NCEA L1 Physical Ed key terms

A learned, purposeful movement pattern that a person performs to achieve a goal, such as throwing, catching, or balancing. Practice improves it, and it can be performed with increasing consistency.

The basic building-block movements of running, jumping, throwing, catching, striking, kicking, and balancing. They underpin more complex sport and activity skills and are usually learned in childhood.

Movements that transport the body from one place to another, such as walking, running, hopping, skipping, jumping, and leaping. They form part of the fundamental movement skill group.

Movements performed while staying in one place, such as bending, twisting, stretching, pushing, and swinging. They are sometimes called stability or body-management movements.

Movements where the body holds or regains balance, either still (static) or while moving (dynamic). Examples include balancing on one leg and landing steadily after a jump.

Skills that involve controlling an object with the body, such as throwing, catching, kicking, striking, dribbling, and bouncing. They require hand-eye or foot-eye coordination.

The specific way a movement is performed, including body position, timing, and sequence. Good technique is efficient, reduces injury risk, and helps produce consistent results.

How well a performer carries out a movement skill in a given situation, judged against the intended technique. It can be observed and compared with a model or criteria.

The ability to use different body parts together smoothly and efficiently in a movement. It links the senses and muscles so actions such as catching or striking flow without awkwardness.

The ability to keep the body's centre of gravity over its base of support. Static balance is holding a still position; dynamic balance is staying steady while moving or changing direction.

The point where a body's weight is evenly balanced in all directions. A lower centre of gravity and a wider base of support generally make a person more stable.

The area beneath and between the body parts touching the ground that keep a person balanced. A wider base of support increases stability during standing or landing.

The ability to change direction quickly and accurately while keeping control of the body. It combines speed, balance, and coordination and is important in many invasion games.

The ability to move the whole body or a body part from one point to another in the shortest possible time. It depends on stride, power, and reaction.

The ability to produce a large force quickly, such as in a jump, throw, or sprint start. Power combines strength with speed of movement.

The amount of force a muscle or group of muscles can produce against a resistance. It supports actions such as pushing, lifting, tackling, and holding a stable position.

The ability of muscles to keep working, or to contract repeatedly, over a period of time without tiring quickly. It matters in activities requiring sustained effort.

The ability of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to supply oxygen to working muscles during sustained activity. It is also called aerobic fitness.

The range of movement possible at a joint or group of joints. It affects how freely a person can move and can be improved with regular stretching.

The time between a signal, such as a starter's call or a moving ball, and the start of a person's response. Shorter reaction time allows faster responses in play.

The motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding needed to value and take part in physical activity throughout life. It develops through varied movement experiences.

Taking part in a physical activity, whether in sport, recreation, or daily movement. Regular participation supports health, skill development, and social connection.

The positive feeling a person gets from taking part in movement or activity. It motivates continued participation and is influenced by fun, challenge, success, and social factors.

The reasons and drive that lead a person to start and keep taking part in an activity. It can be internal, such as personal satisfaction, or external, such as prizes or praise.

A person's belief in their ability to perform a movement or take part successfully. Confidence grows with practice and success and affects whether someone tries new activities.

A person's belief about whether they can successfully carry out a specific task or skill. Strong self-efficacy for a skill makes a person more likely to attempt and persist at it.

The study of the forces acting on the body and how the body moves. It helps explain why some techniques are more efficient or produce more force than others.

A push or pull that can change the speed, direction, or shape of an object or body. In movement, muscles produce internal force, while gravity and friction act externally.

The resistance that occurs when two surfaces slide or rub against each other. It allows grip and stopping but can also slow movement depending on the surfaces involved.

Three rules describing how force affects movement: objects stay at rest or in motion unless a force acts; force causes acceleration; and every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

A rigid bar that turns around a fixed point (fulcrum) when a force is applied. In the body, bones act as levers and joints act as fulcrums to produce movement.

The amount of motion a moving object has, depending on its mass and velocity. A heavier or faster object has more momentum, which affects how it transfers in collisions.

The ways the body supplies energy for movement: quick bursts without oxygen, short high-intensity efforts, and long efforts using oxygen. The main system used depends on effort and duration.

Activity at a moderate intensity that can be sustained for a long time while oxygen supplies the working muscles, such as jogging or swimming. It builds cardiovascular endurance.

Short, high-intensity activity where the body works faster than oxygen can be supplied, such as sprinting or a heavy lift. It cannot be sustained for long periods.

A short period of gentle movement and stretching before activity that raises body temperature and prepares muscles and joints. It reduces injury risk and improves readiness to perform.

Gentle activity and stretching after exercise that helps the body return gradually to resting state. It can reduce stiffness and support recovery.

Information a performer receives about their movement, either from their own senses (intrinsic) or from others such as a coach (extrinsic). It helps identify what to keep or change.

Predicting what is about to happen so the body can respond before the event occurs, such as moving early to meet a pass. It relies on experience and reading cues.

The process of interpreting information from the senses, such as seeing where a ball is travelling. Skilled performers pick up relevant cues quickly to guide their actions.

Knowing where the body is in relation to objects, other people, and the space around it. It helps a person move safely and make good decisions in games.

The customs, values, and practices passed down within a group, which shape how and why activities are played. It can influence rules, rituals, and who takes part.

The shared beliefs, customs, and ways of life of a group of people. It affects which activities are valued, how they are performed, and who participates.

The principles and beliefs a person or group considers important, such as fairness, respect, or teamwork. They influence behaviour and decisions in movement settings.

Following the rules and spirit of an activity, showing respect for opponents, officials, and teammates. It supports safe and positive participation for everyone involved.

Behaving with respect and grace in sport, whether winning or losing. It includes accepting decisions, encouraging others, and not seeking unfair advantage.

A fixed, oversimplified belief about a group of people, such as who is expected to play a particular sport. Stereotypes can discourage participation and limit opportunities.

Making sure all people can take part in an activity, regardless of ability, gender, background, or other factors. It involves adapting activities and removing barriers to participation.

Something that prevents or discourages a person from taking part in movement, such as cost, lack of access, time, or confidence. Identifying barriers helps make activity more accessible.

The process of the body resting and repairing after activity, including sleep, hydration, and nutrition. Good recovery reduces fatigue and injury risk and supports performance.