Unit 2: Movement and Physical Activity Participation
What you must understand
Unit 2 examines how biomechanical principles and participation factors shape movement and physical activity. Candidates must understand Newton's three laws as applied to sport, force summation, levers (first, second and third class), balance and stability (centre of gravity, base of support), and projectile motion. You must also analyse factors influencing participation: sociocultural (gender, culture, socioeconomic status), environmental (access, facilities, climate) and personal (motivation, confidence, skill). Know the benefits of regular activity and the barriers that reduce participation.
Traps to watch
A frequent error is misclassifying levers: most human limb levers are third class (effort between fulcrum and load). Students often confuse the centre of gravity with the base of support, or assume a larger base always increases stability without considering centre-of-gravity height. In participation questions, do not simply list barriers; explain how each barrier reduces participation. Avoid claiming all sociocultural factors affect everyone equally.
Rule of thumb and worked example
For stability, remember: lower centre of gravity plus wider base of support plus centre of gravity over the base equals greater stability. Worked example: a wrestler widens their stance and bends the knees to lower the centre of gravity, increasing stability against being pushed over. For force summation, sequence large muscle groups before small ones to maximise force, as in a tennis serve.
Exam skill
Use correct biomechanical terminology and apply principles to a named skill. For participation, always link the factor to a consequence for the individual or group.