JCE Physical Education key terms

A set of measurable attributes such as cardiorespiratory endurance, strength, flexibility, and body composition that allow a person to carry out daily tasks with vigour and without undue fatigue.

The components of fitness linked to good health and reduced disease risk: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition.

Fitness components that support athletic movement: speed, agility, balance, coordination, power, and reaction time. These matter most for sport performance rather than general health.

The ability of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to supply oxygen to working muscles during sustained activity. Often assessed by a timed run or a step test.

The maximum force a muscle or muscle group can produce in a single effort. Measured by tests such as a one-repetition maximum lift.

The ability of a muscle or muscle group to sustain repeated contractions or hold a position over time, such as in a plank or push-up test.

The range of motion available at a joint or group of joints. Influenced by muscle length, joint structure, and connective tissue, and improved through regular stretching.

The proportion of fat mass to fat-free mass (muscle, bone, organs, water) in the body. Commonly estimated using skinfold calipers or bioelectrical impedance.

The ability to change direction quickly and accurately while maintaining control. Tested with drills such as a shuttle run or Illinois agility course.

The rate at which work is done, or force multiplied by velocity. Explosive actions such as jumping or throwing depend heavily on this quality.

The ability to keep the body's centre of gravity over its base of support, either while still (static) or while moving (dynamic).

The smooth, efficient integration of body segments and senses to produce controlled movement, such as hand-eye coordination in catching or striking.

The interval between a stimulus, such as a starter's signal, and the beginning of a response. A skill-related fitness component important in sprint starts and games.

The ability to move the body or a body part from one point to another in the shortest possible time. Depends on stride, technique, and muscle fibre type.

The maximum volume of oxygen the body can take up and use per minute during intense exercise, usually expressed in millilitres per kilogram per minute. A key marker of aerobic capacity.

The body's ability to produce energy using oxygen over prolonged activity at moderate intensity. Training at a steady pace improves this capacity.

Short, high-intensity activity performed without relying on oxygen for energy, such as sprinting or heavy lifting. It builds speed, strength, and power but cannot be sustained long.

A by-product formed when muscles break down glucose without sufficient oxygen. Its accumulation is associated with the burning sensation and fatigue during intense effort.

The training principle of gradually increasing the demands placed on the body, such as adding weight or repetitions, so that fitness continues to improve.

A framework for planning exercise: Frequency (how often), Intensity (how hard), Time (how long), and Type (what activity). Used to design safe, effective programmes.

The training principle that adaptations are specific to the type of activity performed. To improve a skill or energy system, training must closely resemble it.

The principle that fitness gains are lost when training stops or is reduced. Often summarised as 'use it or lose it'.

A preparatory phase of light activity and dynamic movement that raises body temperature, increases blood flow, and reduces injury risk before the main session.

Gentle activity and stretching performed after exercise to gradually lower heart rate, clear waste products, and reduce stiffness and dizziness.

Holding a muscle in a lengthened position for a set time, usually 15 to 30 seconds. Best performed after activity when muscles are warm.

Controlled movement through a joint's full range of motion, such as leg swings or lunges. Suited to warm-ups because it raises temperature while preparing muscles for action.

Low-intensity exercise performed after hard training or on rest days to promote blood flow, reduce muscle soreness, and speed the removal of metabolic waste.

A session in which participants move through a series of exercise stations, performing each for a set time or repetitions with brief rest. Develops several fitness components at once.

Alternating bouts of higher-intensity work with periods of rest or lighter activity. Efficient for improving aerobic and anaerobic fitness.

A structured plan of exercise sessions that applies training principles to achieve specific goals, including warm-ups, main activity, cool-down, and progression over weeks.

A screening ratio calculated from weight and height (kg divided by metres squared). It estimates weight status but does not distinguish fat from muscle.

A heart-rate range that indicates exercise is intense enough to improve fitness but not dangerously high, often estimated from age-predicted maximum heart rate.

A learned, purposeful movement pattern such as running, throwing, or catching. Classified as fundamental, specialised, or sport-specific depending on context and practice.

Basic movement patterns including locomotor skills (running, jumping), stability skills (balancing), and manipulative skills (throwing, catching). Building blocks for sport participation.

The process of learning and refining movement skills through practice, feedback, and repetition, moving from conscious control toward automatic performance.

Information a learner receives about performance. It may be intrinsic (from the senses) or extrinsic (from a coach), and it guides correction and improvement.

Fair play, respect for opponents and officials, and gracious behaviour whether winning or losing. A central value in physical education and school sport.

Cooperating with others toward a shared goal, sharing responsibility, and supporting teammates. Developed through games and group physical activities.

Following the rules and spirit of a game, treating all participants equitably, and refusing to gain unfair advantage. Promoted as part of ethical participation.

Practices that reduce injury risk, including correct technique, appropriate equipment, safe facilities, adequate warm-up, hydration, and awareness of personal limits and medical conditions.