1. The Science of Collinear
Forces in Sports
Collinear forces are an important concept in biomechanics and sports. In this
presentation, we will explore the different types of collinear forces, their
examples, and real-life applications.
By - Anamol Bhardwaj

2. Collinear Force
1 Definition 📖
1. The word collinear
means “in one line”.
2. Collinear forces
occur when two or
more forces are
acting along the
same straight line.
They have the same
direction and are
either pushing or
pulling.
2 Types 🧬
There are three main types
of collinear forces:
• Tension
• Compression
• Shear

3. 1 Tension
Tension is when two forces pull on opposite ends of an object, stretching it along its
axis. A classic example is lowering a bucket into a well and such as a rope being pulled
from both ends
2 Compression
Compression is when two forces push an object towards its center, compressing it
along its axis. such as a weight being placed on top of a box.
3 Shear
Shearing forces apply pressure to an object in opposite directions across its surface,
causing it to slide, twist or bend. Shear is important in sports like soccer where athletes
change direction quickly, putting stress on their joints.

4. Examples of Collinear Forces in Sports
Volleyball Serve
A volleyball player
generates collinear forces
by pushing off the ground
with their feet, transferring
the energy to their arm,
and hitting the ball at an
angle.
Gymnastics Dismount
A gymnast generates
collinear forces by
releasing the bar and
flipping their body, using
their momentum to
complete the skill.
Baseball Pitch
A baseball player
generates collinear forces
by pushing off the rubber
with their foot, transferring
the energy to their hand,
and throwing the ball with
speed and accuracy.

5. Archery
Tension forces are
used to pull the
bowstring, launching
the arrow forward.
Weightlifting is an example of
a sport that relies heavily on
compression force. However,
improper technique and
excessive force can lead to
back injuries and damage to
the spinal discs.
Tug of War
Tug of war is an example of
a sport that relies heavily on
tension force. It requires a
combination of strength and
strategy to best utilize this
force.

6. Case Study: Collinear
Forces in Basketball
Basketball is a sport that involves a lot of
collinear forces. When a player jumps to shoot
a basket, they are applying a force in the
opposite direction of gravity, known as tension.
This force allows them to overcome gravity and
reach a higher point, giving them a better
chance of making a successful shot.
Another example of collinear forces in
basketball is when a player dribbles the ball. As
the ball hits the ground, it applies a force in the
opposite direction, known as compression. This
force allows the ball to bounce back up into the
player's hand, allowing them to continue
dribbling. The design of basketball shoes also
takes collinear forces into account, with many
shoes featuring special materials and designs
to help players maintain traction on the court
and reduce the risk of injury.

7. Weightlifting
Compression Force
Running
Compression Force, Tension Force
Examples of collinear forces in
sports include a sprinter pushing
off the starting block
Tug of War
Tension Force
Gymnastics
Tension Force

8. Factors Affecting Collinear Forces
Footwear and Equipment
Footwear design, material
composition, and equipment
(e.g., tennis rackets) can
significantly impact collinear
forces during sports.
Body Position and
Alignment
The alignment of the
athlete's body in different
planes, such as sagittal,
frontal and transverse, can
play a critical role in creating
collinear forces.
Technique and Skill Level
Athletes with superior
technique and skill-level are
more likely to create optimal
collinear forces.

9. Practical Considerations
1 Training Methods to
Enhance Collinear Forces
Among many other training methods,
resistance training and plyometrics
can improve muscle hypertrophy and
the rate of force development,
thereby leading to more robust
collinear muscle forces.
2
Injury Prevention &
Rehabilitation
Awareness of injury prevention
strategies such as, wearing proper
footwear and clothes, appropriate
muscle strengthening and stretching,
and gradual increase in training
loads, can significantly reduce the
incidence of injury in athletes.
3 Performance Optimization
Techniques
Optimizing movement efficiency and
conserving energy through proper
body mechanics and posture can
significantly amplify the impact of
collinear forces, consequently
leading to better performance.

10. Common Misconceptions About
Collinear Forces in Sports
1 Only for
Professionals 🧬
Collinear forces are
applicable to athletes of all
levels and can be integrated
into any training program.
2 Not Relevant to All
Sports 🙅♂️
Collinear forces are relevant
to every sport and can help
athletes improve their
performance and prevent
injury.
3 Too Complicated to Understand 😩
While the science behind collinear forces can be complex,
understanding the basic principles can be done by athletes at any
level.

11. Conclusion and Summary
Collinear forces play an important role in biomechanics and sports, and understanding them is essential
in optimizing performance and minimizing the risk of injury. The role of collinear forces in each sport is
unique, and training programs must be tailored accordingly.
References:-
1. Weyand, P. G., Sternlight, D. B., Bellizzi, M. J., & Wright, S. (2000). Faster top running speeds
are achieved with greater ground forces not more rapid leg movements. Journal of Applied
Physiology, 89(5), 1991-1999.
2. Mann, R. A., Moran, G. T., & Dougherty, S. E. (1986). Comparative electromyography of the
lower extremity in jogging, running, and sprinting. The American Journal of Sports Medicine,
14(6), 501-510.
3. Wikipedia contributors. "Shear force." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia, 2 Sep. 2023. Web. 15 Sep. 2023.