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Articles 1 - 23 of 23
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Hammer Throwing - Countering Dynamics, Andreas Maheras
Hammer Throwing - Countering Dynamics, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
During a hammer throw, the athlete first rotates the hammer two or three times around his body while keeping both feet on the ground. Following, the athlete attempts to increase the speed of the hammer by turning three or four times together with it, as one system, while being in double and single support alternately. During the turns, as the throw progresses and the speed of the athlete+hammer system increases, the athlete will be "countering" the hammer to maintain an optimum balance of the system. He can do this by employing two methods, a) countering with the "hips" which involves …
The Wind - Unwind Sequence, Torsion Angles In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras
The Wind - Unwind Sequence, Torsion Angles In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
During the process of discus throwing, wound up positions are observed where the upper parts of the thrower and discus system rotate clockwise in relation to the lower parts. In other words, the hip axis rotates clockwise in relation to the line connecting the two feet, the shoulder axis is rotated clockwise in relation to the hip axis and the right arm is rotated clockwise in relation to the shoulder axis. Subsequently, the system unwinds and the upper parts catch up with the lower parts.
Generating Speed - Momentum Analysis In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Generating Speed - Momentum Analysis In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
To understand the process of generating the speed of the discus relative to the center of mass (c.m) of the thrower+discus system, we will need to look at the angular momentum of the thrower, the angular momentum of the discus and the angular momentum of the combined thrower+discus system. Although the discus speed is the ultimate goal, one cannot look exclusively on the raw speeds because speed alone does not explain the dynamic relationships between the speed of the discus, the forces made by the thrower on the ground and the motions of the thrower. Essentially, the angular momentum of …
Discus Throwing - Multi Disciplinary Mechanical Applications, Andreas Maheras
Discus Throwing - Multi Disciplinary Mechanical Applications, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
Discus throwing, as all the other throwing events, is, from a physical point of view, a multi discipline event. The discus throwing action is a combination of: Jumping Ability, for the explosive action of the legs during the whole duration of the throw and particularly during the final phase, Sprinting Ability, for the smooth and quick motion across the circle; and finally, Throwing Ability, for the coordinated, efficient and effective application of the greatest force possible on the discus during the final phase. Modem discus throwing technique is a result of both current scientific and empirical knowledge. This is expressed …
Selected Segment: Dynamics In Javelin Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Selected Segment: Dynamics In Javelin Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
The javelin thrower and their implement can be considered as a system moving in space and time, with a proper synergy between the two resulting in the maximum distance thrown. The javelin thrower themself can also be considered as a system - a system which is made of a number of body parts having their own mass and their own mass distribution, with the neuromuscular system being in charge of controlling the interaction of those individual parts. From a dynamic point of view, the final product of that interaction is the result of another interaction between muscular forces and external …
Hammer Throwing. Dynamic Aspects Of The Lower Extremities, Andreas Maheras
Hammer Throwing. Dynamic Aspects Of The Lower Extremities, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
During the course of a hammer throw, the thrower will turn with the hammer three or four times alternating between double and single support. In this fashion, the left foot is always in contact with the ground. The right foot spends a good part of the total turn time off the ground, the actual time depending primarily on the skill of the thrower and also the order of a particular turn. The forces exerted by the feet on the ground will allow the thrower to, in turn, successfully impart the optimum amount of force on the hammer itself. An observation …
Biomechanical Observations In Hammer Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Biomechanical Observations In Hammer Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
The complex special structure of the hammer throw, and the relatively long time that is used to obtain the final speed of the hammer, make it possible that small changes can be the causes of the differences in the distance thrown. Those differences range between fifteen and twenty meters, that is, between the world elite and mediocre throwers. This narrative will focus on certain biomechanical observations of the event that can be considered central during its execution.
Rotational Vs. Glide Revisited, Andreas Maheras
Rotational Vs. Glide Revisited, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
Although the rotational style appeared almost sixty years ago, it started establishing itself as a legitimate way of putting the shot in the early 70's when national and world records were set employing this technique. The two most prominent proponents of the early era of the rotational style were Brian Oldfield of the U.S. and Alexandr Baryshnikov of what used to be the Soviet Union. It is currently the dominant style of throwing among American male shot-putters while it is rapidly gaining ground across both sexes in both domestic and international shot-putters. Albeit its increasing popularity, the rotational style of …
Basic Aerodynamics And Flight Characteristics In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Basic Aerodynamics And Flight Characteristics In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
The discus is an extremely aerodynamic implement (Hubbard, 2000). This implies that, under certain conditions, the distance thrown can be increased or decreased significantly beyond or below to that expected in a vacuum or in still air.
Run Up And Transition Characteristics In Javelin Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Run Up And Transition Characteristics In Javelin Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
In the course of a javelin throw the main goal is to develop the greatest possible javelin velocity before release. Although how this is accomplished hardly matters, for most throwers, sound biomechanical execution will produce the best performance. A discussion about javelin velocity will necessarily involve a discussion about rhythm which is of paramount in developing maximum velocity under control, both during the run up and the transition phases. The run up and the transition should be one smooth, rhythmical activity ordinarily consisting of thirteen or fifteen steps. The transition phase includes the javelin withdrawal which usually occurs during the …
Discus Throw Essentials: Mechanics For The Practitioner And The Thrower, Andreas Maheras
Discus Throw Essentials: Mechanics For The Practitioner And The Thrower, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
The mechanics of discus throwing is not yet fully understood. Based on the information available to date however, some mechanical elements present the most salient technical points in the course of a discus throw. The points presented here do not represent all technical issues encountered in discus throwing but they do constitute the frame upon which a sound technical pattern should be developed and they do make up the essential element that a practitioner should have in mind and upon which the throwing execution should be judged as effective and efficient or not.
Pull And Dynamics: Direction Of Pull And Dynamics Of Arm Action In Hammer Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Pull And Dynamics: Direction Of Pull And Dynamics Of Arm Action In Hammer Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
During the course or a hammer throw, a thrower winds the implement a couple or three times around the body while maintaining ground contact with both feet. Subsequently the athlete executes three or four rums where the whole body rotates with the hammer by alternating between double and single support. The speed at the time of release will dramatically affect the distance thrown with the angle of release also playing a role at that instance. It is imperative for the practitioner to understand the various factors that will positively affect the hammer velocity during the course of a throw.
The Javelin: Basic Javelin Aerodynamics And Flight Characteristics (Part 2), Andreas Maheras
The Javelin: Basic Javelin Aerodynamics And Flight Characteristics (Part 2), Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
Editor’s note: This is the second and final part of the article regarding javelin aerodynamics. The first part appeared in the previous issue. The javelin during its flight can rotate three different ways. It can rotate about its long axis, about its short horizontal axis and its short vertical axis. When the javelin is released, there is always a rotation about its long axis at a rate that fluctuates between 15 to 32 revolutions per second for the majority of good throwers.
The Javelin: Basic Javelin Aerodynamics And Flight Characteristics (Part 1), Andreas Maheras
The Javelin: Basic Javelin Aerodynamics And Flight Characteristics (Part 1), Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
Note: This is the first part of a two part article regarding javelin aerodynamics. The present rules for the design of the javelin make it a perpetually stable implement which simply means that at all angles of attack, its center of pressure is always behind its center of mass and thus it tends to land tip first. The javelin will fly less than optimum if released with just brute force. Because of that, there is a need for the demonstration of both power and finesse on the part of the thrower.
Relative Speed Fluctuations In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Relative Speed Fluctuations In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
In the course of a discus throw, the center of mass of the thrower + discus system translated forward across the circle. This way the speed of the center of mass contributes to the speed of the discus. An analogy that can be used to explain how the speed of the center of mass contributes to the speed of the discus is as follows.
The Horizontal Translation In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras
The Horizontal Translation In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
Experienced practitioners have always suggested that the discus thrower pivot/transition/balance well over the left foot during the turn in the back of the circle and attempt to move in a generally straight line across the circle. One of the reasons for this has to do with the proper generation of forward linear momentum and the horizontal velocity of the system’s center of mass.
The Single Support In Hammer Throwing, Andreas Maheras
The Single Support In Hammer Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
In the past, many lay papers regarding the hammer throw have provided qualitative descriptions of elite throwers; however, they did not demonstrate a clear cause and effect relationship between an increase in hammer speed and double support. On the other hand, there is experimental evidence of the potential positive role of the single support in this event. Film analysis data have failed to add support to the double support theory in hammer throwing.
The Function Of The Extremities In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras
The Function Of The Extremities In Discus Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
Angular momentum, which is also called rotary momentum, is a mechanical factor in discus throwing that basically describes how fast the thrower+discus system is rotating. Changes in the angular momentum of the system can occur only when forces are exerted at a point off center of mass.
Finesse In Javelin Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Finesse In Javelin Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
The single most important factor for success in javelin throwing is the velocity at release. Indeed, a javelin thrower who has the capacity (conditioning) to produce higher velocities will eventually be able to put together a long throw. On the other hand, if that capacity is lacking, a long throw will be impossible to achieve. Therefore, the evaluation of the maximum release velocity is probably the best way to assess the maximum throwing potential of a javelin thrower for the near future. However, we should not expect that a high speed alone would result in a long throw. In cases …
Pros & Cons. The Grounded Release Method Versus The Airborne Release Method In The Discus Throw, Andreas Maheras
Pros & Cons. The Grounded Release Method Versus The Airborne Release Method In The Discus Throw, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
The two main factors that determine the effectiveness of the airborne or grounded method are the vertical velocity of the system’s center of mass during the final part of the discus delivery and the amount of angular momentum that can be effectively transferred to the discus. There is a strong suggestion that airborne release helps the vertical velocity of the system’s center of mass make a larger contribution to the vertical velocity of the discus.
Reassessing Velocity Generation In Hammer Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Reassessing Velocity Generation In Hammer Throwing, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
In the hammer throw, the exertion of the force necessary to increase the horizontal velocity of the implement is thought to take place mainly when both the thrower's feet are in contact with the ground during the double support phases of the turns. Coaches have therefore sought to maximize the duration and the effectiveness of the double-support phases while minimizing the length of the single-support phases, when it is ass1.1med that the thrower is preparing for the next double- support. However. as scientific Understanding of the event has developed things have become less clear. It is now known that the …
Javelin Grip Dynamics (Get A Grip), Andreas Maheras
Javelin Grip Dynamics (Get A Grip), Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
The javelin grip is often considered a trivial matter, and little consideration is generally given to its effect on the throw. In this article, I will discuss the three most commonly used grips- the American grip, the Finnish grip, and the fork grip- and the dynamics associated with each one.
Determining The Optimum Angle Of Release In The Shot-Put Event, Andreas Maheras
Determining The Optimum Angle Of Release In The Shot-Put Event, Andreas Maheras
Track and Field Faculty Publications
The objective of the shot-put action is to throw a 7.26 kg ball as far as possible, while following the rules that govern the event. The range of the shot is determined by its conditions at release, e.g., the velocity, height, horizontal distance (distance in front or behind the circle), and angle of release. Changes in the velocity of release will affect the distance thrown more than equal changes in either the angle or height of release (Gregor, McCoy, & Whiting, 1990; Hay, 1985).