Sports Biomechanics: The Basics: Optimising Human Performance

For coaches, athletes and students of biomechanics, the new edition of Sports Biomechanics: The basics answers real-world questions in sports using easily comprehensible language and clear and concise diagrams. Each chapter is devoted to answering questions in a single area of sports biomechanics with the scientific underpinnings of sports performance clearly explained. Biomechanics is simply the science of 'mechanics', a particular section of physics, as it relates to the human body. In the sport sciences, biomechanists do just about everything, including improving aerodynamics of vehicles, improving swim stroke technique to maximise swimming propulsion, and optimising running technique to increase running speed or efficiency.

Biomechanics is a core subject on all sports science courses, and undergraduates must complete this module in their first (and often second) year. Because of the use of maths and physics to explain biomechanical concepts, students often find it difficult to grasp the basic elements of biomechanics. Anthony Blazevich's book is designed to explain to students the key concepts of biomechanics, using clear examples, tying all theory to practical examples to help students relate the biomechanics principles to improving in their coaching and performing.