ABSTRACT
Linear kinematics refers to a description of motion that is in a straight line or nearly straight line. Linear kinematics uses units that are relatively familiar to most people. Linear or near-linear movement in gymnastics is seen most obviously during the vault run. Biomechanics of gymnastics uses the type of kinematic analysis. Most skills can be rendered in small enough segments of time that the small increments of motion are linear or nearly linear. When a body moves from one location to another, the distance of the movement is the path that the body followed. Distance, by definition, does not involve direction. Thus, distance is simply the path along which the body or body part moves. The idea of the difference between distance and displacement, speed and velocity can be further illustrated by a floor exercise routine and the movement path of the gymnast around the floor exercise area.
