Science in a Lacrosse Shot
“Biomechanics of a Lacrosse Shot” Lacrosse is defined as a ball game invented by American Indians, now played by two teams who try to propel a ball into each other's goal by means of long-handled hooked sticks that are loosely strung with a kind of netted pouch (Farlex, Inc.). Behind every shot taken in a lacrosse game, elements of biomechanics are implemented. Biomechanics is the “sport science” field that applies the laws of mechanics (movements, body angles, joint positions, etc.), biomedical engineering, and physics (gravity, forces, velocities, etc.) to athletic performance (What is 3D Biomechanics).
Ben Shear “is a frequent presenter and writer on various topics related to athletic performance, including a presentation on Biomechanics” (Biomechanics of the Lacrosse Shot and Their Underlying Physical Requirements). Shear commenced a 3-D biomechanical study to show the physical fundamentals behind a flawless lacrosse shot. Lacrosse involves a complex rotary motion entailing a kinetic linking from your feet to your arms. Kinetic linking is associated with kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is “the form of energy contained in an objects motion” (Bloomfield, 31). Each body segment is a “link in the chain” (i.e. hips, arms, stick, etc.).
In preparation for just the right shot, a good player needs to understand the basic rotary mechanics, the first link in the chain. The initiation of the shooting motion begins in the lower body, one needs to have the ability to create a pelvic torque. It starts from the bottom and works its way up. When you add gravity, momentum, body rotation, and stabilization together, torque is your ending result. Gravity utilizes a vertical force while momentum employs a horizontal force. “A force can produce a torque and a torque can produce a force” (Bloomfield, 53). In the rotation of the body, the player is focusing more on a rotational motion. According to The Physics of Everyday Life: How Things Work, “rotational motion is
Ben Shear “is a frequent presenter and writer on various topics related to athletic performance, including a presentation on Biomechanics” (Biomechanics of the Lacrosse Shot and Their Underlying Physical Requirements). Shear commenced a 3-D biomechanical study to show the physical fundamentals behind a flawless lacrosse shot. Lacrosse involves a complex rotary motion entailing a kinetic linking from your feet to your arms. Kinetic linking is associated with kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is “the form of energy contained in an objects motion” (Bloomfield, 31). Each body segment is a “link in the chain” (i.e. hips, arms, stick, etc.).
In preparation for just the right shot, a good player needs to understand the basic rotary mechanics, the first link in the chain. The initiation of the shooting motion begins in the lower body, one needs to have the ability to create a pelvic torque. It starts from the bottom and works its way up. When you add gravity, momentum, body rotation, and stabilization together, torque is your ending result. Gravity utilizes a vertical force while momentum employs a horizontal force. “A force can produce a torque and a torque can produce a force” (Bloomfield, 53). In the rotation of the body, the player is focusing more on a rotational motion. According to The Physics of Everyday Life: How Things Work, “rotational motion is
Bibliography: "Biomechanics of the Lacrosse Shot and Their Underlying Physical Requirements." 16 January 2009. Athletic Edge Lacrosse. 2010 February 26 <http://www.athleticedgelacrosse.com/biomechanics_lacrosse_shot.html>. Bloomfield, Louis. The Physics of Everyday Life: How Things Work . 4th ed. NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Print. Farlex, Inc. The Free Dictionary. December 2004. 26 February 2010 <http://www.thefreedictionary.com/lacrosse>. "Lacrosse Shooting Techniques." Lacrosse Information. 2007. Lacrosse- Information.com, Web. 25 Feb 2010. <http://www.lacrosse- information.com/lacrosse-shooting-techniques.html>. Russo, Katherine. He Shoots, He Scores. 2009. February 28, 2010. "What is 3D Biomechanics." 2008. Athletic Edge Lacrosse. 26 February 2010 <http://www.athleticedgelacrosse.com/what_is_3d_biomechanics.html>.