscle Types & Functions
Explore the muscular system, including the structure and roles of voluntary and involuntary muscles, muscle contraction mechanisms, and the differences between slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers. This summary provides essential insights into how muscles work together to facilitate movement and support bodily functions.
Muscle Anatomy & Function
Explore the intricacies of the muscular system, including muscle types, contraction mechanisms, and their roles in sports performance. This comprehensive overview covers functional anatomy, muscle structure, and the relationship between skeletal and muscular systems, essential for OCR GCSE PE. Ideal for students aiming to understand how muscles work together to facilitate movement and enhance athletic performance.
Muscular System & Lever Mechanics
Explore the key concepts of the muscular system and lever mechanics essential for GCSE Physical Education (OCR). This summary covers the 11 major muscles, their roles in movement, antagonistic pairs, and the three types of lever systems. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding functional anatomy.
Most popular content in Physical Education
9Components of fitness- easy quiz
Master the fundamentals of PE with this comprehensive flashcard set designed specifically for grade 10 students. Learn key concepts, exercises, and rules in an easy and engaging way!
the musculo-skeletal system
the structure and functions of the musculo skeletal system
Mastering PE: A Comprehensive Guide to Physical Education
Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to excel in Physical Education with this comprehensive flashcard set. Covering key concepts, exercises, and strategies, this guide will help you ace your PE exams and achieve your fitness goals.
PE paper 1
anatomy
the heart
biology/pe knowledge of heart gcse
GCSE PE Quiz
A quiz with random AO1 knowledge for GCSE PE
Data Collection in Sports Performance
Explore effective methods for collecting data in sports performance, including questionnaires, training diaries, and observational techniques. This summary covers the benefits and limitations of each method, the importance of goal setting, and how to monitor progress in physical education. Ideal for students studying sports science and psychology.
AQA PE Paper 1 Overview
Comprehensive summary of AQA Physical Education Paper 1, covering key topics such as muscle structure, training principles, biomechanics, respiratory movements, and the functions of the skeleton. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding core concepts in sports science and physical fitness.
GCSE revision: the levers
The levers
Most popular content
9Sociology of Education Overview
Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.
Sociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision
Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.
Criminology: Crime & Punishment Overview
Comprehensive mindmaps covering key concepts in the Crime and Punishment topic for WJEC Criminology Unit 4. This resource includes detailed insights into the Criminal Justice System, crime prevention strategies, sentencing models, and the roles of various agencies. Ideal for A-Level revision, ensuring you grasp essential theories and legislative processes to excel in your exams.
Comprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview
Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.
Cell Biology and Cell structure
cell structures
An Inspector Calls: Character Insights
Explore in-depth analysis and key quotes for characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This resource covers Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, Sheila Birling, Mrs. Birling, Eric Birling, and Eva Smith, focusing on themes of class, gender roles, and social responsibility. Ideal for students aiming for Grade 8 and above.
WJEC Unit 4 Criminology
Criminology unit 4 detailed revision note
Criminology Theories Overview
Explore key criminology theories and their implications on crime and deviance. This comprehensive summary covers biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives, including labelling theory, right realism, and the impact of social campaigns on policy development. Ideal for A-Level criminology students seeking to understand the complexities of criminal behaviour and the factors influencing crime prevention strategies.
Romeo and Juliet: Key themes
Key Romeo and Juliet themes and analysed quotes
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
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.
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.
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.
Understanding Movement Analysis in AQA A-Level PE
Your muscles and bones work together like a perfectly coordinated team to create every movement you make. Understanding how joints move through different planes and which muscles are responsible will help you analyse any sporting action with confidence.

Skeletal and Muscular Systems Working Together
Ever wonder how your body manages to move so smoothly? Your skeletal system does way more than just hold you upright - it stores minerals, protects your vital organs, produces blood cells, and creates the framework for movement.
The real magic happens when your muscular system teams up with your bones. Muscles pull on bones through tendons to create movement, but they're also busy maintaining your posture, helping you breathe through intercostal muscles, and even producing heat to keep your body temperature stable.
Think of major bones like your femur (thigh), humerus (upper arm), and tibia (shin) as the framework, while muscles like anchors that create the pulling power. The smaller bones in your hands (carpals, metacarpals, phalanges) and feet (tarsals, metatarsals) work together for precise movements.
Quick Tip: Remember SSPPMM for skeletal functions - Support, Structure, Protection, Production, Mineral storage, Movement!

Movement Through Planes and Axes
Understanding how your body moves is simpler than it looks - every movement happens through one of three planes of movement. The sagittal plane splits you into left and right halves, allowing forward/backward movements like flexion and extension. The frontal plane divides front and back, creating sideways movements like abduction (away from body) and adduction (towards body).
The transverse plane cuts you into upper and lower sections for rotational movements. Each plane works with a specific axis of rotation - think of these as invisible rods your body parts rotate around during movement.
Your joints determine what movements are possible. Hinge joints like your elbow and knee only allow flexion and extension, while ball-and-socket joints at your shoulder and hip are movement superstars, allowing almost every type of motion including horizontal abduction and adduction.
Memory Hack: "Some-sagittal, Fun-frontal, Too-transverse" and "Times-transverse, Starts-sagittal, Late-longitudinal" for planes and axes!

Major Joint Movements and Muscles
Your shoulder joint is the ultimate multitasker with the largest range of movement. Four key muscles make this possible: the deltoid handles abduction, pectoralis major controls flexion and adduction, while teres minor and latissimus dorsi work together for extension and various other movements.
The elbow keeps things simple as a hinge joint. Just two main players here - biceps brachii for flexion (bending) and triceps brachii for extension (straightening). All elbow movements occur in the sagittal plane around the transverse axis.
Your hip joint mirrors the shoulder's versatility as another ball-and-socket joint. The gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus work alongside muscles like iliopsoas and the adductor group to create the full range of hip movements essential for walking, running, and jumping.
Sport Connection: Understanding these muscle groups helps explain why footballers need strong glutes for powerful kicks and swimmers need flexible shoulders for efficient strokes!

Muscle Contractions and Antagonistic Pairs
Muscles never work alone - they operate in antagonistic pairs where one muscle contracts while its partner relaxes. When you bend your elbow, your biceps acts as the agonist (the muscle doing the work) while your triceps becomes the antagonist (the relaxing muscle). These roles flip when you straighten your arm.
There are three types of muscle contractions you need to know. Isometric contractions happen when muscles contract without changing length - think planks or wall sits where you're holding position. Isotonic contractions involve muscle length changes during movement.
Isotonic concentric contractions shorten the muscle (like lifting weights up), while isotonic eccentric contractions lengthen the muscle under tension (like slowly lowering weights down). Eccentric contractions are crucial for controlling movement and preventing injury.
Real Example: During a bicep curl, lifting the weight uses concentric contraction, while slowly lowering it uses eccentric contraction - both are equally important for strength building!

Movement Analysis in Action
Analysing sporting movements becomes straightforward once you understand the basics. During the drive phase of sprinting, your ankle performs plantar flexion (pointing toes) using the gastrocnemius, your knee extends via the quadriceps, and your hip extends through the powerful gluteus maximus - all using concentric contractions.
In javelin throwing, the preparation phase involves elbow extension (triceps working concentrically) and shoulder abduction (deltoid contracting). The pull-back phase of kicking shows your ankle in plantar flexion, knee flexing through hamstring contraction, and hip extending via the glutes.
Each movement analysis requires identifying the joint type , the specific movement occurring, which muscles are the agonist and antagonist, and what type of contraction is happening. This systematic approach works for any sporting action.
Exam Success: Practice analysing everyday movements like walking upstairs or throwing a ball - the more you apply these concepts, the easier they become to spot in exam questions!
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.
Similar content
Most popular content: Musculoskeletal System
9Muscle Function & Anatomy
Explore the muscular system, focusing on the roles of agonist and antagonist muscles, fixators, and the differences between voluntary and involuntary muscles. This summary covers key muscle groups, their functions during movement, and the importance of oxygen supply during exercise. Ideal for students studying Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Movement Analysis in PE
Explore the fundamentals of Movement Analysis in Physical Education, covering types of levers, axes of rotation, and planes of movement. This summary highlights key concepts such as mechanical advantage and practical examples, essential for understanding functional anatomy and biomechanics. Ideal for GCSE PE students.
Muscle Fiber Types & Functions
Explore the different types of muscle fibers, including Type I, Type IIa, and Type IIb, and their roles in physical activities. Understand the concept of antagonistic muscle pairs and how they work together to facilitate movement. This summary covers key concepts in muscle physiology, ideal for students studying anatomy and sports science.
Biomechanics: Levers & Movement
Explore the essential concepts of biomechanics in Physical Education, focusing on levers, planes of movement, and axes. This summary covers first, second, and third-class levers, along with sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes, providing practical examples from sports like football and gymnastics. Ideal for GCSE PE students preparing for exams.
Joint Movements Explained
Explore the essential movements of joints in sports and physical education. This summary covers key concepts such as flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, along with examples like biceps curls and jumping jacks. Ideal for A-Level Physical Education students seeking to understand functional anatomy and the role of joints in athletic performance.
Muscle Types & Functions
Explore the three types of muscles: smooth, cardiac, and skeletal. Understand their roles, involuntary vs. voluntary control, and key muscle groups involved in physical activities. This summary covers essential concepts in functional anatomy and the muscular system, ideal for PE and sports science students.
Muscle Types & Functions
Explore the muscular system, including the structure and roles of voluntary and involuntary muscles, muscle contraction mechanisms, and the differences between slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers. This summary provides essential insights into how muscles work together to facilitate movement and support bodily functions.
Muscle Anatomy & Function
Explore the intricacies of the muscular system, including muscle types, contraction mechanisms, and their roles in sports performance. This comprehensive overview covers functional anatomy, muscle structure, and the relationship between skeletal and muscular systems, essential for OCR GCSE PE. Ideal for students aiming to understand how muscles work together to facilitate movement and enhance athletic performance.
Muscular System & Lever Mechanics
Explore the key concepts of the muscular system and lever mechanics essential for GCSE Physical Education (OCR). This summary covers the 11 major muscles, their roles in movement, antagonistic pairs, and the three types of lever systems. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding functional anatomy.
Most popular content in Physical Education
9Components of fitness- easy quiz
Master the fundamentals of PE with this comprehensive flashcard set designed specifically for grade 10 students. Learn key concepts, exercises, and rules in an easy and engaging way!
the musculo-skeletal system
the structure and functions of the musculo skeletal system
Mastering PE: A Comprehensive Guide to Physical Education
Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to excel in Physical Education with this comprehensive flashcard set. Covering key concepts, exercises, and strategies, this guide will help you ace your PE exams and achieve your fitness goals.
PE paper 1
anatomy
the heart
biology/pe knowledge of heart gcse
GCSE PE Quiz
A quiz with random AO1 knowledge for GCSE PE
Data Collection in Sports Performance
Explore effective methods for collecting data in sports performance, including questionnaires, training diaries, and observational techniques. This summary covers the benefits and limitations of each method, the importance of goal setting, and how to monitor progress in physical education. Ideal for students studying sports science and psychology.
AQA PE Paper 1 Overview
Comprehensive summary of AQA Physical Education Paper 1, covering key topics such as muscle structure, training principles, biomechanics, respiratory movements, and the functions of the skeleton. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding core concepts in sports science and physical fitness.
GCSE revision: the levers
The levers
Most popular content
9Sociology of Education Overview
Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.
Sociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision
Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.
Criminology: Crime & Punishment Overview
Comprehensive mindmaps covering key concepts in the Crime and Punishment topic for WJEC Criminology Unit 4. This resource includes detailed insights into the Criminal Justice System, crime prevention strategies, sentencing models, and the roles of various agencies. Ideal for A-Level revision, ensuring you grasp essential theories and legislative processes to excel in your exams.
Comprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview
Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.
Cell Biology and Cell structure
cell structures
An Inspector Calls: Character Insights
Explore in-depth analysis and key quotes for characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This resource covers Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, Sheila Birling, Mrs. Birling, Eric Birling, and Eva Smith, focusing on themes of class, gender roles, and social responsibility. Ideal for students aiming for Grade 8 and above.
WJEC Unit 4 Criminology
Criminology unit 4 detailed revision note
Criminology Theories Overview
Explore key criminology theories and their implications on crime and deviance. This comprehensive summary covers biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives, including labelling theory, right realism, and the impact of social campaigns on policy development. Ideal for A-Level criminology students seeking to understand the complexities of criminal behaviour and the factors influencing crime prevention strategies.
Romeo and Juliet: Key themes
Key Romeo and Juliet themes and analysed quotes
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
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.
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.
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.