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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe different types of strength and consider the appropriate fitness tests to measure strength.

      Key learning points

      1. Strength includes maximal, static, dynamic and explosive strength.
      2. Dynamic strength is similar to muscular endurance.
      3. Explosive strength is power.
      4. The one rep max test measures maximal strength.
      5. The hand grip dynamometer measures strength.

      Keywords

      • Strength - the ability to overcome a resistance

      • Dynamic strength - the ability of a muscle, or muscle group, to undergo repeated contractions, avoiding fatigue (muscular endurance)

      • Static strength - to hold a body part (limb) in a static position and muscle length stays the same

      • Explosive strength - product of strength and speed (anaerobic power)

      • Maximal strength - the largest force a muscle, or group of muscles, can exert in a single contraction

      Common misconception

      There is only one type of strength which we usually associate with lifting heavy weights.

      There are four types of strength: maximal, dynamic, static and explosive.

      Teacher tip

      Teaching the fitness tests practically enables students to grasp the understanding of the protocols and why they are done.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      'The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time' is the definition of which component of fitness?

      muscle strength
      cardiovascular endurance
      speed
      Correct answer: muscular endurance

      Q2.
      Which athlete is likely to need the most cardiovascular endurance?

      100m runner
      200m runner
      400m runner
      Correct answer: 1500m runner

      Q3.
      Power is measured by the jump test.

      Correct Answer: vertical

      Q4.
      Match the fitness test to the correct components of fitness.

      Correct Answer:flexibility,sit and reach test
      Correct Answer:speed,30m sprint test
      Correct Answer:cardiovascular endurance,multi stage fitness test
      Correct Answer:muscular endurance,sit-up bleep test

      Q5.
      Which is an example of muscular endurance?

      a rugby player making a hard tackle on the opposition
      a rugby player sprinting to score a try
      Correct answer: a rugby player running, kicking and passing well for the full 80 minute match
      a rugby player stretching to make an intercept

      Q6.
      Match the definitions to the correct keyword.

      Correct Answer:strength,the ability to overcome a resistance
      Correct Answer:dynamic strength,is the ability of a muscle to undergo repeated contractions
      Correct Answer:static strength,to hold a body part (limb) in a static position
      Correct Answer:explosive strength,product of strength and speed (anaerobic power)
      Correct Answer:maximal strength,largest force a muscle/muscle group can exert in a single contraction

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Identify the correct definition of static strength.

      is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to undergo repeated contractions
      Correct answer: to hold a body part (limb) in a still position
      speed x strength
      the largest force a muscle or group of muscles can exert in a single contraction

      Q2.
      Match the definitions to the correct keyword.

      Correct Answer:strength,the ability to overcome a resistance
      Correct Answer:dynamic strength,is the ability of a muscle to undergo repeated contractions
      Correct Answer:static strength,to hold a body part (limb) in a static position
      Correct Answer:explosive strength,product of strength and speed
      Correct Answer:maximal strength,largest force a muscle/muscle group can exert in a single contraction

      Q3.
      Which athlete is most likely to need dynamic strength?

      Correct answer: a rower
      a 100m sprinter
      a gymnast holding a position on the rings
      a weightlifter completing a heavy lift

      Q4.
      A basketballer jumping to reach a rebound is an example of which type of strength?

      maximal
      static
      dynamic
      Correct answer: explosive

      Q5.
      Match the component of fitness to the correct fitness test.

      Correct Answer:maximal strength,1 rep max
      Correct Answer:cardiovascular endurance,multi stage fitness test
      Correct Answer:dynamic strength,sit-up bleep test
      Correct Answer:explosive strength,vertical jump test
      Correct Answer:speed,30m sprint test

      Q6.
      The hand grip test measures grip strength.

      Correct Answer: dynamometer

      To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Types of strength, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...