qualitative analysis of a field goal kick
Goals:
· Kick the football for height and distance
· Kick with accuracy between the goal posts
· Hit the same “target” regardless of the distance
being kicked from
· Kick as quickly as possible (timing between the snap and the defense reaching the kicker)
· Kick the football for height and distance
· Kick with accuracy between the goal posts
· Hit the same “target” regardless of the distance
being kicked from
· Kick as quickly as possible (timing between the snap and the defense reaching the kicker)
Biomechanical Factors of a Field Goal Kick:
· Want the maximum vertical and horizontal velocity. However, the kicker needs to know the balance between the two. If he kicks it with too much vertical velocity, it may not make it from farther distances. If he kicks it with too little vertical velocity, it will not go through the upright, will be low enough for a defender to block, or will not go far horizontally.
· To get the distance you need, the kicker needs to maximize horizontal velocity and time in the air (achieved with vertical velocity for maximum height). For this, the kicker needs to apply to most force possible over the greatest displacement.
· To get an accurate kick, the kicker needs to know the appropriate projection angle, speed, and distance to kick. This is especially important because a field goal is never a “constant” distance. It isn’t like a basketball free throw that always occurs from the same position. A field goal will occur from varying positions on the field so the kicker needs to change their kick every time and know exactly how to change it.
· Air resistance will impact the flight of the ball. This is why kickers want a spiral on the football. It is more streamlined and minimizes air resistance.
· The kinetic chain is really important to the success of a field goal. Power is generated from the muscles to propel the ball through the upright. Muscular power is a necessary factor for a field goal.
· Leg length will change the radius and therefore the velocity of the kick. However, if the kicker’s legs are really long, it will be harder to generate a lot of angular velocity because it increases the distance of the ball from the axis of rotation.
· Timing and sequencing of the body throughout the kick is important to make sure the maximum amount of force is being produced.
Critical Features to Look For:
· Kickers need to line up for the kick before it is snapped. They need to be at the right angle and the right distance from where the ball is going to be snapped for their kick.
· They take their steps while it gets snapped. The last step consists of forcefully planting their non-kicking foot and driving through their kicking leg. The plant foot acts as a breaking force and slows forward momentum. Additionally, they need to time their kick exactly with the snap because they don’t have time after the snap.
· The leg moves from hip extension, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion to hip flexion, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexionat contact. This allows the hip and core to drive the leg forward and generate the most force at contact by creating the greatest angular velocity.
· The angle of the ankle when the ball makes contact is also important. The kicker wants to aim for the top, inside corner of their foot, so they need to be plantarflexed and slightly everted on contact.
· The angle of the ball and where on the ball the foot makes contact is important to know because the goal is to hit it off center to get a spiral.
· The torso remains fairly upright but rotates slightly to maintain balance.
· The follow through is equally important to make sure the kicker doesn’t decelerate too early. The hip should be fully flexed and knee fully extended. Full ROM and flexibility is required for a good follow through.
· We could examine leg length to be aware if their “radius” will work to their advantage or disadvantage.
· Power capabilities from strength and speed.
· Examine how a kicker adapts to different distances, or what factors they change.
· Timing and sequencing will be extremely important to look for.
· Examine the speed of the kick; is it enough to get through the upright?
Observation Plan:
· Frontal and sagittal plane views
· Watch the leg first- hip and knee angles will determine a lot of the kick
· Then look at the angle of the foot at initial contact and the torso motion
· Follow through position should also be noted after all the kicks
· Want the maximum vertical and horizontal velocity. However, the kicker needs to know the balance between the two. If he kicks it with too much vertical velocity, it may not make it from farther distances. If he kicks it with too little vertical velocity, it will not go through the upright, will be low enough for a defender to block, or will not go far horizontally.
· To get the distance you need, the kicker needs to maximize horizontal velocity and time in the air (achieved with vertical velocity for maximum height). For this, the kicker needs to apply to most force possible over the greatest displacement.
· To get an accurate kick, the kicker needs to know the appropriate projection angle, speed, and distance to kick. This is especially important because a field goal is never a “constant” distance. It isn’t like a basketball free throw that always occurs from the same position. A field goal will occur from varying positions on the field so the kicker needs to change their kick every time and know exactly how to change it.
· Air resistance will impact the flight of the ball. This is why kickers want a spiral on the football. It is more streamlined and minimizes air resistance.
· The kinetic chain is really important to the success of a field goal. Power is generated from the muscles to propel the ball through the upright. Muscular power is a necessary factor for a field goal.
· Leg length will change the radius and therefore the velocity of the kick. However, if the kicker’s legs are really long, it will be harder to generate a lot of angular velocity because it increases the distance of the ball from the axis of rotation.
· Timing and sequencing of the body throughout the kick is important to make sure the maximum amount of force is being produced.
Critical Features to Look For:
· Kickers need to line up for the kick before it is snapped. They need to be at the right angle and the right distance from where the ball is going to be snapped for their kick.
· They take their steps while it gets snapped. The last step consists of forcefully planting their non-kicking foot and driving through their kicking leg. The plant foot acts as a breaking force and slows forward momentum. Additionally, they need to time their kick exactly with the snap because they don’t have time after the snap.
· The leg moves from hip extension, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion to hip flexion, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexionat contact. This allows the hip and core to drive the leg forward and generate the most force at contact by creating the greatest angular velocity.
· The angle of the ankle when the ball makes contact is also important. The kicker wants to aim for the top, inside corner of their foot, so they need to be plantarflexed and slightly everted on contact.
· The angle of the ball and where on the ball the foot makes contact is important to know because the goal is to hit it off center to get a spiral.
· The torso remains fairly upright but rotates slightly to maintain balance.
· The follow through is equally important to make sure the kicker doesn’t decelerate too early. The hip should be fully flexed and knee fully extended. Full ROM and flexibility is required for a good follow through.
· We could examine leg length to be aware if their “radius” will work to their advantage or disadvantage.
· Power capabilities from strength and speed.
· Examine how a kicker adapts to different distances, or what factors they change.
· Timing and sequencing will be extremely important to look for.
· Examine the speed of the kick; is it enough to get through the upright?
Observation Plan:
· Frontal and sagittal plane views
· Watch the leg first- hip and knee angles will determine a lot of the kick
· Then look at the angle of the foot at initial contact and the torso motion
· Follow through position should also be noted after all the kicks
field_goal_checklist.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Evaluation Plan:
· Fix technique problems first.
· Add a strength training program to address power issues.
· Focus on fixing the position at contact because that will determine the flight.
· There will be variations in technique that will still be successful. Changing technique may cause more problems. Addressing issues the directly impact force production may be the best areas to focus on.
· Sequencing and timing will affect the kick even if the kicker has perfect form. This is essential to correct.
· Fix technique problems first.
· Add a strength training program to address power issues.
· Focus on fixing the position at contact because that will determine the flight.
· There will be variations in technique that will still be successful. Changing technique may cause more problems. Addressing issues the directly impact force production may be the best areas to focus on.
· Sequencing and timing will affect the kick even if the kicker has perfect form. This is essential to correct.