The effect of the lead leg plant on factors affecting distance on kickoffs in football

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the lead leg plant on factors affecting distance in the kickoff in football. A total of 20 observations were recorded from two highly skilled kickers by a high speed Locam camera and a 15 mm Bolex camera. Kicks were filmed at 200 and 54 frames per second respectively. Data were analyzed on the Vanguard Motion Analyzer. A significant relationship was found to exist between the criterion variable (range of motion) and the predictor variable (plant leg angle in the x-y axis) accounting for 861 of the variation in the criterion variable. A significant relationship was found to exist between the criterion variable (foot distance) and the predictor variables (upper trunk angle) and (plant leg angle in the x-z axis) accounting for 86% of the variation in the criterion variable. No significant relationships were found between the criterion variables, projection angle, linear ball velocity and linear knee velocity with any of the predictor variables. Significant differences were seen between the two styles of kicking in some variables. Plant leg angle in the x- y axis has a significant effect on the range of motion in kickoffs in football. Upper trunk angle and plant leg angle in the x-z axis have a similar effect upon foot distance of the plant leg to point of placement of the ball. If the plant leg angle is known, it is possible to predict the range of motion of the kickoff. If the upper trunk angle and plant leg angle in the x-z axis are known, it is possible to predict foot distance of the plant leg to point of placement of the ball. The plant leg angle in the x-y axis for an effective kickoff in football may vary between styles. The plant leg angle in the x-z axis for an effective kickoff in football may vary between styles.