Refining Skills using Biomechanics

Question 1

What is biomechanics?

Answer 1

Biomechanics is an area of sports science that applies the laws of physics and mechanics to improve performance in sport.

Question 2

Which skills require the production and application of muscular force?

Answer 2

running, jumping, throwing, kicking and striking

Question 3

What are the important factors in force production and application

Answer 3

• Force summation
• Impulse
• Absorption of force
• Accuracy

Question 4

What is force summation?

Answer 4

Force Summation refers to the correct timing and sequencing of the parts of your body and muscles through a range of motion.

Question 5

When is force summation necessary?

Answer 5

Force Summation is necessary when maximum effort for a skill movement is required.

Question 6

What does force summation involve?

Answer 6

Force summation involves adding different body parts to a movement to achieve a greater overall force.

Question 7

What 2 ways can summation of force occur?

Answer 7

• Sequential summation of force
• Simultaneous summation of force

Question 8

What is sequential summation of force?

Answer 8

When a sequence of body movements takes place, starting with the larger, more powerful body parts to produce the initial force, and then transferring this force to the next moving part and eventually finishing with the smaller, lighter body parts.

Question 9

What is simultaneous summation of force?

Answer 9

Simultaneous summation of force takes place when an individual performs an explosive action with maximum force over a very short period of time.

Question 10

Examples of simultaneous summation of force:

Answer 10

When an individual performs a skill such as a sprint start or box jump.