Kinematic patterns associated with accuracy of the drop punt kick in Australian Football

Abstract

Research into the kinematics of movement associated with the accuracy of the drop punt kick in Australian Football has been limited. The aim of this study was to examine pelvic and lower limb kinematics during the performance of a drop punt kick, in order to identify factors associated with accurate kicking performance. Ten professional Australian Football League (AFL) players performed 20 drop punt kicks towards a target situated 15m away, using their preferred leg. A three-dimensional motion analysis system was used to record the kicking motion from heel contact of the support limb through to ball contact. The subjects were divided into an accurate group (> or =50% accuracy; n=5) and an inaccurate group (<50% accuracy; n=5) based on target hit rate. Kinematic profiles for both kicking and support limbs were compared between the two groups. Results showed that the accurate group had significantly greater hip flexion in both limbs and greater knee flexion in the support limb throughout the kicking movement. The accurate group also had significantly greater anterior pelvic tilt at heel contact (accurate 20.8 degrees ; inaccurate 12.7 degrees ). These data show that kinematic differences in lower limb joint angles may be related to kicking accuracy.