B.2.3 - Movement analysis

Main Phases of Projectile motion

• preparatory phase

• force production phase

• critical instant

• follow through (discrete skills) or recovery phase (continuous skills)

discrete skills

fixed start and end and have a short duration (throw, jump)

Continuous skills

• repetitive cycles with no clear start or end (running, cycling)

Sporting example of phases of motion

• long jump - run up(prep), take-off(force production), airborne (critical instant), landing (follow-through)

Follow through (discrete skills)

• occurs immediately after critical instant

• ensures proper deceleration and prevents injury

• improves accuracy, consistency and feel of the skill

Preparatory phase

• mental and physical readiness: focus balance and alignment

• positioning to optimise force production (stance, grip)

• anticipation of skill demands is critical

Recovery phase ( continuous skills)

• re-positions the body for the next cycle

• maintains rhythm and efficiency in cyclic skills

• crucial for endurance sports to minimise wasted energy

Benefits for health & safety

• identifies biomechanical flaws which could prevent overuse injuries

• used in designing corrective exercises & rehab plans

• video analysis + motion capture give accurate identification of weakness

force production phase

• skeletal and muscular systems produce the force to complete the movement

• requires coordination, timing, and sequential activation of muscle groups

• in continuous skills, force is applied repeatedly to sustain motion

Critical instant

• single most important moment of the skill

• determines outcome (direction, accuracy, speed)

• technique errors in critical instant could ruin performance

benefits for sporting performance

• improved technique gives more efficient force production

• helps refine timing, coordination, and consistency

• allows tactical adjustments

• tracks athlete workload and readiness which could prevent burnout