This article critically evaluates the belief that balance and postural control can be seen as coordinative ability transferable to various situations. The correlation between balance regulation and risk of injury is described and it is portrayed how postural control can be measured using different biomechanical measuring techniques. Research results show that postural control should be understood as situation-dependent rather than as a general coordinative ability. Finally the consequences for sports- and physiotherapy are discussed with a view to assessing individual risks of injury and falls using postural control and to reducing it by senso-motory training.