Higher National 6 Badminton Mechanical Principles Mechanical Principles

Higher National 6 Badminton Mechanical Principles

Mechanical Principles These are the key movements and positions which influence performance: Balance (individual and team) Transfer of Weight Application of force Rotation Resistance Follow through Levers

Balance What is it? Balance is the ability to retain the centre of gravity over your base of support It requires the control of different groups of muscles dependent on the nature of the task

Balance What does that mean? You need to keep your body in a stable position through good body tension and a lower centre of gravity and larger base of support Different muscles will be used for either static balances (hold still) or dynamic balances (maintain balance under constantly changing conditions)

Balance Get into a space and try to push each other over (gently) Easy or hard? Now Stand on one leg and try to push each other over… Easier or harder?

Balance Name 2 reasons why a headstand is easier to hold than a handstand? *Think about the centre of gravity and base of support!

Balance In the handstand the centre of gravity is higher and the base of support is smaller In the headstand the centre of gravity is lower and the base of support is larger

Transfer of Weight Moving your weight from back foot to front foot (or vice-versa!) Why is this a good thing? Transfer of weight can increase power in a throwing/ striking action

Transfer of Weight For example- In hockey, a player will transfer their weight from the back to front foot as they push the pass quickly to their team mate Can you think of an example in Badminton?

Follow Through Happens in kicking, striking and throwing actions Comes after the preparation and action phases of the skill (RECOVERY) Usually in the direction of the throw or strike

Follow Through Why? Helps the throw/ strike go in the right direction Increases power

Application of Force For movement to occur in activities, muscles must contract and apply a force against a resistance to allow movement in the opposite direction. FOR EVERY ACTION THERE IS AN EQUAL OPPOSITE REACTION

Application of Force For example: Individual : Swimming- push and glide Running- sprint start Team: Football – kicking the ball Basketball – lay up

Application of Force HOW IS FORCE CREATED? Bending knees Bending arms Contracting muscles to push against something

Application of Force Describe one technique where there is an equal and opposite reaction to the force applied.

Resistance Created when you apply a force Can be an advantage/ disadvantage Disadvantage: Swimming – Water Cycling/Running – Wind (air resistance) How could they reduce this resistance?

Resistance can be also be an ADVANTAGE: Sailing Athletics - Sprinting blocks Football - Studs Running –Wind behind you WHY? !

Streamlined Swimmers have to overcome the resistance of water. This is achieved by using a streamlined body position. To streamline the body the swimmer would put their body into a shape or position, which offers the smallest surface area and offer the least resistance. This would allow the swimmer to cut through the water easier and swim faster.

Friction When two surfaces touch friction occurs. In football, players wear boots with studs. This enables them to grip the ground better, helping them to turn quickly. If a player used flat soled trainers, the lack of friction between the shoe and the ground would result in the player slipping when turning.

Levers These are your LIMBS! i. e. your arms and legs Long Levers are when you strike an object with a straight arm or leg Short Levers are when you strike an object with a bent arm or leg or short implement

Long Levers Create power – increase speed and distance Less accuracy Examples Long badminton racquet Golf Clubs Striking with straight arm

Short Levers More accuracy Less Power Examples Table Tennis Short badminton racquet Golf – pitching wedge

Rotation In different activities you rotate in order to carry out effective skills and techniques There are 3 axis of rotation: Vertical Axis – top to bottom (ie – Full turn jump) Transverse Axis – side to side (ie – front somersault, backwards roll) Antero Posterior Axis – front to back (ie – cartwheel)

Rotation Transverse Vertical Antero-Posterior

Rotation The speed of rotation depends on your body shape If your body shape is close to the axis you will rotate more quickly If your body shape is further away from your axis you will rotate more slowly E. g. –A trampolinist will tuck his body into a tight ball in order to spin round fast, then extend his arms and body out wide when he wants to slow down. Can you give an example from your National 4/5 Course where you used this principle to help with your performance of a skill?