The kinematic differences between accurate and inaccurate squash forehand drives for athletes of different skill levels. Issue 10 (18th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, Benjamin K.; Sanders, Ross H.; Ryu, Joong Hyun; Graham-Smith, Philip; Sinclair, Peter J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of sports sciences. Volume 38:Issue 10(2020)
• Page Start: 1115
• Page End: 1123
• Publication Date: 2020-05-18
• Subjects: Biomechanics -- motor control -- squash -- racquet -- forehand drive; Sports -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 612.044
• DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1742971
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0414

Abstract

ABSTRACT: To maintain the accuracy of squash shots under varying conditions, such as the oncoming ball's velocity and trajectory, players must adjust their technique. Although differences in technique between skilled and less-skilled players have been studied, it is not yet understood how players vary their technique in a functional manner to maintain accuracy under varying conditions. This study compared 3-dimensional joint and racket kinematics and their variability between accurate and inaccurate squash forehand drives of 9 highly skilled and 9 less-skilled male athletes. During inaccurate shots, less-skilled players hit the ball with a more open racket, demonstrating a difference in this task-relevant parameter. No joint kinematic differences were found for accuracy for either group. Coordinated joint rotations at the elbow and wrist both displayed a "zeroing-in" effect, whereby movement variability was reduced from the initiation of propulsive joint rotation to a higher consistency at ball-impact; potentially highlighting the "functionality" of the variability prior to the impact that enabled consistent task-relevant parameters (racket orientation and velocity) under varying conditions. Further, highly skilled players demonstrated greater consistency of task-relevant parameters at impact than less-skilled players. These findings highlight the superior ability of highly skilled players to adjust their technique to achieve consistent task-relevant parameters and a successful shot.