The motor solutions of throws in sports

Abstract

This chapter presents technique characteristics of elite discus and javelin throwers as examples of motion solutions in throwing sports. Three-dimensional kinematic data from a large database of discus throwing and javelin throwing were analyzed. The performance of each of these two throwing events is measured as official distance, which is the sum of distance lost at release, vacuum flight distance, and aerodynamic distance. Vacuum flight distance and aerodynamic distance are the major components of official distance. The vacuum flight distance is mainly determined by the release speed of the implement. Movement rhythm, body positions, and order of joint movements significantly affect the horizontal and vertical speed of the implement and thus the vacuum flight distance. Certain technique characteristics were also found to associate with aerodynamic distance. Kinetic measures provided further understanding of motor solutions of these two throwing events.