Planes & Axes of Movement
Physical Education: AQA GCSE, topic 2.2.1
Sagittal Axis
The sagittal axis passes horizontally (parallel to the ground) through the body from back to front.
Frontal plane
- The frontal plane involves side to side movements - abduction or adduction.
- Movements on a frontal plane (side to side) take place around the sagittal axis.
Movements
- Any movements where the limbs are moving away from or towards the midline of the body are on a frontal plane.
- Examples include star jumps, cartwheels and side bending.
Longitudinal Axis
The longitudinal axis passes vertically (up or down) from the top of the body to the bottom (feet).
Transverse plane
- The transverse plane is rotational or turning movements (rotation).
- Movements on a transverse plane (rotation) take place around a longitudinal axis running from top to bottom (like a pole).
Movements
- Any movements that involve spinning around the centre poles are rotations.
- Examples include throwing a discus, a hammer throw and a 360 degrees ice-skating spin.
Transverse Axis
The transverse axis passes horizontally (parallel to the ground) through the body from left to right.
Sagittal plane
- Sagittal plane: forwards or backwards movements (extension/flexion).
- Movements on a sagittal plane (forwards/backwards) take place around a transverse axis.
Movements
- Any movements that go forwards or backwards in a straight line are on a sagittal plane.
- Examples include walking, running, squats, bicep curls, leg extensions and front somersaults.
Test yourself on Planes & Axes of Movement
Which of the following are examples of the side-to-side movements that take place in the frontal plane?
Which of the following is NOT an example of a movement that occurs in the frontal plane?
Which way does the longitudinal axis pass from the top of the body to the bottom?
Which of the following are not examples of movements that take place on a rotational plane?
Movements on a sagittal plane take place around which sort of axis?