Centre of mass

Question 1

Define centre of mass

Answer 1

The point at which the distribution of mass is equal in all directions

Question 2

Why do males have a slightly higher centre of mass?

Answer 2

Has they have more weight in their chest and shoulders

Question 3

What does poor balance lead to?

Answer 3

Poor technique

Question 4

Give an example of how balance is affected in netball

Answer 4

Stretching above a shot leads to off balance and therefore obstruction. To counteract this I would put my leg back - which a cognitive performer would not do

Question 5

What are the four factors that affect stability?

Answer 5

• Height of the centre of mass
• Line of gravity position
• Area of the support base
• Mass of the performer

Question 6

How can height of the centre of mass be altered to increase stability and provide an AO2 and AO3.

Answer 6

AO1 - The higher the centre of mass, the lower the stability.

AO2 - Prior to making a tackle in hockey, a performer will lower their body to remain stable.

AO3 - A cognitive performer will not think to do this as their technique is poor.

Question 7

How can the line of gravity position be altered to increase stability and provide an AO2.

Answer 7

If the line of gravity is in line with the performers body, then they will be more stable.
When marking a shot in netball, I out my arm forwards and leg backwards to balance.

Question 8

How can the area of the support base be altered to increase stability and provide an AO2.

Answer 8

The greater the base area, the greater the balance.
In hockey, you may go into a lunge to increase base area for tackling.

Question 9

How can the mass of the performer be altered to increase stability and provide an AO2.

Answer 9

The larger a performers mass, the greater their balance.
Players with a greater mass, like props or forwards, will have a greater inertia and therefore are less likely to fall over or be moved.