Sport science CAT Biomechanics

Biomechanics

The study of how forces affect the movement of the human body.

Force

A push or pull that can change an object's motion or shape.

Motion

A change in an object's position over time.

Summation of momentum

The sequential addition of body-part movements to maximise the speed or force of an action.

Momentum

The quantity of motion an object has, determined by its mass and velocity.

Inertia

The tendency of an object to resist a change in its state of motion.

Balance

The ability to maintain stability while stationary or moving.

Stability

The ability to resist being moved out of balance.

sporting exmaple of a force and how it occirs

• Kicking a soccer ball.

• The player's foot applies force to the ball, causing it to accelerate and travel.

sporting example for motion and how it occurs

• A sprinter running down a track.

• The sprinter changes position as they move forwards.

sporting example for summation of momentum and how it occurs

• A tennis serve

• The player coordinates their legs, trunk, shoulder, arm and wrist in sequence to generate speed.

sporting example for air resistance and how it occurs

A badminton shuttlecock travelling through the air.

Air resistance slows the shuttlecock down as it travels through the air, reducing its speed and affecting how far it travels.

sporting example for inertia and how it occurs

A basketball player changing direction.

The player must apply force to slow down and change direction.

sporting example for balance and how it occurs

A gymnast balancing on a beam.

The gymnast controls their body position to avoid falling and remain stable.

Define (Command Word)

Give the meaning of a term or concept (e.g., Define friction).

Describe (Command Word)

Say what happens or what it is like (e.g., Describe how a sprinter accelerates).

Explain (Command Word)

Say how or why (e.g., Explain how friction helps a sprinter).

Compare (Command Word)

Give similarities and/or differences (e.g., Compare speed and velocity).

Analyse (Command Word)

Explain relationships, causes and effects (e.g., Analyse how air resistance affects a shuttlecock).

Evaluate (Command Word)

Make a judgement using evidence (e.g., Evaluate whether a training program improved performance).

FITT Principle

A set of training principles and measures standing for Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type.

Frequency (FITT)

How often you train, such as three sessions per week.

Intensity (FITT)

How hard you train, such as exercising at a higher heart rate.

Time (FITT)

How long you exercise, such as running for 20 minutes.

Type (FITT)

What exercise you do, such as interval running or resistance training.