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Lesson 10 of 12
  • Year 9

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation: flexibility

I can safely perform PNF stretches with a partner and explain how it can help my training.

Lesson 10 of 12
New
New
  • Year 9

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation: flexibility

I can safely perform PNF stretches with a partner and explain how it can help my training.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: increasing overload using FITT pushes the body beyond its current level.
  2. Move: combining stretches and muscular contractions is required to perform proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.
  3. Think: reflecting on the effectiveness of adjustments using the FITT principle ensures appropriate progression.
  4. Feel: having courage to trust a partner enables a wider range of performance enhancing stretches.
  5. Connect: working in pairs with clear communication and trust helps pupils to stretch safely and effectively.

Keywords

  • PNF - a type of partner assisted stretching that combines muscle contractions with deep stretching to improve flexibility

  • Contraction - tensing or shortening of a muscle

  • Overload - working the body harder than it is used to, so it adapts and gets fitter

Common misconception

PNF can sometimes be confused as a partner simply helping to deepen the stretch by pushing a bit further.

The method of contracting the muscle activates the nervous system which helps improve flexibility more effectively than static stretching alone.


To help you plan your year 9 physical education lesson on: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation: flexibility, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Judging the trustworthiness of pupils is important with PNF. A yoga session could be a safer alternative.
Teacher tip

Equipment

PNF session script, mats, cones, stopwatches, tape measure

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
How quickly should we increase overload?

Correct answer: incrementally each session
never
constantly

Q2.
Which word best describes applying the right level of overload?

Correct answer: challenging
tiring
undetectable

Q3.
How can you check if your progressions will be safe to perform?

Correct answer: confer with others
hope they are
copy everyone else

Q4.
Why might fitness levels stay the same?

using FITT
Correct answer: never making changes
stop training altogether

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these represents a suitable increase in time from running 30 minutes in the previous session?

30 minutes again
2 hours
Correct answer: 40 minutes

Q2.
What must the stretcher and partner do during PNF?

stay silent
Correct answer: communicate clearly
ignore discomfort

Q3.
What does PNF combine?

Correct answer: stretch and contract
sprint and rest
relax and sleep

Q4.
When should PNF be performed?

before warm up
Correct answer: after full warm up
during cool down