Rectilinear Velocity In Sports

In sports, such as track and tennis, velocity is at the forefront of success: the greater the velocity, the greater the chance at winning. Linear velocity is calculated by dividing the distance between two positions of an object by the amount of time elapsed between those subsequent points (Lawler 2018). Keep in mind, however, that there is curvilinear velocity and rectilinear velocity. Both refer to shape of the path that an object takes. For instance, rectilinear velocity, which this laboratory session focuses on, is the speed of an object in a completely linear path; whereas, the latter engages in curved pathway. There are several factors that may affect the velocity of an object. Lever length can actually increase an object’s velocity

The kinematic chain is a specific sequence of joint movements from the most central to the most peripheral axis in order to increase the rapid movement of hands, feet, or handheld equipment (Lawler 2018). In order to maximize performance and decrease the risk of injury, optimal activation of every link in the kinetic chain is essential (Elliot, 2006).

Understanding the influences that anatomical structures and movements have on velocity are critical in improving sport performance. If a difference in performance is seen between two individuals, a video analysis can be conducted to determine if one player is not engaging in the optimal range of movement around a joint. Video analysis can also identify if the exercise equipment in use is advantageous or not. If the equipment being used elongates a lever arm, then that would be an advantage for a tennis or baseball player.

In this lab we will analyze four different trials of a tennis serve in order to determine which of the trials had the greatest linear velocity. In addition to this, we sought out to understand why each trial had a difference in velocity. Differences may have arisen from air resistance and other environmental factors, but it we are primarily concerned with the effect that arm length has on velocity. In addition to this, we will observe if the kinematic chain is in practice and if it has a relationship with the velocity of the

This meter stick was quantified by the number of pixels it encapsulated and served as a reference distance for future calculations. This was calculated by picking two points- one point on the bottom left corner and the other on the upper right corner of the meter stick- and then calculating the number of pixels that make up the X-axis and Y-axis distances between both points. Through the use of the Pythagorean Theorem, the hypotenuse was calculated. This value would essentially be the “true” number of pixels the meter stick represents. These steps were done once more for the vertically positioned meter stick. A discrepancy between both vertical and horizontal values for the meter stick arises, which is resolved by calculating the average of both the horizontal and vertical meter stick