Force Summation The summing of Forces

Force Summation As we know, in order to generate momentum a force must be applied to a body An athlete is able to achieve a maximum velocity or force by the transfer of momentum through successive body part movements.

Force Summation Rule 1: Use All Body Segments To maximise muscular force we want to use as many body segments as possible.

Force Summation Rule 2: Stretch Out Before we begin the sequence of body movements we should stretch muscles out to their optimal length to allow muscles to be contracted with max force.

Force Summation Rule 3: Sequencing of Body Segments Generally we move larger muscle groups first and smaller muscle groups last Force generated by the larger muscle is groups passed on to the smaller ones

Force Summation Rule 4: Timing of Body Segments To produce max force we need to ensure that the right body segment is adding to the overall force at the right time If timing is out of order movement will lack co-ordination and force generation is lessened or lost

Timing of body segments

Force Summation Rule 5: Full Range of Motion We need to move body segments through the greatest range of motion that we can. Greater the range of motion, the higher the speed of the extremities on release/contact