AQA GCSE Physical Education Paper 1: The human body and movement in physical activity and sport, June 2025: Question 18

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

18 Explain how wearing appropriate footwear in a sporting activity can reduce the risk of

an injury.

[2 marks]

Marks for this question: AO2 = 2

Award one mark for each of the following points up to a maximum of two marks.

• Football – should have studs in boots (1) which avoids slipping (1)

• Running – should be thick soled or cushioned (1) to absorb shock (1)

• Basketball – should have ankle or foot support (1) to stabilise the ankle when landing (1)

Accept any other suitable response.

NB Do not award marks unless the candidate makes reference to a sporting activity.

Maximum 2 marks

How to answer it

Appropriate Footwear & Injury Prevention

📋 What this question tests

This question assesses AO2 (Application of Knowledge) within injury prevention and safety in sport. You are required to name a specific sporting activity, identify an appropriate feature of footwear for that sport, and explain precisely how that feature prevents a specific injury risk.

Question 18 • 2 Marks (AO2)

Question Prompt

Explain how wearing appropriate footwear in a sporting activity can reduce the risk of an injury. [2 marks]

✅ Acceptable Full-Mark Responses

You need 1 mark for the feature/type of footwear and 1 mark for explaining how it prevents injury. A named sport must be included!

Football: Wearing boots with studs [1 mark] to increase grip and prevent slipping on wet grass [1 mark] .
Running: Wearing shoes with thick, cushioned soles [1 mark] to absorb shock from repeated impact on hard ground [1 mark] .
Basketball: Wearing high-top trainers that provide ankle support [1 mark] to stabilise the ankle and prevent twisting/sprains when landing [1 mark] .
Athletics / Sprinting: Wearing spikes [1 mark] to provide traction/grip on the track and stop slipping [1 mark] .

💡 Key Knowledge Breakdown

Studs / Spikes: Penetrate turf/tracks to maximise friction and prevent slips, falls, and muscle strains.
Cushioning / Air Soles: Dissipate ground reaction forces to protect joints (knees, ankles, hips) from repetitive stress injuries like shin splints.
Ankle / Heel Support: Restricts excessive inversion or eversion of the ankle joint, preventing sprains or torn ligaments during sudden pivots or landings.

🧠 Exam Technique (The AO2 Formula)

Use a simple 3-part chain to ensure maximum marks:

Sport: Name a clear sport (e.g. football).
Feature: State the specific feature of the shoe (e.g. studs).
Mechanism / Reduction: State the direct physical effect that stops injury (e.g. provides traction to stop the player slipping).

Examiner Rule: Look closely at the mark scheme note: "NB Do not award marks unless the candidate makes reference to a sporting activity."

❌ Common Errors & Lost Marks

Forgetting the sport: Writing "Studs stop you slipping" scores 0 marks because no sport was mentioned.
Vague statements: Saying "Trainers protect your feet so you don't get hurt" is too generic and gains no credit.
Mismatched feature and function: Claiming studs absorb shock or that cushioning gives grip on ice. Keep the mechanism accurate.

Topics

3.1 The human body and movement in physical activity and sport · 3.1.3 Physical training