3AB PES – Revision Worksheets – Biomechanics
Complete the following glossary of biomechanical terms
Term
Description
Force
Momentum
Conservation
of Momentum
Impulse
Coefficient of
Restitution
Moment of
Inertia
Angular
momentum
Lever
1st Class lever
2nd Class Lever
3rd Class Lever
Torque
Sporting application
Explain the concept of conservation of momentum using snooker or rugby as your sporting example
Explain the relationship between swing speed, bat weight and ball speed after impact in cricket
Use a sporting example of your choice to explain the impulse-momentum relationship.
In one sentence (on the subject of impulse-momentum), explain why

Floor mats are used in gymnastics

A drag flick can travel faster than a push flick in hockey (see pg 186)

You are taught to ‘give’ with the ball when catching

You are taught to follow through when striking a ball
What factors affect the speed of a ball following a collision with a bat.





Explain how the coeffiecient of restitution plays a huge part in the sport of tennis. Think playing surface,
racquets and tennis balls.
How can moment of inertia be controlled during take-off, flight and landing during a somersault.
What could a cricket player do if they wanted to;
1. Lesson the moment of inertia of their bat
-
Give one advantage of doing this
2. Increase the moment of inertia of their bat
- Give one advantage of doing this
Explain how a change in body position can affect an athlete’s moment of inertia and angular velocity. Use
sports such as diving, gymnastics and running as examples to help you in your response.
Diagrams
Complete the table below about levers
Class
Description
Diagram
Common Examples
1st Class
2nd
Class
3rd Class
Complete the following sentence
Long levers are advantageous to
Short levers are advantageous to
Identify 3 sporting examples where the manipulation of levers can lead to improved performance.
1.
2.
3.
Explain the difference between qualitative and quantitative analysis. Give an example of each
With the help of a diagram, describe the 4 stage model of qualitative analysis.
Diagram
Step 1 -
Step 2 -
Step 3 -
Step 4 -
Biomechanical Principles of Movement
Principle
Explanation
Example
Force-Time
Striking -
Inertia
Striking
Range of
Motion
Throwing -
Balance
Sprint Start -
Coordination
Continuum
Throwing -
Segmental
Interaction
Throwing -
Optimal
Projection
Throwing -
Spin
Striking -
Fluid Mechanics
With the aid of a diagram, explain Bernoulli’s principle of lift and how it applies during a Frisbee, javelin or
discus throw
Diagrams
With the aid of a diagram, explain the Magnus Effect and how it applies during a soccer free kick, a topspin
tennis forehand or a slice in golf.
Diagrams
Explain how the Magnus effect can increase the chances of success in the following situations
1. A soccer free kick 12m from goal with the defenders setting up a wall.
2. A golfer attempting to tee-off on a fairway that ‘dog-legs’ to the right
3. Someone short serving a topspin volleyball serve
Describe 2 activities in which the athlete aims to increase friction forces


Describe 2 activities in which the athlete aims to decrease friction forces


Define drag force and explain three methods used by athletes to reduce drag forces