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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can recall and apply the principles of training to bring about improvement in fitness.

      Key learning points

      1. Key principles of training in sport include specificity, progression, overload and reversibility.
      2. Principles of traning are used to optimise training and fitness and to prevent injury.

      Keywords

      • Specificity - the training must be matched to the needs of the sporting action and individual.

      • Progression - gradual increases in exercise in order for the body to adapt through overload

      • Overload - greater than normal stress that is applied on the body for training adaptation to take place

      • Reversibility - any adaptation that takes place as a result of training will be lost if you stop training

      Common misconception

      Overload is negative and should not be encouraged during training.

      Overload is encouarged as a positive aspect of traning as progression is being managed correctly to bring about adaptations to fitness. It is not to be confused with 'overuse' which can cause injuries.

      Teacher tip

      The SPOR acronym is widely used and keeps the principles memorable. Provide plenty of oportunity for learners to apply the principles to sporting scenarios.

      Equipment

      The SPOR 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.
      Which type of resistance has been used in this exercise?

      An image in a quiz
      free weights
      resistance bands
      dumbbells
      Correct answer: bodyweight

      Q2.
      Which type of resistance has been used in this exercise?

      Correct answer: free weight
      resistance bands
      bodyweight

      Q3.
      Which fitness improvement is a priority for a sprinter?

      Correct answer: increase in speed
      increase in cardiovascular endurance
      increase in agility
      increase in balance

      Q4.
      Match the skill to the correct sport/event.

      Correct Answer:chest pass,netball
      Correct Answer:sprint start,200m
      Correct Answer:smash,badminton
      Correct Answer:a tackle,rugby

      Q5.
      Match the fitness component correctly.

      Correct Answer:ability to move quickly ,speed
      Correct Answer:maximum force a muscle group can apply,strength
      Correct Answer:respond quickly to a stimulus ,reaction time
      Correct Answer:change direction at speed,agility

      Q6.
      A netball player will develop strength and in their arms to be able to pass the ball with power.

      Correct Answer: speed

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the principle of training to the correct letter of the SPOR acronym.

      Correct Answer:S,Specificity
      Correct Answer:P,Progression
      Correct Answer:O,Overload
      Correct Answer:R,Reversibility

      Q2.
      Which principle of training states the importance of matching the needs of the activity?

      Correct answer: specificity
      progression
      reversibility
      overload

      Q3.
      "I will increase the weight from 5kg to 7.5kg in week 3". Which principle of training has been described here?

      specificity
      Correct answer: progression
      reversibility

      Q4.
      Match the description to the correct principle of training.

      Correct Answer:specificity,making training match the needs of the sport and individual
      Correct Answer:progression ,gradual increase in exercise
      Correct Answer:reversibility,losing adaptations when you stop exercising
      Correct Answer:overload,greater than normal stress is applied to bring about adaptations

      Q5.
      Match the quote from a football goalkeeper to the correct principle of training.

      Correct Answer:specificity,"I will focus on flexibility in the shoulder and power to jump high."
      Correct Answer:progression,"In the gym I started with 8 box jumps and increased to 10."
      Correct Answer:reversibility,"If I do not use it, I will lose it."
      Correct Answer:overload,"I reduced the rest time and felt more out of breath than normal."

      Q6.
      Reversibility is the when fitness levels are when exercising stops.

      Correct Answer: lost, loss, descreased, regressed

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