Predictors of scoring accuracy: ice hockey wrist shot mechanics

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the stationary ''wrist shot'' technique (movement patterns) of the ice hockey stick that corresponds to the accuracy of puck trajectory. A total of 25 subjects participated in this study, ranging from high to low caliber players. Each performed ten successful wrist shots at four targets (two top corners, two bottom corners). Performances were evaluated by recording the movements of the stick's shaft and blade and of the puck with a 3D motion capture system at 240 Hz. Kinematics of the shaft and blade of the hockey stick were examined using a multiple regression analysis to predict accuracy scores. In general, the results indicated that accuracy corresponded to release parameters (both puck release orientation and velocity), shaft bending and change in blade orientations; though, parameter weighting differed substantially for top versus bottom targets. Future studies are warranted to identify the whole body kinematic patterns associated with the hockey stick kinematics.

Dynamic strain profile of the ice hockey stick: comparisons of player calibre and stick shaft stiffness

“…Significant differences are denoted by a (by calibre) and b (by stick) similar grip strength and body mass measures, increased perpendicular force to the stick must be due to the differences in loading technique yet to be determined. The timing of the PC-to-PR phase was found to be comparable to that of Michaud-Paquette et al [7]. As well, no significant differences between sticks and player skill level were seen in the timing of this shot, in part due to the substantial intersubject variability.…”

“…On the other hand, the WS is the most accurate shooting technique, which starts with a sweep forward, followed by a snapping or pushing the puck forward [2,4]. Many factors affect the speed of the puck, including the speed of the lower end of the stick prior to contact, the pre-loading phase, the ability to transfer elastic energy from loading the stick to the kinetic energy of the puck via the elastic recoil of the shaft, the contact time with the puck, as well as body size and strength of the individual shooter and skill level [3,[5][6][7][8][9][10].…”

Whole-body predictors of wrist shot accuracy in ice hockey: a kinematic analysis

“…As well, in a recent study by Michaud-Paquette, Pearsall, and Turcotte (2009) the study of the stick's spatial path and orientation during wrist shots, demonstrated characteristic kinematics differences between low-and high-caliber players that in turn were strong predictors of wrist shot accuracy. Unknown, however, is how specifically the stick's path is manipulated by the player hands and body movements.…”

“…One reflective marker was fastened to the puck so that its trajectory and velocity could be obtained (Figure 1). Since the main focus of this research was whole-body kinematics, a modified marker configuration was chosen (Michaud-Paquette et al, 2009) to record stick kinematics. Markers were placed on the subjects according to Vicon's Plug in Gait with forearm and upper arm model (Vicon w , Oxford, UK).…”

“…Joint kinematics were calculated using the Plug in Gait's calculation protocol (Vicon w , Oxford, UK) based on the Newington-Helen Hayes gait model that calculates joint kinematics from the XYZ marker positions and specific subject anthropometric measurements. These data were then exported to a Matlab (MathWorks Inc., Natick, MA, USA) readable format to measure gross blade orientation (C r , F r , b r ) in order to quantify the behavior of the ice hockey stick during the execution of the stationary wrist shot (Michaud-Paquette et al, 2009). The linear displacement from the puck marker was used to calculate the puck's trajectory and derivate its linear velocity (m/s).…”