As the golf drive is so biomechanically
detailed, it is possible to transfer much of this knowledge to other sports
that have hitting (throw-like movement) patterns as a guideline. For instance, the
kinetic summation of forces is present in both the batting and bowling/ pitching motions of cricket and baseball, as well as
the volleyball and tennis serves, and perhaps even a tennis forehand
cross-court power shot for maximum velocity of the ball.
Tennis uses the Magnus Effect frequently,
in fact the professional players use some sort of spin on every shot, trying to
outwit their opponent, while rugby balls are passed with deliberate spin
inflicted by the players’ hands, and are shaped with a point at each end to lessen
the amount of drag on the ball when it is thrown, for short, sharp, fast passes.
Soccer players such as David Beckham are famous for being able to “bend the
ball”, but we now know that they are masters at using biomechanical principles to
their favour.
Other games such as squash, badminton and hockey
use levers to aid in achieving maximum ball velocity, in fact any racquet or
stick sports do, perhaps even croquet at times!
Then of course there are the track and
field athletes who close-to strain the laws of biomechanics with what they can
do with their bodies whilst performing; using principles discussed such as Newton’s
laws and ground reaction force (GRF) in the jumping and running events, Magnus
Force and drag/ propulsion principles in the throwing events (eg. Discuss,
shot-put, javelin), and the (almost every principle but mainly) kinetic chain
example of the pole-vaulters!
It is important to use the equipment and physical
implements of any sport to their optimal potential, and understand how they are designed to work in the
player’s favour. It could make the player’s task of skill development that
little bit easier by correctly using the appropriate tools!
