Physical Literacy and Sport

Defining physical literacy

In its broadest sense, ‘literacy’ refers to gaining knowledge, skills and competence within a particular area of learning. While a lot of learning occurs during childhood, supported by parents, carers, teachers, and peers, the process evolves and continues throughout life, shaped by both structured and informal experiences. ³

There are many definitions of physical literacy, however common themes include: ^{3, 4, 5}

• Physical literacy is a lifelong process.
• Acquisition (competence) of movement skills is a core component.
• Physical literacy also includes knowledge, attitudes, and motivations that facilitate confident movement and the desire to be physically active.

Physical literacy can be developed through a range of movement experiences. Sport is an excellent way to build physical literacy, however everyday physical activity, play, and incidental movement all contribute. ^{3, 5, 6}

The Australian Physical Literacy Framework

The Australian Physical Literacy Framework (the Framework) was released in 2019 by the Australian Sports Commission, after consultation with sport, education, and health sectors. ³ The Framework provides a shared vision, common language, and a consistent understanding of what physical literacy is and how it can be developed.

The four inter-related domains of the Framework are:

• Physical: The skills and fitness a person acquires and applies through movement.
• Psychological: The attitudes and emotions associated with movement and the impact these have on confidence and motivation to move.
• Social: The interaction with others in relation to movement.
• Cognitive: A person's understanding of how, why and when they move.

Why physical literacy matters

Lifelong impact

Physical activity both contributes to the development of physical literacy and is the result of being physically literate. ² Therefore, physical literacy can help establish a positive lifelong relationship with physical activity and sport participation.

Children who are more physically literate tend to engage in more frequent and higher levels (e.g. moderate-to-vigorous intensity) of physical activity, both now and in the future. ^{2, 7, 8, 9}

Becoming physically literate also involves developing the ability to transfer skills, knowledge, behaviours and attitudes to new and different contexts. Opportunities to participate in a wide range of physical activities and sports can help build physical competence, confidence, social connections and decision-making skills. ³

Contribution to health outcomes

Physical literacy supports positive health outcomes and prevention of disease by encouraging regular participation in physical activity, which is linked to improved physical, psychological, cognitive, and social health and wellbeing. These benefits include: ^{2, 10, 11, 12, 13}, ¹⁴

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, fractures, and osteoarthritis, and maintenance of healthy body composition.
• Reduced risk of depression and anxiety, and increased self-esteem.
• Increased productivity and social inclusion.

Role of sport

Sport can play a positive role in helping people of all ages develop, maintain, and strengthen their physical literacy.

In childhood, organised movement activities such as athletics, swimming and gymnastics can help develop a range of fundamental movement skills. ^{15, 27} Fundamental movement skills may include object control skills (kicking, throwing, catching), locomotor skills (running, jumping, hopping), body control skills (balancing, tumbling, climbing) and aquatic skills (floating, swimming strokes, paddling). ¹⁶ These foundational skills provide the building blocks for more sport-specific skills, which in turn, and can also build the confidence to engage in sport and physical activity. ^{16, 17}

While movement skills are most frequently considered, sport also helps develop the social and psychological domains of physical literacy through making physical activity something that is both fun and done with other people. ^{18, 19, 20, 21}

Children and young people who grow up playing sport are more likely to remain active as adults. ^{22, 23} Parents and caregivers play a key role in shaping positive early experiences of sport, including through the value they place on participation and their own involvement in sport. ^{24, 25, 26}

Factors impacting physical literacy

Impact

More information on the benefits and impact of sport participation on physical literacy for different groups is available in these Clearinghouse Evidence Base topics:

Programs, policies and supporting structures

Related topics