Influence of approach angle on ball velocity during the American football instep placekick

<p>High ball velocity in American football placekicking (PK) enhances the opportunity to score during competition. Insight into self-selected (SS) approach angle and whether an optimal angle exists for maximal ball velocity may improve performance. Methods: Three selected approach angles (30°, 45°, 60°) and a SS approach angle were assessed to analyze kicking velocity among 11 intercollegiate male kickers. Descriptive statistics analyzed SS angles, and a one-way repeated measures ANOVA with the significance level set a <em>p</em> < .05 compared maximal ball velocity between angles. Results: Mean SS angle was 37.25° ± 3.67, and the SS and 45° approach produced the highest maximal ball velocities; however, no approach angle (SS, 30°, 45°, 60°) differed significantly <em>F</em>(3, 30) = 1.869, <em>p</em> < .156. Conclusions: Approach angle did not significantly affect maximal ball velocity. However, future studies are needed with larger sample sizes and diverse placekicking populations who are participating in American football.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Promotion and Human Performance

Year dc:date.available

2022

Author dc:creator

• Lopata, Kristoph C.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Anthony Moreno, PhD
• Andrew Cornett, PhD
• Rebecca Moore, PhD

• Angle
• Approach
• Football
• Instep
• Kick
• Placekick
• Kinesiology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/1175

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2551