What Is Biomechanics?

Movement Through a Scientific Lens

When a footballer kicks a ball, a gymnast lands a vault, or a runner sprints off the blocks—there’s more going on than just skill or talent. There’s physics. There’s force. There’s form. That’s biomechanics.

Biomechanics is the study of human movement using principles from physics and engineering. It’s how we analyse posture, power, coordination, and technique in sport. And it's not just for elite athletes—it applies to everyone, from kids learning how to run to older adults trying to prevent injury.

Why Does It Matter?

If physiology explains what happens inside the body during training, biomechanics explains how the body moves. And how movement is executed matters—a lot. The right mechanics reduce injury, improve performance, and build efficient athletes.

Think of it this way:

• A sprinter with poor technique might be wasting energy every stride.

• A footballer landing awkwardly might be one wrong step from an ACL injury.

• A young athlete lifting with poor form may be building dysfunction, not strength.

How Is It Used in Sport?

Modern sports science uses biomechanics for:

• Technique analysis: From video feedback to motion tracking, coaches can identify movement flaws.

• Injury prevention: Studying joint angles and force patterns can help correct dangerous mechanics.

• Equipment design: Biomechanics shapes everything from running shoes to prosthetic limbs.

• Performance enhancement: Small changes in form can lead to major gains in speed, power, or efficiency.

  
  

Common Biomechanical Tools

• Force plates: Measure ground reaction force during jumps or landings.

• Motion capture systems: Track joint movement in 3D.

• EMG sensors: Measure muscle activation patterns.

• Video analysis apps: Allow coaches to break down technique in slow motion.

  
  

You don’t need all this equipment to apply biomechanics. You just need an eye for detail, a basic understanding of movement patterns, and the desire to coach with intention.

Final Word

Biomechanics reminds us that how we move matters. It helps us move better, safer, and smarter.

In a sporting culture that often rewards effort over efficiency, biomechanics teaches us to train with purpose. Not just harder—but better.

References:

• Bartlett, R. (2007). Introduction to Sports Biomechanics: A Student Guide to Human Movement Analysis. Routledge