Applying Biomechanics in Physical Education

Abstract

Physical educators teach a wide variety of human movements, and biomechanics provides a rationale critical for evaluating technique and prescribing intervention to help young people improve. Biomechanics also allows physical educators to identify exercises and physical activities that contribute to the physical development of various muscle groups and fitness components. This chapter illustrates how biomechanical knowledge and the nine principles of biomechanics can be integrated with other sport sciences in qualitative analysis of human movement. Five skills commonly taught in physical education are discussed, and the various tasks of qualitative analysis (Knudson & Morrison, 2002) are emphasized in the examples. Real movement performances and typical teaching cues are used to show how biomechanics is applied to real-world physical education. Qualitative analysis is a critical evaluative and diagnostic skill that can be employed for improvement of movement in physical education.