Introduction to Planes and Axes
Welcome! In this chapter, we are going to look at how the body moves during sporting actions. If you’ve ever watched a gymnast perform a somersault or a trampolinist do a full twist, you’ve seen planes and axes in action! While these terms might sound like something out of a maths lesson, they are simply a way for us to describe the "path" a body takes and the "line" it rotates around.
Don't worry if this seems a bit "scientific" at first. By the end of these notes, you’ll be able to identify exactly which plane and axis a performer is using for their big moves.
Note: Before we dive in, remember that these movements work alongside the Lever Systems we study in another part of Topic 2.
The Basics: Planes vs. Axes
To understand movement, we need to know the difference between these two terms:
- Planes: Imagine a large pane of glass slicing through your body. The plane is the direction or "track" the movement follows.
- Axes: Imagine a straight rod or pin passing through your body. The axis (plural: axes) is the imaginary line that the body rotates or spins around.
A simple trick: The body always moves in a plane and around an axis.
1. Sagittal Plane and Frontal Axis
This is the most common combination for movements that go forwards and backwards.
What is the Sagittal Plane?
The Sagittal plane is a vertical plane that divides the body into left and right sides. Movements in this plane involve going forwards or backwards (like a flexion or extension).
What is the Frontal Axis?
The Frontal axis runs horizontally through the body from hip to hip (left to right). Imagine a rod through your hips like a table-football player.
The Sporting Action: The Somersault
When a performer does a front or back tucked/piked somersault, they are moving in the Sagittal plane and rotating around the Frontal axis.
Why? Because they are folding forwards (moving in that side-to-side "slice") and their body is spinning around that imaginary rod through their hips.
Key Takeaway: Somersaults = Sagittal Plane + Frontal Axis.
2. Frontal Plane and Sagittal Axis
This combination is for movements that go side-to-side.
What is the Frontal Plane?
The Frontal plane is a vertical plane that divides the body into front and back sections. Imagine you are standing between two panes of glass; you can only move sideways.
What is the Sagittal Axis?
The Sagittal axis runs horizontally through the body from front to back. Imagine a rod going straight through your belly button and out your back.
The Sporting Action: The Cartwheel
In gymnastics, a cartwheel is the perfect example of the Frontal plane and Sagittal axis.
Why? The gymnast moves their body sideways (in the Frontal plane) and rotates around the rod going through their middle (the Sagittal axis).
Did you know? This is often the trickiest one for students to remember! Just think: "Cartwheels happen on the Frontal plane."
Key Takeaway: Cartwheel = Frontal Plane + Sagittal Axis.
3. Transverse Plane and Vertical Axis
This combination is for twisting and spinning movements.
What is the Transverse Plane?
The Transverse plane is a horizontal plane that divides the body into top (superior) and bottom (inferior) halves. Movements here involve rotation or "twisting."
What is the Vertical Axis?
The Vertical axis runs straight down from the top of the head to the feet. Imagine a pole going through the center of your body.
The Sporting Action: Full Twist Jump
In trampolining, a full twist jump is the standard example. The performer jumps up and spins their body 360 degrees before landing.
Why? The performer is spinning around that "pole" (Vertical axis) and their body is rotating through the horizontal "slice" (Transverse plane).
Key Takeaway: Full Twist = Transverse Plane + Vertical Axis.
Summary Table for Revision
Use this table to quickly memorize the three specific applications required for your Edexcel exam:
| Plane | Axis | Sporting Action Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sagittal | Frontal | Somersault (Front or Back, Tucked or Piked) |
| Frontal | Sagittal | Cartwheel |
| Transverse | Vertical | Full twist jump (e.g., in trampolining) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing up the names: Students often swap the Frontal Axis and Frontal Plane. Remember: The somersault uses the Frontal Axis (the rod), but the Sagittal Plane (the path).
- Over-complicating: You only need to know these three specific examples for your exam. Don't worry about trying to apply them to every single sport; master these three first!
- Spelling: Make sure you can spell Sagittal (double 't') and Transverse correctly.
Quick Review Quiz
1. Which axis runs through the body from hip to hip? (Answer: Frontal axis)
2. Which plane is used for a cartwheel? (Answer: Frontal plane)
3. A full twist jump in trampolining uses which axis? (Answer: Vertical axis)
Final Tip: When you're in the exam, try to physically (but subtly!) move your hand in the shape of the action. If your hand moves forward and over, it’s Sagittal/Frontal. If it moves sideways like a wheel, it’s Frontal/Sagittal. If it spins like a top, it’s Transverse/Vertical!