BACKWARD PULLING DISTANCE IN DROP PHASE FOR JAPANESE ELITE FEMALE TUG-OF-WAR ATHLETES

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify the backward pulling distance on 1 second of drop phase for Japanese female elite tug of war team. In order to examine the pulling movement, digital video camera was set at the ceiling of gymnasium, the game performed by 5 elite teams (finalists) and 5 normal teams (non finalists) in 2006 All Japan Tug of War Championship tournament were videotaped from right above and analyzed by using two-dimensional motion analysis system. Backward pulling distance was measured and compared between groups. In some pullers, elite team pulled the rope longer significantly. This might be caused by difference of individual or team pulling techniques to synchronize timing and direction.