The Effects of Different Instep Foot Positions on Ball Velocity in Place Kicking

Abstract

Abstract. To investigate the effects of different instep foot positions relative to the kicking tee on resultant ball velocity, three male subjects were used to carry out the experiment. Four different foot placement conditions were used to help investigate differences in ball velocity. The Vicon 3D analysis system was used to collect angles and moments of the lower joint extremities along with the rugby ball positions. By using the BodyBuilder software, we were able to analyse the data. The results suggested that there were no significant differences in ball velocities across the different conditions within each subject. This was shown by the similarities in the trajectories of the hip and knee angles, and knee moments. Environmental factors and participants factors which may affect the results were also discussed.