THE CONTROL OF ROTATION DURING RUGBY UNION GOAL KICKING

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: While the basic kicking technique in ball sports is well understood, there has been limited research conducted on the biomechanics of rugby union goal kicking. Specifically, the movement characteristics which contribute to kicking accuracy have not been well defined. It is probable that the control of body rotation plays an important role in determining kicking accuracy. The quantity of rotation is characterised by the extent of angular momentum but surprisingly this quantity has seldom been used in analysis of kicking technique. This study aims to investigate how rugby players control rotation during execution of. the kicking action and to determine the relationship between segmental angular momentum contributions and kicking accuracy.