Basic Sporting Movements 2
Physical Education: AQA GCSE, topic 2.1.4
Basic Movements - The Ankle
The hinge joint in the ankle is made up of the tibia, fibula and talus. The muscles used to move this joint are the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior.
Sporting example
- When using plantar flexion while running/kicking/standing/jumping/squatting, the gastrocnemius contracts and shortens (concentric contraction). The gastrocnemius is the prime mover (agonist) because its contraction moves the limb directly. But the tibialis anterior relaxes and extends (antagonist) to counteract (act against) this action.
- When using dorsiflexion during running/kicking/standing/jumping/squatting, the tibialis anterior is the prime mover (agonist) as it contracts and shortens (concentric contraction), while the gastrocnemius relaxes and extends (antagonist). This causes the weight to ‘sit’ onto the ankle.
Basic Movements - The Shoulder
The ball and socket joint in the shoulder is made up of the humerus, scapula and clavicle. The muscles used to move this joint are the deltoid and the latissimus dorsi.
Bowling in cricket
- When bowling in cricket, the deltoid contracts and shortens (concentric contraction).
- The deltoid is the prime mover (agonist) because its contraction moves the shoulder directly.
- But the latissimus dorsi relaxes and extends (antagonist) to counteract (act against) this action.
- These muscles work together to make the arm rotate during a delivery.
Test yourself on Basic Sporting Movements 2
Which muscles are used to move the ankle joint?
Which two main types of motion are used by the hinge joint in the ankle during running?
Which of the following is the prime mover during dorsiflexion?
Which of the following muscles are used to move the ball and socket joint in the shoulder?
What is the antagonist in the shoulder joint when bowling in cricket?