The Biomechanics of the Lacrosse Shot

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(No Transcript)
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• The Biomechanics of the Lacrosse Shot

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• As coaches, I do not think most of us understand
  the biomechanics of shooting the ball, but I do
  know that we are all looking for that winning
  edge which will make our teams better.
• Ben Shear of Athletic Edge provides that
  opportunity as he explains to us, after extensive
  research, how we can get our players to be better
  shooters.
• This is a cant miss, first of its kind
  presentation for coaches on all levels, and I
  strongly recommend that you take the time to hear
  what Ben Shear has to say.
• Jack Emmer
• Winningest Coach in NCAA History

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Conventional Wisdom

• Turn the back towards the goal.
• Turn the hips towards the goal.
• Extend the arms away from the body.

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The Lacrosse ShotBiomechanics Study

• Reasons for doing it
• Knew enough about other rotary sports that
  conventional wisdom couldnt be that simple
• Needed to create coil between hips/shoulders
• Needed to create rotational speed with arms
• Needed to think about body segments as
• being related

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Biomechanics Study (continued)

• More reasons for doing it
• To be able to understand the physical
  requirements for ideal mechanics.
• Once we knew what the best players were doing, we
  could establish a tool set for targeted coaching
  and training.
• Eye-opening implications

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Basic Rotary Mechanics

• To understand the study findings, one needs to
  understand rotary mechanics.
• Lower Body Mechanics
• Kinetic Linking

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Lower Body Mechanics

• The ability to create pelvic torque is key.
• The initiation of the shooting motion begins in
  the lower body, with energy transferred from the
  ground up.
• Lower body mechanics will dictate shot speed.
• Poor mechanics/shooting on ice analogy.

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LacrosseLower Body Mechanics
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Kinetic Link (Sequencing)

• Body segments viewed as links in a chain (pelvis,
  torso, shoulders, arms, stick)
• Energy will be transferred through these segments
  from the ground up (as they go from heaviest to
  lightest), and speed will increase, summating at
  the stick.
• Torque at the pelvis (good lower body mechanics)
  is the first link and initiates the chaining
  effect of contractile muscles thereafter.

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Kinetic Link (continued)

• Finger tap example of stretch-shorten
• Whip analogy
• Five gymnasts analogy

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Kinetic Linking (Sequencing)
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Kinetic Linking (Sequencing)
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Findings of the Lacrosse Shot Biomechanics Study

• There were quantifiable differences between good
  and great shooters (based on shot speed).
• Great shooters were able to get to the front side
  earlier, because of effective deceleration of
  momentum.
• Great shooters had better stability at foot
  plant, with subsequent extension occurring
  immediately.
• That stability in the lower body sets up better
  sequencing.
• Better sequencing results in greater shot speed.

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Deceleration Illustrated

• Great shooters (solid line)
• Come in with less speed, but
• Exhibit greater deceleration
• Are more stable at ball release
• Good shooters (broken line)

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Lead Leg Stability Illustrated

• Great shooters (solid line)
• Are stable at foot plant
• Straighten knee immediately
• Good shooters (broken line)
• Are not stable at foot plant
• Dissipate energy back into the ground

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Lacrosse Sequencing Illustrated
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Joe Walters Mechanics

• Joe Walters has some of the best mechanics in the
  game.
• Remember conventional wisdom?
• Exemplifying study findings

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Relating the Physical with the Technical

• Details of the study findings relate physical
  strength or weakness to technical performance.
• Though least emphasized, the lower body is the
  key (stability, range-of-motion).
• With ideal mechanics identified, coaching and
  training have a strategic focus, which manifests
  in better shooting.

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Contact Info

• Ben Shear
• Athletic Edge Lacrosse
• www.athleticedge.net
• ben_at_athleticedge.net
• 908-322-2003
• www.athleticedgelacrosse.com
• (Feb.09 launch)