Biomechanical Principles and Movement

• Biomechanics

  A science concerned with forces and the effect of these forces on and within the human body
• Knowledge of biomechanics helps us to

  • Choose the best technique to achieve our best performance with consideration to our body shape
  • Reduce the risk of injury by improving the way we move
  • Design and use equipment that contributes to improved performance
• Types of motion

  • Linear motion
  • Angular motion
  • General motion
• Linear motion

  Movement in a straight line where a body and all parts connected to it travel the same distance in the same direction and at the same speed
• Angular motion

  Motion that takes place at our joints
• General motion

  A mix of linear and angular motion
• Motion

  The movement of a body from one position to another
• Velocity (average)

  The rate of positional change of an object, calculated using displacement divided by time
• Displacement

  The movement of a body from one location to another in a particular direction, or an 'as the crow flies' measurement
• Velocity

  The displacement of an object over time, including direction
• For timed races

  The higher the athlete's speed, the faster they will complete the race
• Velocity and speed

  Velocity is related to speed but varies according to displacement from the original position and direction
• Speed

  Equal to the distance covered divided by the time taken to cover the distance
• Speed

  • Important in most sports and team games
  • The player who can move quickly has a distinct advantage
  • Much of our potential for speed is genetic and relates to the type of muscle fibre in our bodies
  • Individuals can develop their speed as a result of training and technique improvements, the basis of which is the development of power and efficiency of movement
• Acceleration

  The rate at which velocity changes in a given amount of time
• Acceleration

  • Can be positive or negative (often called deceleration) depending on whether the change in velocity is positive or negative
  • Requires substantial force production, mainly by the calf, quadriceps, gluteal and upper body muscles
  • Programs that focus on developing explosive power in these parts of the body will assist in overcoming inertia and getting to full speed in the shortest period of time
  • A vital component of performance and relates directly to the athlete's ability to produce power
  • Used by athletes as they change their velocity to beat opposing players, or to begin a race
  • Faster acceleration is beneficial in performance, as it allows opposition less time to react, and helps you reach your top speed faster
• Momentum

  The quantity of motion that the body possesses, calculated by multiplying the object's mass by its velocity
• Momentum

  • Is a vector, meaning it has both direction and magnitude
  • Directly related to the velocity of the object, and its mass
  • Larger objects moving at the same velocity as smaller objects will have greater momentum
  • Relates to force because force is the rate at which momentum changes with relation to time
  • Heavier objects require more force to stop their velocity and get their current velocity
  • Lighter objects can accelerate more quickly than heavier objects with the same force
• Angular momentum

  The quantity of angular motion in a body or part of a body
• Angular momentum

  • Affected by angular velocity, the mass of the object, and the location of the mass in respect to the axis of rotation
  • Occurs when moving bodies do not travel in a straight line