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Related Experiment Videos

The underarm throw for accuracy in children.

J H Van Rossum1, R J Bootsma

  • 1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Journal of Sports Sciences
|January 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

Older children (70 months) demonstrated superior accuracy in a throwing task compared to younger children (52 months). This improved accuracy in older children was linked to a more consistent ball-release angle and a distinct elbow movement pattern during the throw.

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Area of Science:

  • Motor control and development
  • Biomechanics of human movement
  • Childhood motor skill acquisition

Background:

  • Understanding the developmental trajectory of motor skills is crucial for identifying factors influencing performance.
  • Throwing accuracy in children is a complex motor task influenced by age and specific movement strategies.
  • Previous research suggests age-related differences in motor execution, but the underlying kinematic variables require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate age-related differences in throwing accuracy and the underlying kinematic strategies in young children.
  • To identify specific movement patterns and functionally relevant kinematic variables associated with improved throwing performance.
  • To provide a biomechanical explanation for enhanced accuracy in older children compared to younger children.

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Main Methods:

  • Participants: 40 children (20 boys, 20 girls) divided into two age groups (mean 52 and 70 months).
  • Task: 35 trials of an accuracy-demanding throwing task.
  • Analysis: Film analysis to examine kinematic variables, including ball-release angle and elbow movement patterns during the forward swing.

Main Results:

  • Older children (70 months) exhibited significantly greater throwing accuracy than younger children (52 months).
  • No significant sex differences in throwing accuracy were observed.
  • Film analysis revealed that while both groups attempted an adult-like strategy, younger children were less consistent in maintaining a constant ball-release angle.
  • Older children achieved consistent release angles through a movement pattern characterized by a stable elbow angle during the forward swing, a pattern less frequent in younger children.

Conclusions:

  • Age is a significant factor in developing throwing accuracy, with older children demonstrating superior performance.
  • The ability to maintain a consistent ball-release angle, facilitated by a specific elbow movement pattern, is a key kinematic variable distinguishing skilled from less-skilled young throwers.
  • This study supports a research approach that identifies functionally relevant kinematic variables to explain age- and skill-related changes in motor outcomes.