What is balance displacement?

• A. Moving subjects head to an off-balance position
• B. Forcing a subject to sit down
• C. Moving subjects center of gravity beyond the point of stability of the subjects feet
• D. Counterbalancing the subject's body with support

Answer: (C)

Balance displacement means intentionally shifting a person’s center of gravity so it lies outside the edge of their feet—their base of support. When gravity pulls straight down, stability depends on where that gravity line falls relative to the base of support. If you move someone’s torso, hips, or overall weight so their center of gravity moves beyond the edge of their feet, they lose balance and become unstable, which can lead to a fall or controlled takedown. This is the mechanism behind why moving the center of gravity beyond the stability point is the essence of balance displacement.

The other ideas don’t capture the key mechanism. Simply moving a head location or forcing someone to sit isn’t about shifting the center of gravity beyond the base of support, and counterbalancing with support is about maintaining balance rather than displacing it.