(a) Name the muscle located in the calf that is used when a basketball player jumps to shoot. [1] (b) State the function of this muscle during the jumping a...
Question 1 Report
(a) Name the muscle located in the calf that is used when a basketball player jumps to shoot. [1]
(b) State the function of this muscle during the jumping action. [1]
(c) Give one other sporting activity where this muscle plays an important role. Explain why. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Calf muscle used in jumping
The muscle located in the calf that is used when a basketball player jumps is the gastrocnemius. It is the large, visible muscle forming the bulk of the calf, running from behind the knee to the Achilles tendon at the heel. [1]
(b) Function during jumping
During the jumping action, the gastrocnemius contracts to plantarflex the ankle, which means it points the foot downward and pushes the ball of the foot against the ground. This push-off action generates the upward force needed to leave the floor. Without strong contraction of the gastrocnemius, the jump would lack height and explosiveness. [1]
(c) Another sporting activity
The gastrocnemius plays an important role in the long jump. During the take-off phase, the athlete drives off one foot, and the gastrocnemius contracts powerfully to plantarflex the ankle. This final push from the calf adds to the vertical and horizontal force generated by the legs, contributing to the distance achieved. [1+1]
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