bio-mechanics of an AFL drop punt kick:

bio-mechanics of an AFL drop punt kick:

difference between the novice and elite performance:

There are several differences between the two performers, which effect multiple bio-mechanical principles. These principles are effected by the technique of the performer and the strength and force exerted into the kick. It is clear that the elite performer would generate a greater distance and more accurate kick.

THE DROP PUNT:

The drop punt kick is a commonly used kick in AFL. It is one of most simple kicks and involves the player dropping the ball from their hands and kicking it before it hits the ground. Despite how simple this action may sound, there is definetley still many bio mechanical principles and techniques involved.

LIFT FORCE

FORCE

In this component of ball-foot contact there is little that can affect the distance of the ball, but rather the impact when the contact occurs. This ball is designed to roll over itself, generating the Magnus Effect increasing pressure. This is produced by applying upwards force, as the ball spins backwards and air rotates over the top.

The approach is an important part to a successful drop punt kick, as it determines how much force is going to be exerted and the distance and strength put into the kick. As the individual approaches the ball their torso is tilted slightly forward allowing for forward momentum to occur. The approach includes a vertical bounce that lengthens the back swing of the leg and allows bracing for the supporting leg. The more body weight put into the kick, the more force produced. This component of the kick is apart of the potential elastic energy process, as energy is transferred from the trunk to the pelvis, to the upper leg, then lower leg resulting in increased foot speed upon ball contact.

STABILITY AND BALANCE

SUMMATION OF FORCE

INERTIA

The follow through can potentially be one of the most important components as it not only prevents injury, completes the kick but is also an example of summation of force. Summation of force can assist the footy by producing a lift of force, during and after contact. by coordinating all of the body segments involved in the movement, athletes are able to generate maximal velocity of the foot during a kick. This is known as summation of force.

In a drop punt kick balance is a key component, as it allows all the body segments to remain in line, ensuring an accurate kick. By taking a step into the ball before kicking it, mass is increased and so is stability. They also keep their body in line in the center of gravity. Footy players also wear football boots with studs, increasing the surface friction below them, making it easier for them to remain stable and balanced.

this movement involves the grip, release and dropping of the ball onto the foot, a crucial movement because it goes slightly skew it can affect the accuracy of the kick. In this component balance is an important key and inertia is also required. Inertia is related to Newtons First Law and allows the football to remain in its state upon release as gravity forces the ball to drop it will continue its constant angular velocity and motion remains relatively the same, unless acted on by an external force. The greater the mass of the ball, the greater inertia it has.

top image : novice performer

bottom image : elite performer

bio mechanical contrast between elite and novice performer

From the two images it is clear there are several bio mechanical principles the two performances display differently. The novice image displays little momentum, force and there is not summation of force (follow through). Between the two images there is a lot more strength and power put into the elite athletes kick, generating magnus effect, and other bio mechanical principles.

improvements:

the novice performer could improve their drop punt kick by addressing the following:

- tilting their torso forward and taking a larger step into the ball before kicking to increase momentum.

- swinging their leg higher up from their hip, to create more power and distance.

skill differences:

coaching check points and their related bio mechanical principles:

The elite athlete would clearly have a much better technique, skill and understanding of kicking an accurate, consistent kick, due to constantly training and being taught how to perfect their kick, by aligning their body, increasing the mass and force into the ball and having a strong approach, grip and release, foot speed, ball contact and of course follow through. The novice would be be very inexperienced and would not the key concepts of kicking a football.

- Longer final step (momentum and force)

- Drop over kicking leg

- Thigh swings forward before knee extension (stability and balance)

- Ball spin backwards (lift force and magnus effect)

- Leg swings through in a straight direction after the contact (summation of force)

- when releasing the ball ensure it is vertically upright (inertia)

- start swinging your leg up as soon as you drop the ball (lift force)

elite performer:

novice performer: