ABSTRACT
This chapter is designed to provide an understanding of linear (translational) and angular (rotational) kinetics. Kinetics is the branch of mechanics which covers the action of forces in producing or changing motion. After reading this chapter you should be able to:
• define force and its SI unit and identify the forces acting in sport;
• understand the laws of linear kinetics, and related concepts such as linear momentum, and classify various force systems;
• appreciate the ways in which friction and traction influence movements in sport and exercise;
• calculate, from segmental and kinematic data, the position of the centre of mass of the human performer;
• appreciate the factors that govern the impact of sports objects; • understand the importance of the centre of percussion in sport; • identify the ways in which rotation is acquired and controlled in
sports motions; • understand the laws of rotational kinetics and related concepts such
as angular momentum.
