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MATSEC IM Physical Education study materials
MATSEC IM Physical Education study resources

MATSEC IM Physical Education practice questions

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Question 1Practical performance in selected physical activities

In a 100 m sprint, which call does the starter give immediately before the 'Set' command?

  1. Go
  2. On your marks Correct answer.
  3. Ready
  4. Take your marks

Explanation

In World Athletics track events, the starter first calls 'On your marks', then gives 'Set' once the athletes are stationary, and finally fires the gun. 'On your marks' is therefore the command that directly precedes 'Set' in a sprint start.

Question 2Practical performance in selected physical activities

In volleyball, what is the maximum number of team contacts permitted before the ball is returned over the net, not counting a block?

  1. Unlimited
  2. Three Correct answer.
  3. Four
  4. Two

Explanation

A volleyball team may contact the ball a maximum of three times before returning it, and a block does not count as one of those contacts. A fourth contact before the ball crosses the net is a fault, so three is the permitted maximum.

Question 3Practical performance in selected physical activities

Which grip is recommended for a forehand overhead clear in badminton?

  1. Basic V grip Correct answer.
  2. Chopper grip
  3. Panhandle grip
  4. Backhand grip

Explanation

The basic V grip is used for most forehand overhead shots; the handle is held as if shaking hands, with the V between thumb and forefinger on top. This grip allows the forearm to rotate through the striking action.

Question 4Practical performance in selected physical activities

A footballer is in their own half when a teammate plays the ball forward. They then run into the opponent's half and receive the pass with only the goalkeeper ahead. How should the referee judge this?

  1. Not offside, because a forward pass is always permitted in football
  2. Not offside, because they were in their own half at the pass Correct answer.
  3. Offside, because they gained an advantage from the pass
  4. Offside, because they received the ball beyond the last defender

Explanation

Offside is judged at the moment the ball is played by a teammate. A player who is in their own half at that moment cannot be penalised for offside, even if they subsequently run into the opponent's half to receive the pass.

Question 5Practical performance in selected physical activities

A netball player lands on one foot after catching the ball. Which action is permitted by the footwork rule?

  1. Take two steps with the landing foot before releasing the ball
  2. Lift the landing foot and release the ball before replacing it Correct answer.
  3. Hop on the landing foot before passing the ball
  4. Drag the landing foot along the ground while stepping

Explanation

After a one-foot landing, the landing foot is the grounded foot. The player may lift it to pass or shoot provided the ball is released before that foot touches the ground again; pivoting on it is allowed, but dragging or hopping is not.

Question 6Practical performance in selected physical activities

In a freestyle relay, when may the second swimmer's feet leave the starting block?

  1. When the incoming swimmer begins the final arm stroke
  2. When the incoming swimmer's feet touch the end wall
  3. Only after the incoming swimmer has touched the wall Correct answer.
  4. At any time, provided the outgoing swimmer dives upward

Explanation

In a relay changeover, the outgoing swimmer's feet must not leave the starting block until the incoming swimmer has touched the wall. Leaving early is a false start and leads to disqualification.

Question 7Practical performance in selected physical activities

In a 4 x 100 m relay, what happens if the baton is exchanged outside the changeover zone?

  1. The baton is handed back for a second exchange
  2. A 5 m penalty is added
  3. The exchange is repeated
  4. The team is disqualified Correct answer.

Explanation

The baton must be exchanged within the marked changeover zone. If the exchange is completed outside that zone, the team is disqualified rather than penalised by distance or allowed to repeat the exchange.

Question 8Practical performance in selected physical activities

In table tennis, which action makes a serve legal?

  1. Tossing it less than 16 cm and striking it behind the end line
  2. Striking the ball while it is rising from the palm without a toss
  3. Tossing it vertically at least 16 cm and striking behind the end line Correct answer.
  4. Hiding the ball behind the free hand throughout the toss and striking it above the table

Explanation

A legal table tennis serve requires the ball to be tossed vertically at least 16 cm from the open palm and struck behind the server's end line. The toss must be visible and the ball cannot be hidden from the opponent.

Question 9Practical performance in selected physical activities

A sprinter overstrides so that the foot lands well ahead of the centre of mass. What is the main effect on performance?

  1. Lower ground contact time and improved propulsion
  2. Increased braking force and reduced horizontal velocity Correct answer.
  3. Greater push-off impulse because the ankle is dorsiflexed
  4. Increased cadence and greater stride frequency

Explanation

Landing the foot ahead of the centre of mass creates a braking force on ground contact. This opposes forward motion and increases ground contact time, so horizontal velocity and stride effectiveness are reduced.

Question 10Practical performance in selected physical activities

In an invasion game, a team wants to create an overload against a zonal defence. Which action best achieves this?

  1. Move an attacker into a poorly defended channel to receive Correct answer.
  2. Keep all attackers in their starting positions to maintain shape
  3. Pass backwards repeatedly to draw defenders out of position
  4. Ask the goalkeeper to join the attack at all times

Explanation

An overload is a numerical advantage created in a specific area of the pitch. An attacker moving from a marked area into a poorly defended channel can create a 2v1 or 3v2 situation, forcing the defence to commit and opening space elsewhere.

Question 11Practical performance in selected physical activities

In basketball, which part of the hand should control the ball during a dribble to maintain maximum control?

  1. The knuckles
  2. The fingertips Correct answer.
  3. The palm
  4. The wrist

Explanation

Dribbling with the fingertips gives the player better feel and control of the ball, allowing quick changes of direction and protection. Using the palm reduces control because the ball tends to bounce off flat surfaces. The wrist is used for the flicking motion, not for primary control.

Question 12Practical performance in selected physical activities

In breaststroke, what must a swimmer do at each turn to avoid disqualification?

  1. Any part of the body touches the wall
  2. One hand touches the wall
  3. Both hands touch the wall simultaneously Correct answer.
  4. Both feet touch the wall simultaneously

Explanation

The rules of breaststroke require that at every turn and at the finish, both hands touch the wall simultaneously, either above, at, or below the water surface. Touching with one hand or only the feet does not satisfy this requirement. The feet will push off the wall during the turn, but the defining touch is with both hands.

Question 13Practical performance in selected physical activities

In long jump, what is the name of the technique where the athlete cycles their legs in the air after take-off?

  1. Hitch-kick Correct answer.
  2. Straddle
  3. Hang
  4. Sail

Explanation

The hitch-kick technique involves the athlete continuing a running-like cycle with the legs in the air to counteract forward rotation and prepare for landing. The hang and sail techniques involve different arm and body positions, while straddle is a high jump technique. Therefore, hitch-kick is the correct term for the cycling leg action.

Question 14Practical performance in selected physical activities

A field hockey player wants to make a quick, accurate pass along the ground to a nearby teammate under pressure. Which technique is most suitable?

  1. A scoop
  2. A hit
  3. A flick
  4. A push pass Correct answer.

Explanation

The push pass is ideal for quick, accurate ground passes over short distances because the stick stays low and the ball travels along the surface. A hit is powerful but takes longer to execute and can lift the ball. A flick and a scoop are used to raise the ball, so they are less suitable for a quick ground pass under pressure.

Question 15Practical performance in selected physical activities

In tennis, a player moves to the net and the opponent hits a shot that has not yet bounced. Which shot should the player use to return it?

  1. A volley Correct answer.
  2. A smash
  3. A lob
  4. A groundstroke

Explanation

A volley is the shot played when the ball is hit before it bounces, which is exactly the situation at the net. A smash is an overhead shot played with power, usually in response to a high ball. A groundstroke is played after the ball has bounced, and a lob is a high, deep shot, so neither fits the immediate need.

Question 16Practical performance in selected physical activities

Why is it recommended that a freestyle swimmer exhales continuously underwater rather than holding their breath between strokes?

  1. It helps lower the body position in the water.
  2. It allows the swimmer to take shorter, faster breaths.
  3. It increases the buoyancy of the legs.
  4. It reduces CO2 build-up and maintains rhythm. Correct answer.

Explanation

Continuous exhalation underwater prevents carbon dioxide from accumulating excessively and helps the swimmer maintain a consistent breathing pattern. Holding the breath can lead to CO2 build-up, causing an urgent need to breathe and disrupting stroke rhythm. The other options do not accurately describe the main physiological and technical benefit.

Question 17Practical performance in selected physical activities

In netball, a player receives the ball inside the goal circle and wants to shoot. What is a permitted action under the footwork rule?

  1. They may lift the landing foot and shoot before it lands. Correct answer.
  2. They must keep both feet on the ground throughout the shot.
  3. They may take two steps towards the goal before shooting.
  4. They must pass the ball to another player before shooting.

Explanation

After catching the ball, a netball player may lift their landing foot and shoot as long as the ball is released before the foot returns to the ground. Taking steps or dragging the landing foot would be a footwork violation. Shooting is permitted directly from the catch, provided the footwork rule is respected.

Question 18Practical performance in selected physical activities

A football defender is facing an attacker dribbling towards them in a one-on-one situation. What is the best immediate action?

  1. Dive in with a tackle to win the ball.
  2. Stand still and wait for the attacker to make a move.
  3. Jockey and delay, forcing the attacker wide. Correct answer.
  4. Turn and run back towards their own goal.

Explanation

Jockeying means adopting a balanced defensive stance and delaying the attacker while forcing them towards a less dangerous area, such as the sideline. Diving in risks being beaten by a dribble, turning away gives the attacker space, and standing still allows the attacker to choose their next move. Delaying is the safest and most effective immediate action.

Question 19Practical performance in selected physical activities

In badminton, a player is at the back of the court when the opponent plays a drop shot. What is the most effective way to recover and reach the shuttle?

  1. Jump backwards and play an overhead clear.
  2. Lunge with racket leg and push back to base. Correct answer.
  3. Run sideways to the net and play a drive.
  4. Use a fast walk to the net and play a net shot.

Explanation

A lunge with the racket leg leading allows the player to cover the distance quickly, reach low to the net, and then push back to the base position. Walking is too slow, jumping backwards moves away from the shuttle, and running sideways is inefficient. The lunge is the standard badminton movement for net recovery.

Question 20Practical performance in selected physical activities

Why does the Fosbury Flop allow high jumpers to clear the bar more effectively than the straddle technique?

  1. It keeps the centre of mass lower than the bar. Correct answer.
  2. It allows the athlete to run faster on the approach.
  3. It allows the athlete to take off from both feet.
  4. It requires less flexibility in the back.

Explanation

In the Fosbury Flop, the athlete arches over the bar so that the centre of mass passes below the bar while the body clears it, reducing the energy needed to raise the centre of mass. The straddle technique generally requires the centre of mass to pass higher. Approach speed and flexibility are not the primary reasons for its superiority, and the take-off is from one foot.

Question 21Practical performance in selected physical activities

In a forward roll, what is the correct order in which the body should make contact with the mat?

  1. Hands, knees, chest, feet
  2. Hands, shoulders, lower back, feet Correct answer.
  3. Shoulders, hands, lower back, feet
  4. Head, back of shoulders, lower back, feet

Explanation

A safe forward roll starts with the hands placed on the mat, then the back of the shoulders and rounded back contact in sequence before the feet return to standing. The head must stay tucked and must not take the body's weight. This sequence protects the neck and keeps the roll controlled.

Question 22Practical performance in selected physical activities

In shot put, which action results in a foul throw?

  1. The athlete begins the throw from a standing position.
  2. The athlete steps out of the front of the circle. Correct answer.
  3. The shot is released from above the shoulder by the athlete.
  4. The shot lands inside the landing sector of the circle.

Explanation

In shot put the athlete must stay within the circle until the shot has landed, and leaving through the front half of the circle is a foul. The shot must be released from above the shoulder and land inside the sector. A standing start is permitted.

Question 23Practical performance in selected physical activities

In backstroke, how must a swimmer finish the race to avoid disqualification?

  1. Touch the wall with one hand only while on the front.
  2. Touch the wall while the body is turned on the breast.
  3. Touch the wall on the back with any body part. Correct answer.
  4. Touch the wall with both hands simultaneously at the finish.

Explanation

Backstroke requires the swimmer to remain on the back and touch the wall at the finish; any part of the body may make contact. Turning onto the breast is allowed during the turn but not for the finish. Simultaneous two-hand touches belong to breaststroke and butterfly.

Question 24Practical performance in selected physical activities

A basketball player is shooting a set shot. Which technique point best improves accuracy?

  1. Release the ball using the non-shooting hand as a guide.
  2. Land on the shooting foot only after the release.
  3. Align the shooting elbow under the ball and follow through. Correct answer.
  4. Keep the elbow of the shooting arm pointed outward.

Explanation

Aligning the shooting elbow under the ball creates a straight line from shoulder to basket, and a controlled follow-through helps direction and backspin. The non-shooting hand should guide the ball, not release it. An elbow pointed outward sends force sideways and reduces consistency.

Question 25Practical performance in selected physical activities

A footballer takes a throw-in. Which action makes the throw-in legal?

  1. The ball is thrown with one hand from behind the head.
  2. The player steps over the touchline as the ball is released.
  3. The ball is released after the player has entered the field of play.
  4. Both feet stay on the ground at the touchline at release. Correct answer.

Explanation

At a throw-in both feet must be on or behind the touchline and on the ground when the ball is released, and the ball must be delivered from behind and over the head with both hands. Stepping over the line or entering the field before release is illegal. The throw is taken from the point where the ball left the field.

Question 26Practical performance in selected physical activities

In cricket, which action would make a bowler's delivery illegal?

  1. The bowler's back foot lands within the return crease.
  2. The bowler's front foot lands behind the popping crease.
  3. The bowling arm straightens after it passes shoulder level. Correct answer.
  4. The bowler delivers the ball with a bent arm that does not straighten.

Explanation

A delivery is illegal if the elbow straightens during the bowling action after the arm has passed shoulder level, because this is classed as a throw. A bent arm that does not straighten is permitted within the allowed tolerance. Foot placement behind the creases is legal.

Question 27Practical performance in selected physical activities

In rugby union, a player passes the ball to a teammate. Which pass is legal?

  1. A pass that travels backward or parallel to the try line. Correct answer.
  2. A pass that is knocked forward by the hand.
  3. A pass that travels forward from the hands.
  4. A pass that is thrown forward but caught behind the passer.

Explanation

Rugby requires the ball to be passed backward or laterally; a forward pass from the hands is an infringement. The direction is judged by the initial path of the ball from the passer's hands, not by where it is caught. Knocking the ball forward with the hand is also illegal.

Question 28Practical performance in selected physical activities

In volleyball, a player is performing a float serve. What is the main aim of this serve?

  1. To impart maximum topspin so the ball dips quickly over the net.
  2. To make the ball travel with little spin and drift unpredictably. Correct answer.
  3. To hit the ball with a jump so it travels flatter and faster.
  4. To place the ball softly so it drops just over the net.

Explanation

A float serve contacts the ball so that it has minimal spin, which lets airflow make the ball drift and change direction unpredictably. This makes the serve harder for the receiver to read. Topspin, jumping and soft placement describe other serve types or tactics.

Question 29Practical performance in selected physical activities

In tennis, why does a topspin forehand give a player more margin for error over the net?

  1. The swing path is flatter, so the ball travels in a straighter line.
  2. The ball dips sharply after crossing the net because of forward rotation. Correct answer.
  3. The ball rises steeply after bouncing, making it harder for the opponent.
  4. The racket face is closed at contact, reducing the height over the net.

Explanation

Topspin makes the ball rotate forward, and the Magnus effect produces a downward force that makes the ball dip. This allows the player to hit higher over the net while still bringing the ball down inside the court. The high bounce after landing is a tactical effect, not the reason for net clearance.

Question 30Practical performance in selected physical activities

In gymnastics, why does keeping the body in a straight line reduce the effort needed to hold a handstand?

  1. Lowering the centre of mass increases balance in a handstand.
  2. Increasing the moment of inertia makes rotation easier to control.
  3. A wider base of support increases stability during a handstand.
  4. Aligning the centre of mass over the base reduces the moment arm. Correct answer.

Explanation

In a handstand the base of support is the hands, and the body's centre of mass must stay over that base. A straight line places the centre of mass closer to the vertical line through the hands, reducing the moment arm and the muscular torque needed at the shoulders. Widening the base or lowering the centre of mass does not apply in the same way.

Question 31Practical performance in selected physical activities

In a crouch start for a sprint, what should the athlete do with the hips when the command 'Set' is given?

  1. Lower them below the knees to load the legs.
  2. Push them backward so the hands carry less weight.
  3. Raise them slightly above shoulder level. Correct answer.
  4. Keep them level with the head so the body stays relaxed.

Explanation

On the command 'Set', the hips rise so they are slightly above shoulder level, the shoulders move just ahead of the hands, and weight shifts onto the hands and front foot. This position stores elastic energy and sets the angle for the drive.

Question 32Practical performance in selected physical activities

In volleyball, what happens to player positions when a team wins the serve after the opponents had been serving?

  1. They stay in the same positions until the next timeout.
  2. They swap positions with the nearest teammate only.
  3. They rotate one position anticlockwise.
  4. They rotate one position clockwise. Correct answer.

Explanation

In volleyball, a team rotates one position clockwise only when it wins the serve after the opponents had been serving. If the serving team wins the rally, it scores but does not rotate.

Question 33Practical performance in selected physical activities

In freestyle, what is the key body action during a tumble turn at the wall?

  1. Rotate sideways and push off on the side.
  2. Tuck the chin, rotate forward, push off on the back. Correct answer.
  3. Touch the wall with both hands before rotating.
  4. Stop at the wall, turn around, and push off the chest.

Explanation

A freestyle tumble turn uses a forward somersault: the swimmer tucks the chin, rotates forward, brings the feet to the wall, and pushes off on the back in a streamlined position. The swimmer then rotates onto the front for the next stroke.

Question 34Practical performance in selected physical activities

A netball player catches the ball in the air and lands on both feet at the same time. Which action is permitted next?

  1. Lift both feet and jump, landing on both feet again before passing.
  2. Take a second step with the pivot foot before releasing the ball.
  3. Drag the pivot foot along the ground to turn.
  4. Choose a pivot foot and turn on it. Correct answer.

Explanation

After landing on both feet at once, a netball player may select either foot as the pivot and turn on it; the other foot may be lifted and stepped. The pivot foot must not slide; if lifted, it must not be regrounded before the ball is released.

Question 35Practical performance in selected physical activities

A field hockey player uses an Indian dribble when running with the ball. What is the main purpose of this technique?

  1. To lift the ball over the opponent's stick at high speed.
  2. To pass the ball firmly along the ground to a distant teammate.
  3. To move the ball side to side and unbalance a defender. Correct answer.
  4. To stop the ball dead before taking a shot at goal.

Explanation

The Indian dribble uses short, repeated taps with the stick on alternate sides of the ball, keeping it close to the stick. This rapid side-to-side movement makes it hard for a defender to read the direction and time a tackle.

Question 36Practical performance in selected physical activities

In badminton singles, why is a high overhead clear to the opponent's backcourt an effective shot?

  1. It keeps the shuttle low over the net so it cannot be attacked.
  2. It pushes the opponent deep and gives time to recover to base. Correct answer.
  3. It forces the opponent to come to the net and play a lift.
  4. It makes the shuttle spin so the opponent mis-times the return.

Explanation

A high overhead clear sends the shuttle deep to the opponent's backcourt, so the opponent must retreat. This moves them away from the net and gives the striker time to return to the central base.

Question 37Practical performance in selected physical activities

In rugby union, which body position is correct when a defender makes a front-on tackle?

  1. Head down, eyes on the ball carrier's feet, shoulder into the knees.
  2. Head up, arms wide, contact with the chest only.
  3. Head behind the opponent, contact with the shoulder on the back.
  4. Head up, shoulder into the waist, arms wrapping the legs. Correct answer.

Explanation

A safe front-on tackle uses a head-up position, shoulder contact around the opponent's waist or upper legs, and arms that wrap and squeeze. The defender drives with the legs while keeping the neck and head protected.

Question 38Practical performance in selected physical activities

A basketball defender wants to stay balanced while sliding laterally to guard an attacker. Which technique should the defender use?

  1. Lean the upper body far ahead of the feet.
  2. Stand upright with feet close together.
  3. Cross the feet quickly in front and behind to cover more ground.
  4. Keep a wide base, knees bent, feet uncrossed. Correct answer.

Explanation

The defensive slide uses a wide base with knees bent and hips low, and the feet push sideways without crossing. This keeps the centre of gravity between the feet so the defender can stop or change direction quickly.

Question 39Practical performance in selected physical activities

A football attacker is standing beyond the second-last defender when a teammate takes a goal kick. The attacker then receives the ball directly from that goal kick. What should the referee decide?

  1. The goal kick must be retaken, because the attacker interfered with play.
  2. The attacker is offside, because they were beyond the second-last defender.
  3. Play continues; a player cannot be offside from a goal kick. Correct answer.
  4. An indirect free kick is awarded where the attacker received the ball.

Explanation

Law 11 states that a player cannot be offside directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner kick. The attacker may be in an offside position, but receiving the ball directly from the goal kick is not an offside offence, so play continues.

Question 40Practical performance in selected physical activities

In javelin, which action makes a throw invalid?

  1. The athlete takes several warm-up throws before the competition.
  2. The athlete releases the javelin above shoulder height.
  3. The javelin lands tip first within the sector.
  4. The athlete touches the foul line during the throw. Correct answer.

Explanation

A javelin throw is invalid if the athlete touches the foul line or the ground beyond it during the run-up or throw, or leaves the runway before the implement lands. The javelin must land tip first inside the sector and be released over the shoulder or upper arm.

Question 41Practical performance in selected physical activities

In the Fosbury flop high jump, which part of the athlete's body should cross the bar last?

  1. The hands and forearms
  2. The head and shoulders
  3. The hips and pelvis
  4. The feet and lower legs Correct answer.

Explanation

The Fosbury flop is a back-first clearance: the head and shoulders cross the bar first, the hips follow, and the feet and lower legs clear last. This sequencing lets the athlete arch over the bar and keep the hips high.

Question 42Practical performance in selected physical activities

In breaststroke, which kick is used to propel the swimmer?

  1. Flutter kick
  2. Scissor kick
  3. Dolphin kick
  4. Whip kick Correct answer.

Explanation

Breaststroke uses the whip kick, in which the heels are drawn toward the buttocks, the feet turn out, and the legs sweep outward and together. Flutter, dolphin and scissor kicks belong to other strokes or styles.

Question 43Practical performance in selected physical activities

A handball player catches the ball while standing still. How many steps may the player take while holding the ball before passing, shooting or bouncing it?

  1. One
  2. Two
  3. Four
  4. Three Correct answer.

Explanation

Handball rules permit a player holding the ball to take a maximum of three steps before passing, shooting or bouncing it. The player may also hold the ball for up to three seconds, but taking a fourth step is a violation.

Question 44Practical performance in selected physical activities

A footballer is defending an attacker who is running directly at them with the ball. Which defending technique is most appropriate?

  1. Turn sideways and run alongside the attacker without watching the ball.
  2. Dive in with both feet towards the ball.
  3. Adopt a side-on stance, stay on the balls of the feet and delay the attacker. Correct answer.
  4. Stand upright and reach in with one foot to poke the ball away.

Explanation

A defender should adopt a side-on stance, stay low on the balls of the feet and jockey the attacker to delay progress. Reaching in or diving in commits the defender and makes it easy for the attacker to beat them.

Question 45Practical performance in selected physical activities

In field hockey, a player performs a push pass along the ground. Which technique is correct?

  1. Placing both hands at the top of the stick and scooping the ball into the air.
  2. Contacting the ball with the toe of the stick while leaning backward.
  3. Keeping the ball beside the left foot and pushing through with the stick low to the ground. Correct answer.
  4. Swinging the stick above waist height to generate maximum power.

Explanation

In a push pass the ball is positioned beside the left foot, the hands are separated on the stick, and the stick stays low as the player pushes the ball along the ground. A raised stick or scooping action is used for different techniques and is not a push pass.

Question 46Practical performance in selected physical activities

In badminton doubles, a player performs a low serve. What is the main tactical aim of this serve?

  1. To lift the shuttle high to the opponent's backcourt.
  2. To make the shuttle travel flat and fast toward the side wall.
  3. To hit the shuttle steeply down from above the net.
  4. To send the shuttle just over the net and land it near the short service line. Correct answer.

Explanation

A low serve in badminton doubles is played to pass just over the net and land near the short service line. It limits the opponent's attacking options by keeping the shuttle low and shortening their reaction time.

Question 47Practical performance in selected physical activities

Just as the opponent strikes the ball in tennis, why does a player perform a split step?

  1. To land in a balanced, ready position from which to push off in either direction. Correct answer.
  2. To add topspin to the next shot.
  3. To move closer to the net before the opponent's shot crosses.
  4. To disguise the direction of their own serve.

Explanation

The split step is a small hop timed as the opponent strikes the ball, landing with feet apart and weight on the balls of the feet. From this balanced base the player can push off quickly in any direction.

Question 48Practical performance in selected physical activities

In a cartwheel performed to the left, which sequence of hand placements is correct?

  1. Left hand first, then right hand placed across the body.
  2. Both hands placed simultaneously before the feet leave the floor.
  3. Left hand first, then right hand placed in line with it. Correct answer.
  4. Right hand first, then left hand placed beside it.

Explanation

For a cartwheel to the left, the left hand is placed first and the right hand follows in line with it on the floor. The hands should be placed sequentially, not simultaneously, to allow the body to rotate over them.

Question 49Practical performance in selected physical activities

At a ruck in rugby union, which action by a player is legal?

  1. Staying on their feet and binding onto a teammate or opponent in the ruck. Correct answer.
  2. Going to ground and using their hands to play the ball from any direction.
  3. Jumping over the ruck to charge down the scrum-half's pass.
  4. Placing a hand on the ground to support their weight while off their feet.

Explanation

In a ruck, players must stay on their feet and bind onto a teammate or opponent. They may not go to ground, use their hands to play the ball, or jump over the ruck to interfere with the scrum-half.

Question 50Practical performance in selected physical activities

In volleyball, a player is receiving a fast jump serve. Which technique gives the best control of the first contact?

  1. Jumping to meet the ball at the highest possible point.
  2. Keeping the arms straight and swinging them upward through the ball.
  3. Bending the knees, keeping the arms together and angling the platform toward the target. Correct answer.
  4. Contacting the ball with relaxed, bent elbows and wrists.

Explanation

For serve reception, the player should bend the knees, keep the arms together to form a stable platform, and angle the platform toward the target. The first contact should be controlled rather than swung at or played with bent elbows.