title: Kinematic and kinetic analysis of overhand, sidearm and underhand lacrosse shot techniques.
abstract: Lacrosse requires the coordinated performance of many complex skills. One of these skills is shooting on the opponents' net using one of three techniques: overhand, sidearm or underhand. The purpose of this study was to (i) determine which technique generated the highest ball velocity and greatest shot accuracy and (ii) identify kinematic and kinetic variables that contribute to a high velocity and high accuracy shot. Twelve elite male lacrosse players participated in this study. Kinematic data were sampled at 250 Hz, while two-dimensional force plates collected ground reaction force data (1000 Hz). Statistical analysis showed significantly greater ball velocity for the sidearm technique than overhand (P < 0.001) and underhand (P < 0.001) techniques. No statistical difference was found for shot accuracy (P > 0.05). Kinematic and kinetic variables were not significantly correlated to shot accuracy or velocity across all shot types; however, when analysed independently, the lead foot horizontal impulse showed a negative correlation with underhand ball velocity (P = 0.042). This study identifies the technique with the highest ball velocity, defines kinematic and kinetic predictors related to ball velocity and provides information to coaches and athletes concerned with improving lacrosse shot performance.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Kinesiology , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada.
authors.forename: Charles A J
authors.initials: CAJ
authors.lastname: Macaulay
authors.affiliation: b Centre for Video Performance Analysis, Faculty of Kinesiology , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada.
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Katz
authors.affiliation: b Centre for Video Performance Analysis, Faculty of Kinesiology , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada.
authors.forename: Pro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stergiou
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Kinesiology , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada.
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stefanyshyn
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Kinesiology , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada.
authors.forename: Luciano
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tomaghelli
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D015865:Racquet Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D060726:Torso / Q000502:physiology*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Biomechanics; ground reaction force; motion analysis; thoracic rotation