ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the discipline of biomechanics. It describes the fundamental methods of analysing and interpreting biomechanical data. The chapter provides a practical worksheet on determination of human power output in a countermovement vertical jump, which is designed to give students practice in collecting, analysing, and interpreting biomechanical data, as well as report writing. The worksheet includes example data and analysis, along with data recording sheets for use by students to help bring the subject to life. The chapter establishes the peak power output and average power output of the human body during the upward propulsion phase of a countermovement vertical jump. The vertical component of the ground reaction force acting on a subject is recorded when performing a countermovement vertical jump on a force platform. The chapter describes the data analysis in relation to the example results.
