Analysis of movement
Biomechanics is the analysis of human movements in sport. It explains how and why the body moves. There are a number of methods used to analyse movement. One used often by coaches and sports scientists is the analysis of movement phases. There are three movement phases:
- preparation – the movements an athlete makes while preparing to perform the skill
- execution – the movements made while performing the main part of the skill
- recovery – the movements that allow an athlete to regain balance and/or position after performing the skill (sometimes in order to go into action with another performance)
As sports movements are complex, each phase is often divided into sub-phases. For example:
It is helpful to consider the musculo-skeletal system when carrying out movement analysis. The following aspects should be included:
- joint (including type and bones)
- type of movement
- muscles involved
- muscle function
Refer to the muscular system and skeletal system study guides for more information.
Watch a slow motion demonstration by Pat Cash to see the phases of movement in a tennis serve.