Somatotypes
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and describe the characteristics of ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph body types.
Key learning points
- An endomorph is characterised by a higher percentage of body fat and a rounder body shape
- A mesomorph has a muscular and well-defined body with a natural ability to gain muscle
- An ectomorph is characterised by a slim, lean physique with minimal body fat and muscle
- Each somatotype has specific advantages for different types of sports or positions.
Keywords
Somatotype - a method of classifying body type
Ectomorph - a somatotype characterised by being tall and thin with narrow shoulders and narrow hips
Mesomorph - a somatotype, characterised by a muscular appearance with wide shoulders and narrow hips
Endomorph - a somatotype, characterised by a pear shaped body/fatness with wide hips and narrow shoulders
Body composition - the percentage of body weight which is fat and nonfat (muscle and bone)
Common misconception
Believing that individuals fit exclusively into one somatotype category rather than having a mix of characteristics.
Individuals can have a mix of characteristics from different somatotypes but can also change their somatotype depending on their lifestyle choices.
Teacher tip
Pupils may be asked to justify why different somatotypes are beneficial to different sports.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Identify the three types of health
Q2.A lifestyle with no or irregular physical activity is known as a lifestyle.
Q3.How is body composition measured?
Q4.Complete the sentences to identify four effects of a sedentary lifestyle on physical health.
heart disease
density
pressure
tone
Q5.Which body shape is most likely to be a sumo wrestler?
Q6.Match the bodies in the image the correct description.
thin and lean
high proprtion of muscle
high proportion of body fat
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which is not a somatotype?
Q2.Which somatotype is identified in the image?
Q3.Which somatotype has narrow hips and shoulders, long arms and legs and is thin and lean?
Q4.Which somatotype has a high percentage of body muscle?
Q5.Correctly identify the example to the somatotype
this is not a somototype
rugby union winger
rugby union prop
1500m runner
Q6.Emily says that some people can fall into two types of somatotype because of their characteristics. Order the sentences to justify whether Emily is correct or incorrect.
To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Somatotypes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 physical education lesson on: Somatotypes, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 physical education lessons from the Health and well-being: reasons for participation unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.