Biomechanics
The scientific study of the mechanical principles, such as forces, motion and structure, that govern how living bodies move.
Definition
Biomechanics applies the laws of physics and mechanics to living organisms, analysing how muscles, bones and joints produce and resist forces to create movement. In sport it explains why a particular technique is efficient, how forces travel through the kinetic chain, and how factors such as centre of gravity and leverage affect performance.
Practitioners use tools such as high-speed video, force plates and motion capture to measure movement objectively, informing coaching and technique refinement. As a field it sits at the intersection of anatomy, physics and engineering, and it underlies many of the other concepts in this glossary.
Where you’ll hear “biomechanics”
Sports that use this term:
Swimming
A full-body, low-impact endurance sport suitable for almost every age and ability.
Tennis
A singles or doubles racquet sport that blends agility, strategy and stamina on court.
Cycling
A low-impact endurance sport that doubles as transport, exercise and adventure.
Fitness
Strength and general fitness training — the foundation that supports every other sport.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Biomechanics to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Sports science
- BiomechanicsThe study of how the body produces and controls movement — the mechanics behind every technique in sport.
- Range of motionHow far a joint can travel through its movement — the arc available at a joint, and the foundation of flexibility and mobility.
- Reaction timeThe short delay between a signal and the start of the movement made in response to it.
- ProprioceptionThe body’s internal sense of where its parts are and how they are moving — the awareness behind balance and coordinated movement.
- Motor controlHow the brain and nervous system organise the muscles to produce coordinated, controlled movement.
Movement patterns
- SlideA slide is a controlled, low-friction skid of the body or foot along a surface, used to brake, extend reach, or hold a line, where managed friction and a lowered centre of gravity govern the movement.
- AccelerationThe athletic pattern of building speed from a standing or slow start by driving large horizontal forces into the ground to project the body forward.
- JumpThe plyometric pattern of projecting the body off the ground through explosive triple extension and controlling the landing — the core expression of lower-body power.
- BoundAn exaggerated, horizontal springing stride that transfers from one leg to the opposite leg with a long flight phase, amplifying the mechanics of running.
- DecelerationThe athletic pattern of actively braking and absorbing momentum to slow or stop under control, producing eccentric forces that oppose the direction of travel.
Knowledge Atlas
Lifestyle
Healthy living
- Morning MovementA little gentle activity early in the day to wake the body up and start on a positive note.
- Active BreaksShort bursts of movement woven through the working or study day to break up long stretches of sitting.
- Walking MeetingsTaking a call or a one-to-one on the move instead of at a desk — an easy way to add movement to the working day without losing time.
- Reducing SittingBreaking up long, unbroken stretches of sitting with small, regular movement through the day.
- Outdoor LifestyleChoosing to spend more of your active time outside, where fresh air and surroundings make movement more enjoyable.