The optimum design of sports equipment requires the application of a number of disciplines, not only for enhanced performance but also to make the equipment as user-friendly as possible from the standpoint of injury avoidance. Clearly, this design encompasses materials science, mechanical engineering, and physics; however, it also necessitates a knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Biomechanics can be simply defined as the science of how the body reacts to internal and external forces. Thus, it is an attempt to apply the basic laws of physics and mechanics to the joints, ligaments, and tissues of the body as they are subjected to loading.

In designing sports equipment, the various characteristics of materials must be considered. Among these characteristics are strength, ductility, density, fatigue resistance, toughness, modulus (damping), and cost.