1. Physique Understand the three extreme somatotypes
Consider the most suitable somatotype for different activities

2. Physique Physique is very closely linked to somatotype Inherent
Very little control over it
You can affect the following…
Body Composition
Percentage of body weight which is fat, muscle and bone.
Musculature
The arrangement of muscles in your body

3. Somatotype
Your somatotype (body type) will mean that you may be suited to certain activities while others may be more difficult
Classification give guidance
Descriptions are for extreme body types only
Likely that you will fall somewhere inside the spectrum not solely in one.

4. Endomorph Pear shaped with… Wide shoulders Wide hips
Tendency to gain weight
Short legs in comparison to trunk
Extremes will…
Suit activities where bulk is needed
Struggle with weight bearing aerobic exercises

5. Mesomorph Wedge shaped with… Wide shoulders Narrow hips
Minimal amount of fat
Muscular arms and legs
Extremes will…
Suit activities where strength, agility or speed is needed
Struggle with very few sports, only extremes like horse racing

6. Ectomorph Slender shaped with… Narrow shoulders Narrow hips
Minimal amount of muscle and fat
Thin arms and legs
Extremes will…
Suit activities where endurance or a light frame is needed
Struggle with power and strength based activities

8. Suitability
Most sports it is possible to take part regardless of your somatotype
You are much more likely to reach the elite level if your somatotype suits the activity
Height is not considered a factor in the classification
A tall ectomorph would be a suited to the high jump
Where as a short ectomorph would be better suited to a jockey

10. Against the norm?

11. Test yourself without your notes
The term ‘body type’ is one way of expressing the body build of a person but what is the technical term used to describe body type? (1 mark)
2. There are three component of body type (somatotype). Give the three components in the correct order. (3 marks)
3. From the list of sports below indicate what somatotype you think would be most fitting for each.
You could use a combination of somatotypes for some of them and give a reason why this would benefit their performance.
Tennis at Wimbledon
100m Sprint (Olympic final)
Flat Race jockey
Gold (the open)
Worlds Strongest man
(10 marks)