A force plate is a device used to measure the forces exerted by a body on a surface. It typically consists of a flat platform equipped with sensors that detect vertical and horizontal forces. This technology is commonly used in sports science, rehabilitation, and biomechanics to analyze movement patterns and assess balance. Force plates can provide valuable data on how athletes perform during activities like jumping or running. By analyzing this data, coaches and trainers can identify strengths and weaknesses in an athlete's performance, helping to improve training methods and reduce the risk of injury.