Common gymnastics events can demonstrate the relationship between force and acceleration. Consider the following graphs, excerpted from The Science of Gymnastics: Volume 1 from Schottenbauer Publishing. Although both graphs demonstrate a similar phenomenon, these data were recorded on separate occasions.
Discussion Questions
What is the maximum force in the first graph? The second graph?
In the first graph, how long is the person in the air for each jump?
What is the maximum acceleration in the second graph (assuming that the x axis is vertical)?
In the first graph, where does the person begin? (a) On the floor, (b) On the force plate.
In the first graph, where does the person end? (a) On the floor, (b) On the force plate.
In theory, which requires more force? (a) Stretch Jump, (b) Bounding.
In the first graph, which shows the most force? (a) Stretch Jump, (b) All Bounds, (c) Final Bound.
In the second graph, which shows the most force? (a) Stretch Jump, (b) All Bounds, (c) Final Bound.
In theory, which requires more acceleration? (a) Stretch Jump, (b) Bounding.
In the second graph, which shows the most acceleration? (a) Stretch Jump, (b) All Bounds, (c) Final Bound.
In the second graph, what is the maximum height of the bounding?
Do these two graphs show similar technique? If not, describe the differences in words.
Breathing is essential for life, and proper breathing technique is essential for success in gymnastics. The following graph, excerpted from The Science of Gymnastics: Volume 2 from Schottenbauer Publishing, illustrates one of the most common breathing problems in gymnastics:
Discussion Questions
Describe the set of maximum values.
Describe the set of minimum values.
What is the average maximum value?
What is the average minimum value?
Describe the set of times for the breathing cycle, beginning with inhale and ending with exhale.
What is the average length of the cycle in time?
What is the average length of time the breath is held?
Describe the breathing cycle in words, using a few sentences.
