THE CONTRIBUTION OF UPPER LIMB JOINTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RACKET VELOCITY IN THE BADMINTON SMASH

Abstract

The contributions of the upper limb joints in developing the racket-head velocity were calculated using the 3D video analysis technique. The performance of 13 male players in the single and double competitions during the Thomas/Uber Cup 2000 was recorded. The major contributor to the mean racket-head's linear velocity of 34.6 ms·1 at impact was the wrist (26.5 %). The statistical analysis carried out showed that the dynamics of wrist served to increase the speed of the racket at impact. However, the study showed no significant correlation between the racket speed at impact and the velocity· of the shuttlecock after impact. A relationship between racket speed and post-impact acceleration of shuttlecock did exist.