Force

Any force can be resolved into individual component forces in the same way as individual component forces can be composed together.

A force can be resolved into two component forces graphically or with the use of trigonometry.

Resolution of forces allows us to analyze causes of motion separately in vertical, mediolateral, and anteroposterior directions. Resolution of forces is very important in sport biomechanics because it allows to better understand human neuromuscular functions in many motor tasks. Amongst examples of motor tasks where it is useful to know individual component forces separately are walking, running, jumping, throwing, postural stability, etc. (Fig. 4).

Figure 4 Resolution of reaction force, acting on human foot when walking, into three component forces. Solid line represents components of the reaction force acting on left foot; dashed line represents components of the reaction force acting on right foot. Vertical component forces are marked with blue, anteroposterior component forces are marked with black and mediolateral component forces are marked with grey.