Knowledge and understanding - Physical factorsFlexibility/Suppleness

Flexibility is the range of movement possible at a joint. It allows performers to reach, stretch and move their joints to gain possession, to make a motif look interesting or to achieve a more effective or efficient position.

Positive impact

In hockey, a goalkeeper with good flexibility will be able to extend a leg much flatter to the floor which gives them a much better chance of stopping a shot low to the ground.

A gymnast with good flexibility will be able to perform more challenging balances and skills and create much neater lines and shapes which will result in a better artistic score from the judges.

In cycling, a sprinter with good flexibility can get their body into a much more aerodynamic tuck position. This means they are lower down and cut through the air better which means they reach a faster speed and have a better chance of winning.

Negative impact

In diving, a lack of flexibility means the diver may not get fully into a pike position which will result in marks being taken off by the judges and less chance of winning the competition.

In trampolining, poor flexibility means the performer might not achieve as neat a straddle shape during the routine which will result in the judges awarding a lower score.

A golfer with poor flexibility will not have such a wide shoulder turn, which shortens the swing and this means the club is not travelling as fast toward the ball. This means the ball travels a shorter distance so that it may not reach a green or will make the next shot much longer and more difficult.