Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Kicking a ball to move it in a certain direction at a given speed and with
the intention of the ball landing on a chosen target requires a high degree
of control and accuracy. In addition, it may require speed and power if a
great distance is to be covered. However, as we have seen previously in
our discussions of throwing actions, the need for power may come at the
expense of accuracy. Kicking an opponent as part of an attack is generally
intended to cause pain and damage, with power and speed the most
important factors and far less emphasis placed on precision and finesse. For
either of these actions to be successful, precise timing of the action may be
required.
As with a catching action, kicking requires spatial awareness and a high
degree of eye/body coordination. Naturally enough, maintaining balance of
the entire figure throughout the action is an important aspect of a kicking
action because it requires a major shift of balance as at least one leg changes
task, from supporting the body to striking. A kicking action that is little more
than a slight flexing of the leg at the knee and hip will require only a very
slight shift in the figure. A more vigorous kick, such as an overhead kick, may
actually
require
movement of the entire body. In such a case the figure may be
in a very unstable state as the action unfolds, with stability returning only on
completion of the action during the recovery phase.
Kicking a ball, as opposed to throwing a ball, is differentiated by
momentary
contact with the ball, as opposed to the extended contact that occurs during
a throwing action. The movement imparted to the ball is a result of the
striking action that may be achieved with the use of different parts of the foot.
Using the toe may generate a good deal of power, but it may also result in a
lack of control over direction the object takes. Using the instep may provide a
good deal of power and better control, resulting in greater accuracy; striking a
ball using the outside of the foot may increase spin.
The movement of a struck ball is determined not only by the amount and
speed of the force applied during the kick. It is also determined by the
direction from which the force is applied. The greater the force applied, the
further the ball will travel, and a ball struck squarely will tend to travel in a
straight line. Variations on this linear movement of a ball can be imparted
through differences in the striking or throwing actions. Cricketers expend a
great deal of effort in bowling (a particular kind of throwing action) a cricket
ball to create spin and movement of the ball as it travels through the air. The
variation of air pressure created by the spinning action creates the in-swinger
(the ball moving toward the batsman) or the out-swinger (the ball moving
away from the batsman). Soccer players may create similar swerving actions
on the ball by striking it obliquely. Striking the ball to one side or another
will impart spin, and as we have already seen, this spin will affect the nature
of the ball's flight through the air. Tennis players achieve the same results
by striking the ball with a racket, creating topspin, backspin, and curving
actions. This rather goes back to our discussions on dynamics and the laws of
motion.
