GCSE PE Paper 2 Somatotyping is a method of classifying body types examples

GCSE PE Paper 2 Somatotyping is a method of classifying body types examples for the
PE PAST PAPERS – GCSE PHYSICAL EDUCATION q12.
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AO3 – Analysis of somatotypes to different sporting activities eg
Ectomorph
• As they are thin and lean, they have very little weight to carry around. This makes it easier to run long
distances and so their performance in a marathon could be good.
• The narrow shoulders, hips and chest mean that they will be streamlined when running. This will
mean there is less resistance so they will be able to run faster over long distances.
• Long legs mean that stride length will be long. This will mean that they can cover ground much
quicker so running long distances will be easier for them.
• Long arms will help a person when playing basketball. It will help them intercept or block around a
much bigger space.
• Being thin and lean will mean that taking part in sports such as rugby would be difficult as they would
not be able to generate much power for tackling and would find it difficult to withstand tackles.
Mesomorph
• A large muscle content means that their bodies are very powerful. This extra power will mean that a
100m sprinter would have more speed and run a faster time.
• A large muscle content would benefit a rugby player as it will enable them to tackle with greater power
or withstand powerful tackles.
• A wedge-shaped body will enable an athlete to pump their arms faster which in turn makes their legs
move faster. This will create more speed and will therefore be more beneficial to a sprinter.
• This large muscular body will find it difficult to take part in endurance activities as there is more body
weight to carry around so fatigue may set in earlier.
Endomorph
• A pear-shaped body is beneficial for some roles in sports that require bulk. A front row forward
benefits from this as it enables them to push more effectively in a scrum. This is the same for a sumo
wrestler as the bulk helps them push their opponent out of the playing area.
• Shot putters will also benefit from this extra bulk as it will provide a powerful release of the shot which
would help achieve a greater distance.
• A high fat content would mean they will find it difficult to take part in endurance activities as there is
more body weight to carry around so fatigue may set in earlier.
• Less height will mean that taking part in sports such as basketball will be difficult. Most basketballers
are tall so they will find it hard to intercept or get shots away as they will be easily blocked.
Credit other suitable responses relevant to the question.

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