AQA GCSE Physical Education Paper 2: Socio-cultural influences and wellbeing in physical activity and sport, June 2025: Question 3

✅ Correct Answer

B – Endomorph

💡 Key Knowledge: The 3 Somatotypes

• Endomorph: Characterised by high body fat, pear-shaped body, and wide hips/shoulders. Extra bulk and mass provide momentum and inertia – ideal for shot putters and sumo wrestlers.
• Mesomorph: Muscular build, broad shoulders, narrow hips, low body fat – suited to power events like sprinting and weightlifting.
• Ectomorph: Lean, tall, thin, very low muscle mass and fat – suited to endurance events (e.g. marathon) and high jump.

🧠 Exam Technique & Examiner Insight

• Recall the AQA standard pairings: Exam boards have classic textbook pairings for somatotypes. AQA specifically identifies the shot put with an endomorphic body type because heavy body mass provides greater momentum behind the throw.
• Application matters (AO2): When multiple choices seem plausible, ask yourself: Which characteristic is most unique to this event in the specification? Shot put requires heavy bulk to anchor and push through release.

❌ Common Errors & Traps

• Selecting C (Mesomorph): This is the most common wrong answer. While shot putters certainly possess large amounts of muscle, exam questions on somatotypes focus on the high proportion of body mass/fat unique to endomorphs.
• Misunderstanding Endomorphy: Many students view "endomorph" negatively as simply "overweight". In sports science, having mass and a lower centre of gravity provides major mechanical advantages in throwing and collision sports.