Describe how the antagonistic muscle pairs are working at the knee during the process of kicking a ball

As a person prepares to kick a ball, their hamstrings contract which causes their knee to bend/flex. Simultaneously, their quadriceps relax and lengthen. Here, the hamstring is the the agonist and the quadriceps are the antagonist. During the actual kicking phase, the knee needs to extend in order to make contact with the ball. For this to happen, the quadriceps now need to contract while the hamstrings relax and lengthen. Now, the quadriceps are the agonist and the hamstrings are the antagonist.

AW
Answered by Ayesha W. Physical Education tutor

20880 Views

See similar Physical Education GCSE tutors

Related Physical Education GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain 'reversibility' within the SPORT principles


What does the vertical jump test measure and how would this be suitable for a netball player?


Why does an increased heart rate help during endurance exercise?


Define and Explain the RICE Principle.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning