Movement Sequences during Instep Rugby Kick: a 3D Biomechanical Analysis

The purpose of this study was to examine movement sequencing and the contributions of the motions of individual segments to the velocity of the foot during rugby kicking through a novel velocity decomposition method. Seven experienced male players participated in this study and kinematic data from each participant were recorded. The linear velocity of the kicking foot was decomposed to the linear velocities caused by the absolute linear velocity of the pelvis, rotation of the pelvis, rotation of the thigh and flexion/extension of the knee. The results show that a proximal-to-distal sequential pattern of segment motions and knee flexion/extension made the major contribution (75 ± 8%) to the final velocity during rugby kicking, followed in turn by hip flexion, pelvis velocity and pelvis rotation.