KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF JUNIOR WOMEN HURDLING

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a kinematic analysis of the hurdling techniques of two junior women hurdlers to ascertain the importance of speed and technique in hurdling. Kinematic performance variables including the horizontal and vertical velocities at takeoff and landing, the clearance distance and the flight lime were obtained an-d analyzed. In order to evaluate the techniques used by the two junior hurdlers, their hurdling performance variables were compared with the published data of Coh et al. (1998) of an elite hurdler. The junior hurdlers had a higher take-off angle (23.5 0) at hurdle clearance compared to the elite hurdler (10 0) The take-off distance (1.62 m) was also closer to the hurdle than the elite hurdler (2.09 m). This may suggest that the junior hurdlers lack 'horizontal speed and hence adopted a less efficient hurdle clearance technique.