Locomotor Movements

Locomotor refers to body movements that move the body from one place to another.
They cause the body to travel. There are eight main locomotor movements. They are
categorized as either even or uneven movements. Even rhythm movements consist of
equal, unvarying actions. These movements include:

1. Walking

2. Running

3. Hopping

4. Leaping
 5. Jumping

Keep in mind that we're referring to the physical education definition of these
movements. Students sometimes confuse the movements and terminology. A hop is
technically defined as a springing from one foot and landing on that same foot.
A leap is a springing from one foot but landing on the other foot. Leaping movements
are commonly used when people jump over objects, like jumping over a rain puddle.

Uneven rhythm movements consist of unequal actions. They also sometimes

incorporate alternating actions. These movements include:

1. Skipping

2. Galloping
 3. Sliding

Note that a gallop is defined as stepping forward and pushing up with one foot, while
the other foot follows. The student lands on the trailing foot. You might think of it as
a rudimentary skip that toddlers do. A slide is similar, but the lead foot glides forward
or sideward while the other foot follows. The lead foot does not step or push off into
the air. Sliding movements are used in skating and skiing.

Non-Locomotor Characteristics
Non-locomotor skills are fundamental body movements that do not incorporate
traveling. They are stability skills that include movements of limbs or body parts, and
sometimes even the whole body. They are occasionally referred to as axial
movements, as in 'revolving around an axis'. Here, the axis is the center portion of the
student's body, or generally the student's torso. The student's 'axis' experiences little to
no movement.
There are many different non-locomotor movements, including:
• Stretch - extend the limbs or muscles, or the entire body.

• Bend - movement that causes the formation of a curve.

• Twist - rotate body or body parts around a stationary base (twist upper body back
and forth, keep feet still).

• Turn - partial or full rotation of the body while shifting the base of support (spin to
make yourself dizzy).

• Collapse – to fall down.

• Punch - use forceful actions with various body parts - hands, feet, knees, elbows.
• Slash - longer movements but powerful like punches (picture a slashing sword).

• Push - try to move away by pressure.

• Pull - exert force on object to move it towards source of force.

• Swing - move or walk in a to and fro or swaying manner.

• Sway - swing unsteadlily; rock by moving back and forth sideway

Note that non-locomotor skills often accompany locomotor skills. For example,
students swing their arms while jogging and bend their knees in order to jump.

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