Practical Performance in Selected Physical Activities
Practical performance in selected physical activities is assessed through your ability to perform, apply tactics and respect rules in activities such as games, athletics, swimming or gymnastics. The exam looks for technique, decision-making, consistency, safety and fair play, not only raw athleticism. A performance profile helps you audit strengths and weaknesses before the assessment.
What is judged
- Technique: correct body position, timing and coordination for core skills.
- Tactical awareness: choosing the right option under pressure, such as pass versus shoot.
- Rules and officiating: applying rules correctly and accepting decisions.
- Physical readiness: fitness sufficient for the activity’s demands.
- Personal behaviour: safety, cooperation, effort and etiquette.
Worked example
A basketball player is assessed on free throws. She scores 4/10 in practice but 7/10 in the test. Reasoning: the score alone is not enough. The examiner also considers routine consistency (same stance, breathing, follow-through), ability to reset after a miss, and whether she follows rules (behind the line, no delay). Her improved test score suggests she can control arousal; her technique remains the limiting factor if elbow alignment drifts.
Traps
- Treating practical performance as only winning or scoring.
- Ignoring rules and etiquette; dissent can lower the mark.
- Practising only in unopposed drills and failing to show decision-making in modified games.
- Neglecting safety checks and warm-up, which are part of competent performance.