Which is an example of biomechanical analysis that changed a sport technique?

• A. Fosbury Flop (high jump) and flip turn (swimming)
• B. The V-style in pole vault and the modern freestyle stroke
• C. The knuckleball and the curveball
• D. The reverse grip in tennis and the two-handed dunk

Answer: (A)

Biomechanical analysis looks at how the body moves, the forces at work, and how changes in posture and sequence can boost performance. In the high jump, the Fosbury Flop is a classic example: athletes learned that by approaching the bar with a curved path and turning the body head and shoulders first, they could carry the center of mass over the bar more efficiently. The jumper arches the back to clear the bar while staying closer to the bar with the body, which raises the height achievable compared with older technique. This shift didn’t just tweak a move; it transformed the event and set a new standard adopted worldwide.

A swimming flip turn illustrates the same idea in a different sport. Biomechanical analysis of turning and pushing off the wall showed that rotating quickly, maintaining a tight streamline, and generating a powerful, compact push-off minimizes drag and preserves speed. The result is a faster turnaround and overall faster race times, showing how understanding body mechanics can redefine a technique.

The other options mix techniques or sports that aren’t as directly tied to biomechanical analysis driving a single, clear change in technique. While some elements involve physics or grip, they don’t illustrate a standout biomechanical-driven overhaul of how the movement is performed in the same decisive way.