Balance in Sport

Flashcards about balance, base of support, center of gravity and line of gravity in sports.

Balance

The ability to neutralise forces that disturb equilibrium.

Static Balance

The ability to hold a stationary position.

Dynamic Balance

The ability to hold a moving position to execute an outcome.

Width of base of support

The greater the base of support, the greater the degree of stability.

Mass

The greater the mass of an object, the greater its stability will be, given that all other factors are equal.

Line of gravity

The closer the line of gravity is to the limits of the base of support, the less the degree of stability of the object. Movement is easier when the line of gravity falls outside the object’s base of support.

Height of centre of gravity

The higher the centre of gravity above the base of support, the less stable the object is.

Centre of Gravity

The theoretical point in an object, located either inside or outside of the body, where all of the body’s mass is equally distributed. Standing still – the centre of gravity is located in the abdominal cavity, about 6 inches above the pubis symphysis.

Line of Gravity

An imaginary vertical line passing downwards through the centre of gravity to the ground or surface the person is on. The closer the line of gravity is to the limits of the base of support, the less the degree of stability of the object. Movement is easier when the line of gravity falls outside the object’s base of support.

Base of Support

The area bound by the outermost regions of contact between a body and support surface. It refers to the area beneath an object or person that includes every point of contact that the object or person makes with the supporting surface.