Components of Fitness: Strength, Speed, Stamina, Flexibility, Agility, Power, Coordination

OCR

GCSE

Candidates must demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the physiological constituents of athletic performance, categorizing components into health-related and skill-related domains. Responses must articulate the precise biomechanical and physiological mechanisms defining strength, speed, stamina, flexibility, agility, power, and coordination. Analysis should prioritize the interdependence of these components within specific sporting contexts, justifying the selection of fitness tests and the subsequent design of periodized training interventions. Mastery requires the evaluation of how specific components dictate the efficacy of technical execution and tactical success.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award AO1 marks for precise definitions: Agility must include 'changing direction at speed with control', not just changing direction.
Credit AO2 responses that link 'Power' specifically to explosive actions (Strength × Speed), such as a high jump take-off or javelin release.
Candidates must distinguish between 'Cardiovascular Endurance' (whole body, long duration) and 'Muscular Endurance' (specific muscle groups, repeated contractions).
For Coordination, accept references to the simultaneous functioning of two or more body parts (e.g., hand-eye coordination in a tennis strike).

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"You have identified the correct component (AO1). To gain AO2 marks, apply it to a specific phase of the movement."
"Replace 'Stamina' with 'Cardiovascular Endurance' or 'Muscular Endurance' to align with OCR terminology."
"Your justification is generic. Explain *why* this component is critical for the outcome of the skill (e.g., height in a jump)."
"Differentiate clearly between static and dynamic strength when discussing this sport."

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award AO1 marks for precise definitions: Agility must include 'changing direction at speed with control', not just changing direction.
Credit AO2 responses that link 'Power' specifically to explosive actions (Strength × Speed), such as a high jump take-off or javelin release.
Candidates must distinguish between 'Cardiovascular Endurance' (whole body, long duration) and 'Muscular Endurance' (specific muscle groups, repeated contractions).
For Coordination, accept references to the simultaneous functioning of two or more body parts (e.g., hand-eye coordination in a tennis strike).

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡In 'Apply' questions, name the component and immediately describe the specific skill it enables (e.g., 'Balance allows the gymnast to hold the handstand').
💡Memorize the exact OCR definitions for all 10 components; vague paraphrasing often loses AO1 marks.
💡When analysing data, compare results to normative data tables to justify whether a score is a strength or weakness.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Using the colloquial term 'Stamina' instead of the specification term 'Cardiovascular Endurance'.
Confusing 'Reaction Time' (time taken to initiate response) with 'Speed' (time taken to cover distance).
Stating a component is needed 'to play well' without identifying the specific movement (e.g., 'flexibility for a gymnast's split leap').
Failing to identify that Power is a combination of Strength and Speed.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Differentiation between Health-Related and Skill-Related Fitness components

Physiological mechanisms underpinning maximal force, neuromuscular control, and energy production

Application of specific components to positional demands and competitive scenarios

Protocols, validity, and reliability of standardized fitness testing methodologies

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Define

Identify

Apply

Justify

Analyse

Evaluate

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