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      Body composition, balance, coordination and reaction time

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can define body composition, balance, coordination and reaction time, and apply practical examples to each component of fitness.

      Key learning points

      1. Body composition is the percentage of body weight that is muscle, fat or bone.
      2. Balance is being able to keep the body stable when moving.
      3. An example of coordination is hand eye coordination.
      4. Reaction the time between presentation of a stimulus and the onset of movement.

      Keywords

      • Body composition - is the percentage of body weight that is muscle, fat or bone

      • Balance - being able to keep the body stable, while at rest or in motion

      • Cordination - the ability to use two or more body parts together

      • Reaction time - the time between the presentation of a stimulus and the onset of movement

      Common misconception

      Some students may think all athletes would require large muscle mass to be successful at sport.

      Provide a range of examples including marathon runners, sumo wrestlers to show how diverse body compositions can be advantageous in different sports.

      Teacher tip

      Link this to practical lessons where pupils can apply the components of fitness to different activities.

      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 undertake strength performances quickly" is the definition of which component of fitness?

      agility
      flexibility
      Correct answer: power
      cardiovascular endurance

      Q2.
      "The ability to use voluntary muscles many times without getting tired" is describing which component of fitness?

      Correct Answer: muscular endurance

      Q3.
      Match the components of fitness to the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:cardiovascular fitness,ability to exercise your whole body for long periods of time
      Correct Answer:strength,the amount of force a muscle can exert against a resistance
      Correct Answer:speed,the rate at which some can perform a movement or cover a distance
      Correct Answer:agility,the ability to control the movements of the whole body
      Correct Answer:flexibility,the range of motion available at your joints

      Q4.
      The agility test measures agility.

      Correct Answer: Illinois, illinois

      Q5.
      Which athlete would not require agility?

      Correct answer: 800m runner
      tennis player
      hockey player
      dancer

      Q6.
      Match the component of fitness to the correct fitness test.

      Correct Answer:muscular endurance,one minute sit-up test
      Correct Answer:flexibility,sit and reach test
      Correct Answer:power,vertical jump test
      Correct Answer:cardiovascular fitness,Harvard step test
      Correct Answer:speed,30m sprint test

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Body composition is the percentage of body weight that is muscle, or bone.

      Correct Answer: fat

      Q2.
      "Being able to keep the body stable, while at rest or in motion" is describing which component of fitness?

      power
      flexibility
      coordination
      Correct answer: balance
      reaction time

      Q3.
      Match the component of fitness to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:flexibility,the range of motion of your joints or the ability
      Correct Answer:coordination,the ability to use two or more body parts together
      Correct Answer:reaction time,the time between a stimulus and the onset of movement
      Correct Answer:cardiovascular fitness,ability to exercise your whole body for long periods of time

      Q4.
      Identify which component of fitness may be most beneficial to a gymnast performing a routine on the beam to avoid injury.

      agility
      reaction time
      Correct answer: balance
      coordination

      Q5.
      Why would a hockey player need reaction time?

      to hit the ball further
      Correct answer: to move in relation to the opponent or where the ball was hit
      to stretch to reach a loose ball
      to be able to run around for the full 70 minute match without getting tired

      Q6.
      Match the component of fitness to the sporting example.

      Correct Answer:body composition,a boxer requires a high percentage of muscle
      Correct Answer:balance,a rugby player holding their position upright avoiding being tackled
      Correct Answer:coordination,kicking a ball accurately
      Correct Answer:reaction time,a sprinter hearing the starting gun and moving quickly

      To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Body composition, balance, coordination and reaction time, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...