A | Simply Sport Science

Acceleration: The rate at which velocity changes over time.

Accuracy: The ability to perform a skill or movement with precision and control.

Action Phase: The main part of a movement where force is applied to complete the skill.

Active Recovery: Low-intensity exercise used after activity to help remove waste products and aid recovery.

Adaptation: The body’s long-term improvement in response to training.

Adenosine Triphosphate: The immediate energy source used by muscles for contraction.

Adduction: Movement of a limb or body part towards the midline of the body.

Adherence: The ability to stick to an exercise, training or physical activity programme over time.

Aerobic exercise: Exercise that uses oxygen to release energy for sustained activity.

Aerobic Respiration: The release of energy from glucose using oxygen.

Aerobic System: The energy system used for longer-duration, lower-to-moderate intensity exercise.

Agility: The ability to change direction quickly while maintaining control.

Air Resistance: A force that acts against a moving object as it travels through the air.

Alveoli: Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gaseous exchange takes place.

Anaerobic Exercise: High-intensity exercise that releases energy without using oxygen.

Anaerobic Respiration: The release of energy from glucose without oxygen, producing lactic acid.

Anaerobic System: The energy system used for short, high-intensity bursts of activity.

Anatomy: The study of the structure of the body and its parts.

Antagonist: The muscle that relaxes while the agonist contracts to produce movement.

Antagonistic Pair: Two muscles that work together by contracting and relaxing to move a joint.

Anxiety: A negative emotional state involving worry, nervousness or fear about performance.

Arteries: Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Arousal: The level of physical and mental alertness or activation before or during performance.

Articulation: A joint where two or more bones meet.

Assessment: The process of measuring, testing or judging performance, fitness or progress.

Asthma: A condition where the airways narrow, making breathing more difficult.

Atrophy: A decrease in muscle size and strength, often due to inactivity or injury.

Attack: The phase of play where a team or performer attempts to score or create an advantage.

Attacker: A player whose main role is to create or score goals, points or attacking opportunities.

Attention: The ability to focus on relevant information during performance.

Attitude: A person’s beliefs, feelings and behaviour towards sport, exercise or performance.

Attribution: The reason a performer gives for success or failure.

Autonomic Nervous System: The part of the nervous system that controls automatic functions such as heart rate and breathing.

Average Speed: The total distance travelled divided by the total time taken.

Axis: An imaginary line around which the body or a body part rotates.

Axial Skeleton: The part of the skeleton made up of the skull, vertebral column, ribs and sternum.