Support Service Technique Analysis
Technique analysis techniques are applicable to a wide range of sports or activities. The sports that gain more benefit from technique analysis are individual sports, technique intensive sports, and sports that involve repetitive type of activities, such as track and field athletics, swimming, rowing and kayaking. Specific skills within team/game sports for example kicking in rugby, bowling in cricket, or serving in tennis, also gain substantially from individualised technique analysis. By analysing an athlete's technique, inadequacies that are limiting their performance can be diagnosed and the coach can then incorporate drills into the athlete's training to overcome the shortcomings. Technique analysis can involve testing in the laboratory (under controlled conditions), field testing (where the athlete's performance is analysed in training or while simulating a performance in the usual sport setting) or competition analysis (analysis of an athlete performing in competition).
Our biomechanics lab is equipped with a choice of motion analysis systems to analysis technique depending upon the type of movement and the depth of analysis required. The three dimensional VICON Motion Analysis System automatically tracks the performer at up to 250 images per second. This high level of analysis is ideal for fast movements such as a golf drive or a tennis serve where slower image capture rates of typical video may miss important technique information. Quantitative data showing angles, velocities, and accelerations are obtained in addition to the qualitative analysis through viewing the movement at any speed and from any angle (the VICON System enables the image to be rotated through 360 degrees).
For less sophisticated analysis which can be carried out within the field, we have a choice of three video analysis software packages (SiliconCoach, APAS and Quintic) to analyse video footage of sporting activity. Features of these systems include; split screen, screen overlay/blend, slow motion/frame by frame, and drawing tools to illustrate key technique points. In addition, two dimensional measurements of key features for example; body and joint angles, velocities, angles of ball release, can be obtained and illustrated on the video, which can be packaged into a presentation and saved to CD for the athlete to view at home.
To aid technique analysis we have a force platform which is imbedded in a 30 metre running track and two forces platforms with moveable positions located within the biomechanics lab. The force platforms can be located so that they can be used to measure take-off forces in a number of disciplines, gymnastics or dance for instance, as well as in running, jumping, and hurdling. The force platform measures the magnitude and direction of forces in three planes, providing data on efficiency as well as peak power. Force platform data combined with video analysis provides a greater understanding of the athlete's technique.
If you are interested in these services please email SesConsultancy
