Use of Video for Teaching Sports Mechanics

Abstract

There is a shortage of young people studying physics and engineering and these professions could benefit from greater diversity. Sports engineering is often used as a tool to change the public perceptions of engineering and sporting examples can be used in physics and engineering classes to engage people. Video analysis is widely used by sports engineers, and this publication showcases how the video analysis of sporting scenarios can be used to teach mechanics. Examples illustrate how the movement of an athlete and equipment can be analysed and linked to basic physics, for sports ranging from sumo to soccer. The examples presented can be used for teaching and outreach, with a view to enthuse students about physics and engineering.