AMERICA'S CUP GRINDERS' POWER OUTPUT CAN BE IMPROVED WITH A BIOMECHANICAL TECHNIQUE INTERVENTION

Authors

  • Simon N. Pearson
  • Patria A. Hume
  • Tim Ackland
  • David Slyfield

Keywords:

America's Cup, sailing, grinding technique, performance, anthropometry, kinematics

Abstract

Grinding provides the power behind tacking and gybing, where the yacht crosses the wind to change direction. This study evaluated the effect of a technique intervention on grinding performance. Ten America's Cup grinders were assessed, via videoed joint kinematics and grinder ergometer power output, before and after a technique intervention based on biomechanical principles. Anthropometric measures were obtained from each grinder using ISAK protocols. Maximal strength was assessed using 1 RM bench pull. The intervention produced a 4.7% increase in mean power output (p = 0.012). Regression analysis indicated predictors for grinding performance were COM. position and maximal strength.

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Published

2008-03-01

Issue

23 International Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports (2005)

Section

Coaching and Sports Activities

License

Authors can retain copyright, while granting the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS) the right of first publication.