Yr 11 HPE

BIOMECHANICS

Biomechanics is important in skill learning because it allows us to

Skill phases

Can be defined as “the breaking down of a movement into specific meaningful phrases” (Amezdroz et al, 2004).

This means that a movement consists of a series of phases that are quite different in terms of techniques and the underlying principles of biomechanics (Amezdroz et al, 2004).

Example: cartwheel has 5 different phases

Balance and stability

If you do not fall over you are in equilibrium and therefore balanced.

Balance is the ability to maintain the body in equilibrium while static (stationary) or dynamic (moving).

When you are stable you are balanced and stability depends on

• Base of support (BOS)and• Centre of gravity (COG)

Balance and stability

Base of support (BOS)The area between the points in contact with the

ground. Determines the level of balanceEg. One leg v 2 legs; close v wide stance, headstand v

handstand

Centre of gravity (COG) [or centre of weight ] The point at which the body’s weight is balanced.Can change position in relation to the body mass which

means that it can be outside the body (pg 183)

Stability is the measure of the body’s reluctance to move out of equilibrium

Motion

Angular motion is when the body turns around its axis of rotation

Inertia can be defined as an objects responsiveness or its resistance to attempts to change its motion (Amezdroz et al, 2004).

Rotational Inertia

Momentum