Axes of Movement: Sagittal, Frontal, Transverse

OCR

GCSE

Candidates must define axes of movement as imaginary lines around which body rotation occurs, distinct from planes of movement which divide the body. Mastery requires the precise pairing of axes with their orthogonal planes: the Transverse axis (side-to-side) facilitating flexion/extension in the Sagittal plane; the Sagittal axis (front-to-back) facilitating abduction/adduction in the Frontal plane; and the Vertical (Longitudinal) axis facilitating rotation in the Transverse plane. Responses must apply these mechanical principles to analyse complex sporting techniques, such as the somersault or pirouette.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award 1 mark (AO1) for defining the Sagittal axis as the line passing horizontally from front to back (anterior to posterior).
Credit responses (AO2) that correctly identify the Frontal axis for movements occurring in the Sagittal plane, such as a forward roll or running action.
Award marks for linking the Vertical axis to rotational movements in the Transverse plane, such as a discus throw or ice skating spin.
For AO3 analysis, candidates must justify the axis choice by describing the rotation around the imaginary line, not just stating the direction of movement.

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"You have identified the plane correctly, but the axis is the line *around* which rotation occurs. Apply the 'opposite' rule for Sagittal/Frontal pairings."
"Use the specific term 'Vertical axis' for twisting movements; 'Transverse axis' is not credited in this specification."
"To improve your analysis, explain *why* the Frontal axis allows for flexion and extension at the knee during the sprint."
"Ensure you define the orientation of the axis (e.g., 'passes horizontally from side to side') to secure the AO1 knowledge marks."

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award 1 mark (AO1) for defining the Sagittal axis as the line passing horizontally from front to back (anterior to posterior).
Credit responses (AO2) that correctly identify the Frontal axis for movements occurring in the Sagittal plane, such as a forward roll or running action.
Award marks for linking the Vertical axis to rotational movements in the Transverse plane, such as a discus throw or ice skating spin.
For AO3 analysis, candidates must justify the axis choice by describing the rotation around the imaginary line, not just stating the direction of movement.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Memorise the pairing rule: Sagittal Plane/Frontal Axis, Frontal Plane/Sagittal Axis, Transverse Plane/Vertical Axis.
💡In movement analysis questions, visualise the axis as a metal pole piercing the joint; the body part must rotate *around* this pole.
💡When analysing a cartwheel, explicitly state it occurs in the Frontal plane around the Sagittal axis to secure full AO2 marks.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing the Frontal axis (side-to-side) with the Sagittal axis (front-to-back) due to misunderstanding the plane/axis relationship.
Incorrectly labelling the vertical line of rotation as a 'Transverse axis'; OCR J587 strictly requires the term 'Vertical axis'.
Failing to identify that flexion and extension actions (e.g., kicking a ball) occur around a Frontal axis.
Describing the movement of the limb rather than the stationary imaginary line around which the joint rotates.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Orthogonal Plane-Axis Relationships

Rotational Biomechanics

Movement Classification & Analysis

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Identify

Define

Explain

Analyse

Justify

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