FORCE April 15, 2021

FORCE
Dr. Jewelson M. Santos

Muscles are the main source of force that produces or
changes movement of a body segment, the entire body,
or some object thrown, struck, or stopped
Strong muscles are able to produce more force than

weak muscles
• both maximum and sustained exertion over a period of
time
Forces either push or pull on an object in an attempt to
affect motion or shape
Without forces acting on an object there would be no

motion
Force - product of mass times acceleration
Mass - amount of matter in a body

The weight of a body segment or the entire body X the
speed of acceleration determines the force
– Important in football
– Also important in activities using only a part of the body
– In throwing a ball, the force applied to the ball is equal to
the weight of the arm times the speed of acceleration of
the arm
– Leverage factors are also important
Force = mass x acceleration
F=MxA
• Momentum (quantity of motion) - equal to mass times velocity

• The greater the momentum, the greater the resistance to
change in the inertia or state of motion
• Momentum may be altered by impulse, which is the product
of force and time
Many activities, particularly upper
extremity, require a summation of forces
from the beginning of movement in the
lower segment of the body to the twisting
of the trunk and movement at the
shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints
Ex. golf drive, shot-putting, discus and

javelin throwing
Principles of Force in Sports
Total force (velocity) is the sum of all the forces
contributed by each body part. In any explosive
skill, each force in sequence should be applied at
the peak of the previous force. Examples include
throwing a ball and performing a power clean.
Force is used more economically when it is applied
constantly and evenly. For example, a swimmer
moves more efficiently when moving at constant
speed and with smooth application of force.
All forces should be applied in the intended
direction. Deviations from the required line of force
waste energy. For example, a runner who points
his toes outward or bounces excessively exerts
wasted force and energy.
Greater velocity is generated if force is applied
over a longer distance. For example, an outfielder
can generate greater force for throwing to home
plate by using a long winding up, rotating the trunk,
shifting body weight from the back leg to the front,
and following through.
To achieve maximum force, use larger muscles in
the lower body before actions of the trunk and
upper body. For example, the force of a punch in
boxing or throwing is greater when initiated from
the lower body and hips, rather than from the
shoulders.
Maintain a firm base of support to develop
maximum force for throwing and striking. For
example, a tennis player can generate a more
powerful stroke if the feet are firmly set against the
surface of the court.
Force generated by muscles can be increased by
increasing initial tension before a contraction. This
increase in force production is called elastic recoil, or
the stretch-shortening cycle. For example, drawing
the arm back to pitch a ball or throw a javelin places
the muscles of the throwing arm on stretch, increasing
the force of contraction upon the initiation of the throw.
Executing a follow through at the end of a throwing
or striking action maximizes force generation and
eliminates the tendency to decelerate prematurely.
For example, reversing the feet at the end of the
shot put or discus maximizes acceleration while
helping prevent fouling.
The force of a blow can be diminished by
distributing the force over a greater time, distance,
or area. For example, flexing the joints or rolling on
the ground can help an athlete absorb the shock of
landing at the end of jump or fall.
Transferring momentum from vertical to horizontal
can reduce force over a longer time and greater
surface area. For example, football players fall and
roll to dissipate the force of hitting the ground.
Catching objects should be accomplished by
extending the arms and fingers, flexing to absorb
force and reduce the velocity of the object, and
grasping with the fingers to secure the object.
Contact force
Contact force is another type of force. It occurs when two objects are in
contact with each other. These forces between them can be resolved
into normal force reactions and friction.
• Normal force - the force is perpendicular to the surface in which two

objects are interacting. Watch the video below to learn more.
• Friction - the force acting on parallel surfaces.
https://youtu.be/1pbGP-MRN-0

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FORCE

Dr. Jewelson M. Santos

Strong muscles are able to produce more force than

Without forces acting on an object there would be no

Force - product of mass times acceleration

Mass - amount of matter in a body

• Momentum (quantity of motion) - equal to mass times velocity

Ex. golf drive, shot-putting, discus and

• Normal force - the force is perpendicular to the surface in which two

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