The Effect of Stride Foot Contact Orientation on Overhand Shot Kinematics, Kinetics, and Performance Outcomes in Male Lacrosse Players

Abstract

Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing team sports in the United States having increased from 253,931 players in 2001 to 826,033 players in 2016. Currently, there are no data regarding the kinematics and kinetics of the overhand lacrosse shot as they relate to shot velocity and accuracy. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of stride foot contact orientation on the angular kinematics of the pelvis, trunk, and bilateral upper extremities, joint moment kinetics of the ankle and knee, maximal ball velocity, and accuracy performance in male lacrosse players during overhand shooting. Fifteen male lacrosse players (16.60 ± 5.54 yrs.; 168.93 ± 16.14 cm; 63.05 ± 18.86 kg; 6.67 ± 3.39 yrs. experience) participated. Participants wore personal, protective equipment, and performed nine trials of the overhand shot on an unobstructed goal for maximal velocity and 36 randomized trials shooting at a target sheet for accuracy under three stride foot contact orientations: closed, in-line, and open. Results revealed significantly greater angular velocities of the pelvis, trunk, and upper extremities for the closed foot orientation, and ball velocity is highly correlated with angular kinematics. Additionally, this study revealed a significant tradeoff in shot velocity when prioritizing shot speed over accuracy. Lastly, increased ankle and knee moments were found across the stride foot orientations. These findings may prove beneficial for coaches, players, and researchers to further understand lacrosse shooting mechanics in an attempt to maximize performance, as well as potentially decrease injuries in the sport of lacrosse.