Force: The biomechanics of training

by Dan Cleather

This is a biomechanics book with a difference. In it, Dr Cleather shows why an understanding of force is a critical factor in planning effective training programmes. Along the way, he debunks many myths that are prevalent within the strength and conditioning community. Written in digestible short chapters and assuming no prior biomechanical knowledge, ‘Force’ is essential reading for all coaches and athletes.

Genres: Fitness

165 pages, Paperback

Published August 31, 2021

Reviews

[Aline · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the main reasons I liked this book is because WORDS MATTER. Imprecise use of terminology leads to misunderstanding .

At first glance it’s a book of concise lessons that review principles of physics & mechanics that we apply to movement/training.

Interwoven in these chapters, Cleather highlights where coaches make mistakes in how they interpret, apply and communicate about basic biomechanical principles. Examples of topics addressed: impulse, training specificity, use of DST, triple extension and force "absorption"

[Robert Trull · Rating 5 out of 5]

La lectura del libro Force de Dan Cleather me ha resultado sumamente enriquecedora. Esta obra se presenta como una introducción notable a los fundamentos teóricos de la biomecánica, pero con un enfoque distintivo: la praxis deportiva. A diferencia de otros libros que tienden a adentrarse en representaciones complejas de las fuerzas en el cuerpo humano durante actividades deportivas, Cleather adopta un enfoque práctico. Se centra en cómo los principios de la mecánica newtoniana pueden aplicarse de manera efectiva al entrenamiento deportivo.
Además, el libro ofrece una exploración introductoria sobre sistemas dinámicos complejos en el contexto de la biomecánica. Aunque es menos común en textos de este tipo, la manera en que Cleather incorpora estos conceptos resulta relevante y accesible para el lector.
Un aspecto que valoro especialmente es que las demostraciones matemáticas de las ecuaciones se presentan en notas al pie de página. Esto facilita la lectura fluida del contenido principal sin perder la profundidad técnica para aquellos interesados.
En conclusión, Force es una obra recomendada no solo para expertos en biomecánica, sino también para aquellos apasionados por el deporte y cómo la ciencia puede optimizar el rendimiento humano.

[Lucas Thomeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re just after some fun biomechanics facts in a sports context, I’d actually recommend starting with the sequel (The Biomechanics of Sprinting: Force 2). It is a deep dive into a specific question which, I think, makes it more engaging.

That said, I really enjoyed this book. It feels like a more approachable, lighthearted take on a dynamics or motion biomechanics textbook, which isn’t for everyone but is exactly my kind of thing.

I also appreciate that Dan shook up the usual biomechanics teaching order, weaving in new technical topics every few chapters as they became relevant. I’m not sure it’s better than the traditional structure, but it’s about time someone tried something different.

[Michael Romero · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

I have no idea who the audience might be for this book but it isn't me. No real practical training insight. It reminds me of my econometric studies which always seemed like the equations were an attempt to make a social science more rigorous at the expense of what made the study of economics interesting to me. Lots of equations and charts if that's what you're into.

[PatrickPhaff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dan Cleather writes in a clear way and really marks his statements of mistakes that are often made by S&C professionals. He also gives some examples of biomechanics in the S&C setting but in my opinion he gives a ton of information of theory about biomechanics but I would really like to see more practical examples. How would a training be organised in practice when designing it around Impulse or Work? And how would you progress in overload or variability

[Bojan Avramovic · Rating 3 out of 5]

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