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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can recall and apply the FITT principle to bring about effective overload.

      Key learning points

      1. Key principle of overload is FITT; Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type.
      2. Applyng FITT increases the amount of work the body does, in order to achieve progressive overoad.

      Keywords

      • Frequency - how often you train

      • Intensity - how hard you train

      • Time - the length of the training session

      • Type - the specific training method used to train

      Common misconception

      The last two T's of the FITT acronym are interchangeable.

      The principle is set and the first 'T' references the time used to train and the second 'T' references the specific type of training method chosen to achieve the optimal fitness gains.

      Teacher tip

      The FITT acronym is widely used and keeps the principle of progressive overload memorable. Provide plenty of opportunity for learners to apply FITT to scenarios about fitness improvement.

      Equipment

      The FITT letters with the matching definitions will be a useful starter and plenary activity, as well as providing the key definitions throughout the lesson.

      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 principle of training that relates to making training tailored to the needs of the athlete and their sport is known as ...

      Correct Answer: specificity

      Q2.
      Which principle of training is described as "if you don't use it, you lose it".

      specificity
      progressive overload
      Correct answer: reversibility
      tedium

      Q3.
      "In my circuit training, I will reduce the rest time from 30 seconds to 25 seconds". Which principle of training has been described here?

      specificity
      Correct answer: progressive overload
      reversibility
      tedium

      Q4.
      Match the statement from a sprinter to the correct principle of training.

      Correct Answer:specificity,"I completed interval training on the track to develop my speed'

      "I completed interval training on the track to develop my speed'

      Correct Answer:progressive overload,"I increased the 50m sprint intervals from 5 to 7"

      "I increased the 50m sprint intervals from 5 to 7"

      Correct Answer:reversibility,"I was on holiday with family and returned with reduced fitness"

      "I was on holiday with family and returned with reduced fitness"

      Q5.
      Which of the following are correct when applying specificity?

      Correct answer: movements
      Correct answer: energy system
      Correct answer: muscles
      injury
      variety

      Q6.
      Overload is the gradual increase of placed upon the body.

      Correct Answer: stress, pressure, training

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Order the FITT principle components correctly.

      1 - Frequency
      2 - Intensity
      3 - Time
      4 - Type

      Q2.
      FITT is used to achieve which principle of training?

      specificity
      Correct answer: progressive overload
      reversibility

      Q3.
      Match the description to the correct FITT principle.

      Correct Answer:How often you train,Frequency

      Frequency

      Correct Answer:How hard you train,Intensity

      Intensity

      Correct Answer:How long you train,Time

      Time

      Correct Answer:The training method used,Type

      Type

      Q4.
      "I chose interval training to develop speed". Which FITT principle has been described?

      Frequency
      Intensity
      Time
      Correct answer: Type

      Q5.
      Match the statements from a hockey player to the correct FITT principle.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer:Frequency,"I do strength training twice a week"

      "I do strength training twice a week"

      Correct Answer:Intensity,"I complete squats at 60% of my 1 rep max"

      "I complete squats at 60% of my 1 rep max"

      Correct Answer:Time,"I am in gym for 50 minutes"

      "I am in gym for 50 minutes"

      Correct Answer:Type,"I use dumbbells and barbells in free weight training"

      "I use dumbbells and barbells in free weight training"

      Q6.
      Time in the FITT principle is described as the of the training session.

      Correct Answer: length, duration, minutes, hours

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