Aggression
Physical Education: AQA GCSE, topic 6.3.1
Direct Aggression
There are 2 types of aggression - direct aggression and indirect aggression. Direct aggression is where there is physical contact between 2 or more performers. The person starting the aggression is known as the aggressor.
Use of direct aggression
- In direct aggression, the aggressor uses physical contact to directly or deliberately hurt an opponent.
Examples of direct aggression
- Tackling too high in rugby.
- A ‘low blow’ in boxing (below the belt).
- A tackle from behind in football.
Indirect Aggression
Indirect aggression is where there is no physical contact between performers. The aggression is taken out on an object to gain a psychological (mental) advantage over an opponent.
Use of indirect aggression
- There is no physical harm caused, only ‘mental’ harm. The idea is to intimidate (scare) the opposition and make them feel less confident.
Examples of indirect aggression
- Volleying the ball hard in tennis to win a point but also to put off an opponent.
- The Haka that the All Blacks perform before every game lays down an intimidating marker of intent.
Test yourself on Aggression
What do we call a performer who initiates aggression?
What are the 2 types of aggression?
What do we call aggression when there is no physical contact between performers?