Kinematic Comparative Analysis Of Elite And Novice Disc Golfers Performing Drives

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct a descriptive kinematic analysis comparing elite and novice disc golfers performing drives. Four subjects (one female and male elite golfer and one female and male novice golfer) were filmed on ten drives using a high speed video camera (500 fps) in the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes. The distance thrown was recorded for each trial. The best of the 10 trials for each performer in each of the planes was then analyzed using the PEAK Performance 2-dimensional movement analysis system interfaced with a Panasonic AG-7350 recorder, Sony PVM-1341 monitor, and Zenith 486 microcomputer. The linear displacements, velocities, and accelerations of the center of gravity and the angular displacements, velocities, and accelerations of the ankles, knees, hips, trunk, shoulders, elbows, and wrists were compared along with the angle and speed of release of the disc. It was found that elite compared to novice performers exhibited: a) better intersegmental coordination; b) greater angular velocities of the wrist; and c) less vertical and lateral displacements of the center of gravity.