Centre of Gravity
The single point at which the body's mass is balanced in all directions, and around which it tends to rotate and balance.
Definition
The centre of gravity is the theoretical point where the body's weight is evenly distributed. In a person standing upright it sits roughly around the pelvis, but it shifts constantly as the limbs move, and it can even fall outside the body when an athlete arches or pikes, as in a high-jump Fosbury flop.
Managing the centre of gravity is central to balance and stability: keeping it low and over the base of support aids control when defending or changing direction, while raising or projecting it matters in jumping and throwing. It is a core idea in biomechanics for explaining how bodies stay upright, topple or rotate.
Where you’ll hear “centre of gravity”
Sports that use this term:
Basketball
A fast, dynamic team sport of running, jumping and quick decisions on court.
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Fitness
Strength and general fitness training — the foundation that supports every other sport.
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Movement patterns
- 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.
- BackpedalControlled backward locomotion performed while facing forward, staying low and pushing off the balls of the feet in short strides to stay reactive and keep play in view.
- Change of DirectionA planned redirection of the body from one movement vector to another, requiring an athlete to decelerate existing momentum and reaccelerate along a new line between two known points.
- Crossover StepA lateral or diagonal travelling step in which one leg crosses over the other with accompanying hip and trunk rotation, trading a stable base for greater reach and speed.
- CutA sharp, frequently reactive plant-and-redirect performed in a single decisive foot contact to evade an opponent or abruptly alter a line of travel.
Physical qualities
- BalanceKeeping your body stable and controlled, whether still or moving.
- SpeedHow quickly you can move your body or a part of it from one point to another.
- AgilityChanging direction quickly and under control while staying balanced.
- Muscular strengthHow much force your muscles can produce in a single effort.
- CoordinationGetting your body parts to work together smoothly and accurately, often with what you see.
Sport categories
- Mind & BodyPractices that pair movement with breathing and focus, supporting mobility, balance and mental wellbeing.
- Winter SportsSeasonal sports on snow and ice that combine skill, balance and endurance in the outdoors.
- Water SportsSports in and on the water. Kind to the joints while working the whole body, from swimming lengths to open water.
- Team SportsSports built around a squad and a shared goal. Ideal for community, communication and consistent weekly activity.
Skills
- BalanceThe skill of keeping the body stable and controlled while still or moving.
- Running formThe skill of running with efficient, relaxed and balanced movement.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- Bike handlingThe skill of balancing, steering and controlling a bike confidently in different conditions.
- FootworkThe skill of moving efficiently around the playing area to be in position for each shot or action.
Exercises
- Goblet squatA squat variation where you hold a single weight close to your chest for balance and control.
- LungeA single-leg movement where you step forward and bend both knees to lower your body.
- Bulgarian split squatA single-leg squat where the back foot is raised on a bench behind you.
- BurpeeA full-body exercise combining a squat, a plank, and a jump in one flowing movement.
- Push-upA classic upper-body pushing exercise where you lower and press your body up from the floor.
Sports science
- ProprioceptionThe body’s internal sense of where its parts are and how they are moving — the awareness behind balance and coordinated movement.
- Training adaptationThe process by which the body changes in response to repeated training — the underlying reason exercise makes you fitter, stronger or more skilful over time.
- Recovery and adaptationThe idea that the body adapts during recovery, not during the effort itself — which is why rest is treated as part of training rather than a break from it.
- BiomechanicsThe study of how the body produces and controls movement — the mechanics behind every technique in sport.
- Motor controlHow the brain and nervous system organise the muscles to produce coordinated, controlled movement.
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- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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