PED 246: Methods and Techniques of Dance and Gymnastics

Chapter 2Biomechanics

Center of Gravity That point at which stability may occur Weight is in the center of the body

The closer the center of gravity is to Base – more support Radius of rotation – faster the movement

Base of support Body part or parts that support the body

weight and the space between those body parts

Feet when standing Arms in handstand Butt when sitting

Motion an observable change in position of the

entire body or its parts

Sustained Percussive Translatory Rotatory Curvilinear

Sustained Motion Slow movement

Stretches

Percussive Motion Quick or rapid movement

Kick or punch

Translatory Motion Movement through a continuing plane

Ski jumper Sitting in moving car

Rotatory Motion Movement about or around a central

point

Spin on parallel bars

Longitudinal axis (right and left) Transverse axis (top and bottom) Sagittal axis (Front and back)

Curvilinear Motion Movement as a whole in a circular path

Somersault while in straight position

Axis A line through the center of gravity

around which rotation occurs

Force An influence that produces or tends to

produce motion or a change of motion

Muscular Frictional Gravitational

Friction The resistance of one surface to that of

another

Contact with another surface slows down the movement

Gravity The force of attraction that tends to pull

bodies or weight downward toward the Earth’s center

Always downwards

Newton's Laws of motion General principles governing the

movement of objects through space

Inertia Acceleration Action - Reaction

Inertia Properties remaining at rest or in motion

unless acted upon by an outside force.

Push to start Friction to stop

Acceleration Resulting change in speed is directly

proportional to the force producing it and inversely proportional to the mass

The tighter the tuck, the faster the spin.

Action - Reaction For every action there is an equal and

opposite reaction

Curling stones hit Transfer of motion from one to another