Chapter 8: Fundamentals of Kinesiology & Biomechanics in Sports — Exam-Ready Notes (Class
XI PE)
8.1 Definition & Importance of Kinesiology and Biomechanics in Sports
Kinesiology — Definition
• Study of human body movements
• Explains how muscles, bones, and joints produce movement during physical activity
Importance of Kinesiology in Sports
1. Helps perform movements efficiently with less energy
2. Improves sports performance
3. Helps understand speed, force, and coordination
4. Assists in skill learning
5. Helps select correct techniques
6. Useful in injury prevention and rehabilitation
Biomechanics — Meaning
• Application of mechanical laws to human movement
• Studies forces acting on the body and their effects
Importance of Biomechanics in Sports
1. Improves performance by analyzing techniques
2. Helps correct posture and body position
3. Aids in equipment design
4. Enhances coaching effectiveness
5. Prevents injuries
6. Helps in faster learning of skills
7. Ensures safety during sports
8.2 Principles of Biomechanics
Force
• Push or pull that changes motion
• Greater force → greater acceleration
• Important in throwing, jumping, striking
Centre of Gravity (COG)
• Point where body weight is concentrated
• Lower COG → more stability
• Wider base → better balance
Centre of Gravity Diagram
Stability
• Ability to maintain balance
• Depends on:
• Base of support
• Height of COG
• Body mass
Momentum
• Product of mass × velocity
• Important in running, tackling, jumping
Impulse
• Force applied over time
• Longer force application → greater effect
• Used in throwing, kicking
Friction
• Resistance between surfaces
• Helps movement (running shoes on ground)
• Too much friction reduces speed
Torque
• Turning effect of force
• Produces rotation
• Important in swings, throws
Angular Motion
• Motion around an axis
• Seen in gymnastics, skating, diving
8.3 Kinetics and Kinematics in Sports
Kinetics
• Study of forces causing motion
• Includes internal & external forces
Kinematics
• Study of motion without considering forces
• Describes how motion occurs
Key Kinematic Variables
• Distance → Path covered
• Displacement → Shortest distance from start to end
• Speed → Distance per unit time
• Velocity → Speed with direction
• Acceleration → Rate of change of velocity
Types of Motion
Linear Motion
• Movement in straight line
• Example: Sprint running
Angular Motion
• Rotation around axis
• Example: Gymnast somersault
Projectile Motion
• Motion under gravity after projection
• Example: Throwing a ball
Types of Motion Diagram
8.4 Types of Body Movements
(Flexion, Extension, Abduction, Adduction, Rotation, Circumduction, Supination, Pronation)
Common Joint Movements
Flexion
• Decreases angle at joint
• Example: Bending elbow or knee
Extension
• Increases angle at joint
• Straightening movement
Abduction
• Movement away from body midline
Adduction
• Movement toward body midline
Rotation
• Movement around a bone’s axis
Circumduction
• Circular movement combining flexion, extension, abduction, adduction
Supination
• Turning palm upward
Pronation
• Turning palm downward
Joint Movements Diagram
8.5 Axis and Planes — Concept & Application in Body Movements
Planes of Movement
Sagittal Plane
• Divides body into left & right halves
• Movements: Flexion & Extension
• Examples: Running, walking
Frontal Plane
• Divides body into front & back
• Movements: Abduction & Adduction
• Example: Jumping jacks
Transverse Plane
• Divides body into upper & lower halves
• Movements: Rotation
• Example: Spinning, throwing
Axes of Movement
Axis Corresponding Plane Example
Frontal Axis Sagittal Plane Forward/backward movement
Sagittal Axis Frontal Plane Side-to-side movement
Vertical Axis Transverse Plane Rotational movement
Planes & Axes Diagram