WACE Physical Education Studies ATAR key terms

The greatest volume of oxygen a person can take up and use per minute during hard whole-body exercise, usually expressed in millilitres per kilogram per minute.

The energy pathway that breaks down glucose without oxygen to release energy quickly, producing lactate and lasting roughly ten seconds to two minutes of hard effort.

The immediate energy pathway that rebuilds ATP from creatine phosphate stored in muscle, supplying very short bursts of maximal power lasting up to about ten seconds.

The energy pathway that uses oxygen to break down carbohydrate and fat for ATP, supplying sustained energy for longer, lower-intensity activity.

Adenosine triphosphate, the molecule that stores and releases energy in muscle cells; splitting off one phosphate group powers muscle contraction.

The exercise intensity at which lactate begins to accumulate faster than it can be cleared, marking the point where hard effort can no longer be sustained for long.

A by-product formed when glucose is broken down without oxygen; it can be used as fuel by other muscles and the heart once oxygen is available.

A condition during submaximal exercise where oxygen uptake and heart rate level off and energy demand is met aerobically, allowing work to continue for a long time.

The ability of the heart, blood vessels and lungs to deliver oxygen to working muscles over prolonged activity; often assessed through a timed run or shuttle test.

The capacity of a muscle or muscle group to perform repeated contractions against a moderate load without tiring quickly.

The maximum force a muscle or muscle group can produce in a single maximal effort, such as one repetition of a heavy lift.

The rate at which force is applied, calculated as work done divided by time taken; it combines strength and speed in explosive actions such as jumping or throwing.

The ability to move the body or a body part from one point to another in the shortest possible time.

The ability to change direction quickly and accurately while maintaining balance and control of the body.

The range of movement available at a joint or group of joints, influenced by muscle length, joint structure and connective tissue.

The ability to keep the body's centre of gravity over its base of support, whether stationary or while moving.

The ability to use body parts together smoothly and efficiently to produce accurate, controlled movement.

The relative proportions of fat mass and lean mass, such as muscle, bone and organs, that make up a person's body.

A preparatory phase of light activity and movement drills that raises body temperature, increases blood flow and prepares muscles and joints for the main session.

Gentle activity and stretching performed after exercise to help heart rate and body temperature return gradually to resting levels and to reduce stiffness.

Holding a muscle in a lengthened position for a set period, usually performed after activity to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.

Controlled movements through a joint's full range performed before activity to raise muscle temperature and prepare the body for action.

Gradually increasing the demand placed on the body during training so that adaptation continues without causing injury or overtraining.

The training principle that adaptations are specific to the type of exercise performed, so training must closely match the demands of the target activity.

Organising training into planned phases across a season or year, varying volume and intensity to peak for key competitions and allow recovery.

A planned reduction in training volume before competition that allows fatigue to dissipate while fitness is retained, aiming to maximise performance on the day.

The period and practices, such as sleep, nutrition and light activity, that allow the body to repair and adapt after training stress.

A prolonged state of fatigue and underperformance caused by training loads that exceed the body's ability to recover, often with disturbed sleep and mood.

The process by which a learner develops and refines movement skills through practice, feedback and experience, moving from awkward to automatic performance.

A learned movement pattern with a clear goal that requires coordination of the body and improves with practice, such as a tennis serve.

Information a performer receives about a movement, either from their own senses or from an external source such as a coach, used to adjust and improve future attempts.

The study of forces and motion applied to the human body, used to analyse and improve the efficiency and safety of sporting technique.

A rigid structure such as a bone that rotates about a pivot when force is applied, allowing the body to produce and control movement.

The turning effect of a force about a pivot, calculated as force multiplied by the perpendicular distance from the pivot to the line of action.

The point at which the body's weight is considered to act; keeping this point over the base of support helps maintain stability.

The curved path followed by an object or body launched into the air, shaped by release angle, release speed and gravity.

The study of how thoughts, emotions and behaviour influence participation and performance in physical activity, including motivation, arousal and anxiety.

The level of physical and mental activation a performer experiences, ranging from drowsy to highly excited, which can help or hinder performance depending on the task.

The drive that energises and directs behaviour toward a goal, which may come from internal satisfaction or from external rewards.

A planning technique in which specific, measurable and achievable targets are set to focus effort, track progress and build confidence.