Planes, Axes and Movement
Match planes and axes to the direction of rotation and apply the pair to a specified sporting action.
How to prepare for the written examination
Move from accurate theory to a scenario-specific mechanism, consequence, evidence and judgement. Complete all practical performance and NEA work only through authorised centre arrangements.
Core concepts
Concept 1
A plane is an imaginary surface through which movement occurs.
Exam cue: Identify the dominant movement before naming its plane and perpendicular axis.
Concept 2
An axis is an imaginary line around which rotation occurs and is perpendicular to the corresponding plane.
Exam cue: Analyse a stated phase rather than the complete complex skill.
Concept 3
Complex skills can contain movements through more than one plane and around more than one axis.
Exam cue: Use precise anatomical direction rather than relying only on a memorised example.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Treating a plane and an axis as the same thing.
Guardrail: Do not replace explanation with a named sport, an undated current example or practical work that belongs to NEA.
Pairing a plane with an axis that is not perpendicular.
Guardrail: Do not replace explanation with a named sport, an undated current example or practical work that belongs to NEA.
Assigning one plane-axis pair to an entire multi-phase performance.
Guardrail: Do not replace explanation with a named sport, an undated current example or practical work that belongs to NEA.
Memory anchors
Sagittal-plane pattern
Forward-and-back movement commonly rotates around a transverse axis.
Frontal-plane pattern
Side-to-side movement commonly rotates around a sagittal axis.
Transverse-plane pattern
Rotational movement commonly occurs around a vertical axis.
Movement plane
An imaginary surface through which the body or limb moves.
Movement axis
An imaginary line around which rotation occurs.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
What does a plane of movement describe?
What is an axis of rotation?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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