Movement Analysis: Planes and Axes of Movement
The three planes and matching axes describe the surface across which a sporting movement happens and the line about which the body rotates.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- For any movement, first decide its overall direction: is it mainly forward-backward, mainly side-to-side, or mainly a twist/rotation around the body's length?
- Match a forward-backward movement to the sagittal plane and the transverse axis, e.g. running, kicking, or a somersault.
- Match a side-to-side movement to the frontal plane and the sagittal axis, e.g. a star jump, a side bend, or a cartwheel.
- Match a twisting/rotational movement to the transverse plane and the longitudinal axis, e.g. a discus throw, a twisting dive, or a full twist.
- Always give the plane AND its matching axis together in an answer - naming only the plane, or only the axis, usually loses marks in an 'identify' question.
- For 'explain' questions, justify your answer by describing what the plane divides the body into and how the named movement fits that description, not just by stating the name.
Worked example
A gymnast performs a cartwheel across the floor. Identify the plane in which this movement occurs and the axis about which the body rotates, and justify your answer.
- Describe the movement: in a cartwheel, the body rotates sideways, moving from an upright position through a handstand-like position and back to standing, travelling sideways across the floor.
- Identify the direction: this is a side-to-side movement, not a forward-backward or twisting one.
- Identify the plane: side-to-side movement occurs in the frontal plane, which divides the body into front and back halves.
- Identify the matching axis: rotation in the frontal plane occurs about the sagittal axis, the imaginary line running from front to back through the body.
- State the final answer: the cartwheel occurs in the frontal plane, about the sagittal axis.
Practice questions
Type your answer and press Check to be marked straight away, or reveal the answer and mark yourself.
Q1Which plane divides the body into left and right halves?Show answer
Answer: The sagittal plane.
Q2Which plane divides the body into upper and lower halves?Show answer
Answer: The transverse plane.
Q3Which axis is paired with the frontal plane?Show answer
Answer: The sagittal (anteroposterior) axis.
Q4In which plane does a footballer's kicking leg move as they strike the ball?Show answer
Answer: The sagittal plane (forward-backward movement about the transverse axis).
Q5Name a sporting movement, other than a full twist, that occurs in the transverse plane.Show answer
Answer: For example, a discus throw or a twisting dive, which involves rotation around the body's long axis.
Q6Explain why a star jump occurs in the frontal plane.Show answer
Answer: A star jump involves the arms and legs moving out to the sides of the body, which is a side-to-side movement, and the frontal plane is the plane that describes front-to-back division and side-to-side movement.
Q7State the axis about which the body rotates during a forward roll.Show answer
Answer: The transverse axis (the movement occurs in the sagittal plane).
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a GCSE Physical Education exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
Name the plane in which a sprinter's arms and legs move as they run forward.
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A diver performs a twisting dive, rotating around their long body axis as they fall. Identify the plane and axis involved, and explain your reasoning.
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A trampolinist performs a routine that includes a front somersault, a movement resembling a cartwheel in mid-air, and a full twist. For each movement, identify the plane and axis involved and justify your answer using the direction of the movement.
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Tick each line you got. Your score builds from the marks on the scheme.
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See real GCSE Physical Education past-paper questions, with official mark schemes →
Free printable worksheet
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