Levers are working throughout the body when a basketball player performs a jump shot. Where is the effort applied in the lower right leg?

B

This question was the most challenging on the paper. Most candidates selected A closely followed by C. The least popular answer for this question was B which was the correct response. The muscle contracting was the main distractor. It is understandable why many candidates selected A, as this is the belly of the gastrocnemius. However, the effort is applied through the tendon and therefore the correct answer is B as it is pointing to the attachment on the heel. C is referring to the load of the body and D is the fulcrum of the lever. This is the ankle joint showing a second class lever (Effort, Load, Fulcrum). Candidates find it challenging to apply levers to anatomical representations and therefore further practise of applying the three levers to varying sporting actions will build their confidence in these types of questions.