CONCEPT OF CENTRE OF GRAVITY # SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES BEHIND SPORTS

The Centre of Gravity (COG) of the human body is a hypothetical point around which the force of gravity appears to act. It is point at which the combined mass of the body appears to be concentrated. The direction of the force of gravity through the body is downward, towards the centre of the earth and through the centre of gravity. This line of gravity is important to understand and visualize when determining a person's ability to successfully maintain balance. When the line of gravity is within the base of support, an object or person is said to be stable. When the line of gravity falls outside the base of support, the object or person is said to be unstable. A larger base of support and a lower centre of gravity increases stability and vice-versa.