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      Power, flexibility and reaction time

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can define power, flexibility and reaction time and consider the appropriate fitness test for each.

      Key learning points

      1. Power is speed x strength and can be measured by the vertical or standing jump test.
      2. Reaction time is the time taken to respond to a stimulus, measured by the ruler drop test.
      3. Flexibility is the range of motion available at a joint and is measured by the sit and reach test.

      Keywords

      • Power - the ability to exert a maximal force in as short a time as possible

      • Flexibility - the range of movement around a joint

      • Reaction time - the ability to respond quickly to a stimulus

      Common misconception

      Thinking that flexibility is only useful for gymnasts or dancers.

      Discuss wider examples such as hurdlers, footballers and swimmers that will also benefit from high levels of flexibility.

      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 continue exertion, getting energy from the aerobic system" is the definition of which component of fitness?

      speed
      muscular endurance
      strength
      Correct answer: cardiovascular endurance

      Q2.
      The fitness test to measure speed is the metre sprint test.

      Correct Answer: 30, thirty

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

      Correct Answer:muscular endurance of the abdominals,sit-up test

      sit-up test

      Correct Answer:muscular endurance of the pectorals,press-up test

      press-up test

      Correct Answer:cardiovascular endurance,Cooper 12 minute run

      Cooper 12 minute run

      Correct Answer:grip strength,grip strength dynamometer test

      grip strength dynamometer test

      Correct Answer:strength of gluteals,one repetition maximum squat

      one repetition maximum squat

      Q4.
      What is the correct definition of muscular endurance?

      the ability to continue exertion while getting energy from the aerobic system
      Correct answer: the ability to move your body and muscles repeatedly without fatiguing
      the ability to move quickly across the ground or move limbs rapidly
      the maximum force a muscle/group of muscles can apply against a resistance

      Q5.
      Which athlete is most likely to need good cardiovascular endurance to support performance?

      200m runner
      110m hurdler
      Correct answer: triathlete
      weightlifter

      Q6.
      Correctly match the keywords with the definition.

      Correct Answer:power,the ability to exert a maximal force in as short a time as possible

      the ability to exert a maximal force in as short a time as possible

      Correct Answer:flexibility,the range of movement around a joint

      the range of movement around a joint

      Correct Answer:reaction time,the ability to respond quickly to a stimulus

      the ability to respond quickly to a stimulus

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      "The range of movement around a joint" is describing which component of fitness?

      power
      Correct answer: flexibility
      coordination
      balance
      agility

      Q2.
      Match the correct definition to the component of fitness.

      Correct Answer:flexibility,the range of movement around a joint

      the range of movement around a joint

      Correct Answer:reaction time,the ability to respond quickly to a stimulus

      the ability to respond quickly to a stimulus

      Correct Answer:power,speed x strength

      speed x strength

      Q3.
      Which athlete is most likely to require the most power?

      archer
      1500m runner
      Correct answer: javelin thrower
      triathlete

      Q4.
      Identify the correct fitness test for power.

      grip strength dynamometer test
      Correct answer: vertical jump test
      sit and reach test
      30m sprint test

      Q5.
      Which athlete would not need great reaction time?

      a sprint swimmer
      a gymnast
      a table tennis player
      Correct answer: an archer

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

      Correct Answer:power,standing jump test

      standing jump test

      Correct Answer:reaction time,ruler drop test

      ruler drop test

      Correct Answer:flexibility,sit and reach test

      sit and reach test


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