Planes of movement and axes of rotation
Planes of movement
A plane is an imaginary flat surface that cuts through the body. Every movement happens in a plane.
- The divides the body into left and right. Movements in it go forwards and backwards: and .
- The divides the body into front and back. Movements in it go sideways: and .
- The divides the body into top and bottom. Movements in it turn the body: .
Key terms
Axes of rotation
An axis is an imaginary line that the body, or a body part, turns around. Each plane has an axis at right angles to it.
- The runs from side to side, like a bar through the hips.
- The runs from front to back, through the stomach.
- The runs from head to toe.
Key terms
Planes and axes together
| Plane | Axis | Movements | Examples in sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexion and extension | A forward roll, a somersault, kicking a ball, a chest pass, running | ||
| Frontal | Abduction and adduction | A cartwheel, a star jump | |
| Transverse | Rotation | A full twist in trampolining, a spin in ice skating, a discus thrower turning |
Common mistake
The sagittal plane goes with the transverse axis, not the sagittal one. Only the frontal plane and axis share a name.