MATSEC IM Physical Education key terms

A structured period of gradually increasing activity before performance that raises body temperature, blood flow and joint mobility while rehearsing movement patterns. It also prepares the nervous system and can reduce injury risk.

Gentle activity and stretching performed after exercise to help the body return gradually to rest, maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness. It may aid recovery and the removal of metabolic by-products between sessions.

The coordinated pattern of movements a performer uses to execute a skill efficiently and consistently within the rules and demands of a particular activity.

The ability to read game situations, recognise options and choose appropriate actions, such as where to pass or when to press, based on opponents, teammates, space and time.

The maximum amount of energy the body can produce using oxygen during sustained exercise, reflecting heart, lung, blood and muscle function together. It is commonly expressed as VO2 max.

The highest rate at which a person can take up and use oxygen during intense exercise, usually expressed in millilitres of oxygen per kilogram of body mass per minute. It is a key indicator of aerobic fitness.

The exercise intensity at which blood lactate begins to accumulate faster than it can be cleared, so sustainable effort becomes limited. Training near this point can improve endurance performance.

The volume of blood ejected by one ventricle of the heart in a single beat. Endurance training typically increases stroke volume, allowing a lower resting heart rate for the same cardiac output.

The volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated as heart rate multiplied by stroke volume. It rises during exercise to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to working muscles.

A single motor neuron together with all the muscle fibres it stimulates. Motor units are recruited in order of size, allowing graded force from small postural efforts to powerful contractions.

Categories of skeletal muscle fibres that differ in contraction speed and fatigue resistance. Slow-twitch fibres suit endurance, while fast-twitch fibres produce rapid, powerful contractions but tire quickly.

The explanation of muscle contraction in which actin filaments slide past myosin filaments, shortening each sarcomere. Calcium and ATP are required for the cross-bridge cycle to repeat.

A rigid structure that rotates about a fixed point, or fulcrum, when force is applied. In the body, bones act as levers, joints as fulcrums and muscles supply the effort.

The point at which the body's weight is considered to act, around which the body balances in all directions. Its position changes with limb movement and affects stability.

The area beneath and between the points of contact a person has with the ground or apparatus. A larger base generally increases stability, especially with a low centre of gravity.

For every action force there is an equal and opposite reaction force. In sport this explains propulsion when a runner pushes backwards against the ground and receives a forward force.

The curved path followed by an object thrown or struck, shaped by gravity, air resistance, release speed, release angle and release height. Optimal release angles vary with the goal and height difference.

A learned, goal-directed movement or movement pattern that requires practice and is performed with consistency and efficiency. Skills are often classified by how predictable the environment is and whether they are discrete or continuous.

A skill performed in an environment that changes unpredictably, so the performer must adapt timing and movement to external events, such as marking an opponent or returning a random serve.

A skill performed in a stable, predictable environment where the performer controls the timing and sequence of movement, such as a free throw or a gymnastic routine.

Information a performer receives about a movement or its outcome. Intrinsic feedback comes from the senses, while extrinsic feedback from coaches, video or timing can guide learning and correction.

A model describing skill learning in three stages: cognitive, where learners need explicit instruction; associative, where practice refines consistency; and autonomous, where performance becomes automatic and attention can shift to tactics.

A general level of physiological and psychological activation, ranging from drowsiness to intense excitement. Performance often improves as arousal rises to an optimum, then declines if arousal becomes too high.

A person's belief in their capability to organise and execute the actions needed to reach a specific goal. Strong self-efficacy supports persistence, effort and willingness to attempt challenging tasks.

A framework for designing training that specifies frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise. Adjusting these variables allows a programme to match goals and the performer's current fitness.

Gradually increasing the demands placed on the body during training so that adaptation continues. Increases can involve load, volume, intensity, frequency or complexity, but should be planned to avoid injury.

The principle that training adaptations are specific to the type, intensity and movement patterns practised. A programme should therefore resemble the demands of the target activity or fitness component.

The planned division of a training year into phases with different aims, such as preparation, competition and recovery. It helps manage fatigue and aim for peak performance at the right time.

The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure. A valid fitness test reflects the relevant component and is appropriate for the population being tested.

The consistency of a test or measure when repeated under similar conditions. A reliable test produces similar results across trials and testers, making genuine changes easier to detect.

Behaviour that respects the rules, opponents, officials and spirit of the activity, including honesty and self-control. It goes beyond avoiding penalties and supports safe, enjoyable participation.

The use of prohibited substances or methods to improve performance, contrary to anti-doping rules. It harms health, undermines fair competition and can lead to bans and loss of results.

The process by which sport becomes a market for sponsorship, media rights, merchandise and paid events. It can fund participation and elite sport but may prioritise profit and alter traditional values.

The practice of ensuring that people of different abilities, genders, ages, backgrounds and identities can take part in sport with fair access and meaningful roles. It addresses barriers such as cost, facilities and attitudes.

A systematic process of identifying hazards, judging how likely and serious any harm could be, and deciding on controls before an activity takes place. It should be recorded and reviewed regularly.

A prepared procedure setting out what to do if someone is seriously injured or becomes ill, including who calls emergency services, who gives first aid and how to manage the area.

A traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body, producing symptoms such as confusion, headache, dizziness or memory problems. Any suspected concussion requires immediate removal from play and medical assessment.

A first-aid approach for soft-tissue injuries: rest, ice, compression and elevation. It aims to limit swelling and pain in the early stage, though current guidance may add protection and referral.

Damage to tissue caused by repeated stress without sufficient recovery, rather than a single incident. Common examples include tendon pain and stress fractures, and training load management is central to prevention.

Maintaining adequate body water before, during and after exercise. Dehydration raises heart rate, impairs temperature control and reduces performance, so fluid intake should match sweat losses.