BIOMECHANICS

PRINCIPLE 1: (Stability Factors)

Applying the stability factors in landings is very key in gymnastics. Gymnasts will score higher and will take less deductions for a stuck landing in a proper position. Having the knees bent, feet shoulder width apart, and a low chest give the best and optimal landing postion and the most stability.

The feet are placed shoulder width apart, thus creating a wide base of support which in turn leads to the gymnast being more stable.

The Centre Of Mass of the gymnast is low. The gymnast does this by hollowing the back and bringing his shoulders forward. The lower the Centre of Mass, the more stable the gymnast.

The line of gravity passes directly through the base of support.

The gymnasts will bend their knees to absorb force but also to lower their COM so that the landing position can become more stable.

NEWTON'S FIRST LAW: (INERTIA)

"An object at rest stays at rest, an object in motion stays in motion, until an external force acts upon it."

This is similar in gymnastics as a gymnast who starts a giant( a full revolution on the high bar in a straight body position). The gymnast must initiate the motion by letting the force of gravity make them fall. Then they must apply a swing force which will help the gymnast get around the bar, and will keep swinging around the bar until another force is applied to change direction, change bars, or release the bar.

PRINCIPLE 5: (Newton's Third Law)

"For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction."

In gymnastics this law applies to everything, for example; take offs. If the gymnasts punches in a forward position the applied force

will react with force from the floor and send the gymnast backwards.

Source: Newton's Laws

Start in a handstand (the stopped position) falling downward because of gravity creates the external force to start the swing.

The gymnast comes in on a forward angle and rebounds backwards in the opposite angle.