Centre of Mass and Stability

Centre of mass definition

the point at which a body is balanced in all direction

Application of CoM to Fosbury flop

J curve approach allows high jumper to achieve greater velocity

high jumper lifts arms and knees CoM is raised and stays inside body

high jumper arches back over bar

CoM moves outside body below bar and high jumper rotates about CoM

enables greater heights o be achieved

Application of CoM to front somersault

take off weight is thrown forwards

CoM moves outside and in front of body

CoM will follow predetermined flight path allowing gymnast to rotate

Stability definition

ability of the body to resist motion and remain at rest

Height affect on stability

lower the CoM the greater the stability

Mass affect on stability

the greater the mass the greater the stability

Base of support affect on stability

greater size of the base of support the greater the stability

Line of gravity affect on stability

the more central the line between centre of mass and centre of base of support the greater the stability

Points of contact affect on stability

the more body parts in contact with the ground the more stability

Body shape affect on stability

the distribution of body parts can affect centre of mass which can affect stability