PED 246: Methods and Techniques of Dance and Gymnastics Chapter 2 Biomechanics
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