FMS Level 1 study plan

Explain in your own words why the screen uses seven movements and a pain provocation step rather than a performance or diagnostic test, and write a one-paragraph rationale.

List the four scoring categories used across the screen and state what each score communicates about movement quality.

Describe the difference between a screen score of 1 and a 0, and identify which finding overrides all other scoring decisions.

Define the terms mobility, motor control, and asymmetry as the screen uses them, and give one example movement for each.

Summarize how the screen is intended to be used with clients: who administers it, when it is repeated, and what it is not designed to predict.

Outline the standard setup, starting position, and movement instructions for the Deep Squat without consulting notes.

State the three scoring criteria for the Deep Squat in order and identify which criterion separates a 3 from a 2.

Explain the purpose of the dowel position in the Deep Squat and what a loss of contact indicates.

Describe when and how the heel lift or plate is used and how its use affects the recorded score.

Identify the common compensations seen in the Deep Squat and match each to the most likely limiting region.

Describe the Hurdle Step setup, including how the hurdle height is determined and where the dowel is placed.

State the scoring criteria for the Hurdle Step and explain what constitutes a contact loss or a loss of balance.

Describe the Inline Lunge setup, including the stance width and dowel placement, and state its scoring criteria.

Compare the Hurdle Step and Inline Lunge and explain which qualities each one challenges that the other does not.

Identify the left-right asymmetry rules for both movements and state how each side is scored and recorded.

Describe the Shoulder Mobility setup, including hand sizing, and state the scoring criteria and the clearing test.

Explain how the distance between the fists is measured and which side is recorded when the two sides differ.

Describe the Active Straight-Leg Raise setup, including the dowel landmarks, and state its scoring criteria.

Explain the difference between the Active Straight-Leg Raise and a passive straight-leg raise and why the screen uses the active version.

List the common restrictions that produce a low score on each of these two movements and match each to the region it implicates.

Describe the Trunk Stability Push-Up setup, including hand position and the role of the clearance test, and state its scoring criteria.

Explain how the thumb-to-forehead and chin-to-floor variations change the demand and how the score is adjusted.

Describe the Rotary Stability setup, including the quadruped position and the role of the down position, and state its scoring criteria.

Explain how the two scoring levels of Rotary Stability differ and what the higher level adds.

Identify the clearance tests associated with these two movements and state what a positive finding requires you to record.

List every clearance test used in the screen and state the movement it accompanies and the position the client is in.

Explain the rule that governs scoring when a clearance test provokes pain, including what happens to the movement score.

Describe how to ask about pain during a screen without leading the client, and what to do if the report is ambiguous.

State the referral and follow-up implications of a positive pain finding and what the screen administrator should not attempt.

Apply the pain rule to five written scenarios and record the correct score for each.

Explain how asymmetry between left and right is treated when prioritizing which pattern to address first.

Rank the seven movements by priority using the screen's stated logic and justify the ranking.

Describe how a score of 0 changes the priority order relative to a score of 1 or an asymmetry.

Interpret three composite score profiles and state the first pattern you would address in each, with a reason.

Explain what the composite score does and does not tell you about a client's movement or injury risk.

Re-state the scoring philosophy and the pain rule from memory and check your wording against your week 1 and week 6 notes.

Complete a full timed run-through of all seven movements and clearance tests on a practice partner, scoring every item.

Review every missed or uncertain item from weeks 1 through 7 and rewrite the correct answer in your own words.

Explain to a practice partner, in plain language, what the screen measures and what it does not.

Identify the three facts you are least confident about and resolve each one before test day.