EQUIPMENT+ADVANCES

Modern athletes have a considerable advantage in terms of equipment available to improve performances or make skill execution easier and safer. Some examples of equipment advances are shown in table [|12.11]. Table 12.11: Training innovations and their effect on performance || Techniques like the Fosbury flop instead of the scissors || Heights cleared by athletes are increased because landing on their back is now possible. || Lycra clothing || Weight and air resistance effects on times are reduced, and comfort for the athlete is increased. || Caps Goggles Breaststroke whip kick Underwater dolphin movement in backstroke and butterfly || Drag component is reduced. Streamlining is improved. Swimmer achieves greater propulsion through water.Swimmer produces more efficient and powerful force. || Graphite shafts Metal alloy heads on driving clubs || Balls respond better for distance, spin and control. Durability is improved. Dimples vary to give balls different characteristics (for example, distance or spin). More variation in ‘flex’ creates a higher ‘whipping’ action for extra distance. Greater area of contact results in high level of result (that is, less margin for error). Accuracy is increased. Lighter material allows more mass at the point of contact, creating greater distance. || Helmets Suspension on mountain bikes || Frames, pedals, wheels, gears, etc. weigh less, so create less resistance. The efficiency of the cyclist's effort is increased. The shapes and designs of components are more aerodynamically sound. Cyclists can ride more extreme country safely. The stress on cyclists' bodies is reduced, so energy is focused on creating forward motion. ||
 * __Equipment advances__
 * ~ Sport ||~ Equipment advances ||~ Implications ||
 * High jump || High jump mats used instead of sand
 * Pole vault || Carbon fibre poles || Material allows greater flex and therefore increased vertical propulsion over the bar. ||
 * Running || Lightweight nylon used in spikes
 * Swimming || Bodysuits
 * Golf || Synthetic fibres (for example, tungsten used in golf balls)
 * Cycling || Carbon fibre components
 * Sprint running || Crouch start versus standing start || Biomechanical efficiency is increased and quadriceps are able to create greater forward force out of the blocks. ||
 * Discus/shot-put || Rotation (spin) delivery || Velocity of projectile is increased at point of release. Momentum is increased as a result of the combined muscle actions involved. ||
 * Athletics || Rubber compound used in tracks and runways || Tracks respond to effort, so the efficiency of an athlete's output is increased. There is a high reaction component for jumps and forward motion. ||
 * Australian football || Configuration of stops used in football boots || There is less stress on players' feet because boots are like running shoes; agility is increased. ||
 * Rugby League || Video Replay ||  ||
 * Cricket || Hawkeye, hotspot ||  ||
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