Linking Sport to Fitness (AQA GCSE Physical Education (PE))
Revision Note
Written by: Ruth Brindle
Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor
Linking Sports & Physical Activity to the Required Components of Fitness
Whilst fitness is influenced by interactions between the different components of fitness, a specific type of activity or sport will not necessarily require all of the components to support a strong performance
Instead, different sports rely more on some components of fitness than others
The specific components required for strong performance in a sport can be justified through consideration of the types of movement being carried out in that sport
For example, a football player will require agility because they need to change direction quickly whilst keeping good control of the ball in tackling, dribbling or goal-scoring
Justifying the need for certain fitness components
Sporting activity | Fitness component | Justification |
|---|---|---|
Tennis | Coordination | A tennis player requires hand-eye coordination to accurately intercept with their racket and return the ball to their opponent |
Skateboarding | Balance | A skateboarder must maintain stability to remain on their board whilst moving along, particularly when tackling a descent |
Marathon running | Cardio-vascular endurance | The ability to efficiently and consistently deliver oxygen to the respiring muscles is key to releasing energy for successful long-distance running |
Gymnastics | Flexibility | Gymnasts are required to perform a range of different shapes and moves which require a wide range of movements at the joints |
Sprint running | Speed | Running in sprint races requires the ability to cover a certain distance in the fastest time possible |
Boxing | Power | Punching requires fast movements with power |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Note that this table shows a simplistic overview of how to justify the fitness components required and each of the sporting activities listed will require more than just a single component of fitness to show a good level of performance
Reasons for & Limitations of Fitness Testing
A fitness test is a standardised assessment used to measure specific aspects of physical fitness
The tests are used to evaluate fitness levels and provide information about the health and physical abilities of the participant
Reasons to carry out fitness tests
To identify the specific strengths or weaknesses of an individual's performance
This information could be used to inform training requirements or to guide future training plans
If a training plan has been followed, a fitness test could be used to determine the success of a training programme
Similarly, testing could be used frequently to monitor improvement over time
Fitness testing is useful to measure the starting level of fitness for an individual at the start of any sporting process or training programme
Analysis of current fitness proficiency could be compared against other sports people within the same category and can be used to inform or compare to national averages
Knowledge of fitness strengths and weaknesses could motivate performers and help with identifying specific fitness targets for personal goal-setting
Allocating time to carry out fitness tests within a training programme helps to provide variety to sustain enthusiasm in the participant
Limitations of fitness tests
For fitness tests to be comparable, the tests are often not sport-specific, this may mean that the benefits to the sportsperson are restricted
It may also mean that the conclusions drawn about that individual's fitness are not wholly representative
Fitness tests are generalised so they do not replicate movements of activity and do not always indicate an individual's proficiency in certain movements or sports
Sports participation often involves unique conditions which cannot be replicated accurately in a fitness test
If a fitness test is measuring a fitness component which is not a maximal reading, then it will affect the reliability
Some readings may be affected by motivational factors: an individual's motivation may be influenced by the knowledge that they are completing a test
To make valid measurements, fitness tests must be standardised and all follow the exact same procedure
Tests carried out without this in mind will not be comparable to averages for the same fitness component and this will affect the validity
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