AFL Handball:
KEY QUESTION :
HOW DOES THE TECHNIQUE OF AN AFL HANDBALL INFLUENCE BOTH ACCURACY AND SPEED?
Background Information on the Handball
The sport of Australian Rules football has 2 main methods of disposing of the ball. One is ‘kicking’ and the second is known as the ‘Handball’ or ‘Handpass’. The handball is the only method to dispose of the ball my hand and the main objective of this skill is to pass to a team mate in order to move the ball in a certain direction (NAB Auskick Skills Guide, 2014).
There are certain parameters that players must abide by in order for the disposal to be determined ‘legal’. The player must hold the ball stationary with one hand and punch the ball with the clenched fist of the other hand. If these rules are not followed, the possession with be deemed as a ‘throw’; the implication of a throw is a free kick to the nearest opposition player. The handball differs greatly from the kick and unlike the kick which can be marked; the recipient of a handball must ‘play-on’ (NAB Auskick Skills Guide, 2014).
The use of the handball within the game has continued to evolve over the years but it has increase as a strategic weapon since the 1960s. Prior to these periods, players were encouraged not to handball anywhere within the defensive half of the ground and to only use it in situations of high pressure; handballing was widely accepted as a ‘non-crucial’ skill (AFL, 2014). In the contemporary game, however, handballing is used as a vital offensive tool to move to ball quickly from one end to the other. Nowadays it is not uncommon for football teams at the elite level to record higher numbers of handballs per games compared to kicks(NAB Auskick Skills Guide, 2014).
There are certain parameters that players must abide by in order for the disposal to be determined ‘legal’. The player must hold the ball stationary with one hand and punch the ball with the clenched fist of the other hand. If these rules are not followed, the possession with be deemed as a ‘throw’; the implication of a throw is a free kick to the nearest opposition player. The handball differs greatly from the kick and unlike the kick which can be marked; the recipient of a handball must ‘play-on’ (NAB Auskick Skills Guide, 2014).
The use of the handball within the game has continued to evolve over the years but it has increase as a strategic weapon since the 1960s. Prior to these periods, players were encouraged not to handball anywhere within the defensive half of the ground and to only use it in situations of high pressure; handballing was widely accepted as a ‘non-crucial’ skill (AFL, 2014). In the contemporary game, however, handballing is used as a vital offensive tool to move to ball quickly from one end to the other. Nowadays it is not uncommon for football teams at the elite level to record higher numbers of handballs per games compared to kicks(NAB Auskick Skills Guide, 2014).
Video Explanation of the 'Handball'
Source: (AFL Community, 2012)
Movement PHases of the Afl Handball
The image above visually illustrates the movement phases within the 'handpass'.
Source:
Source:
Preparation
Contact or release
Follow Through
- Stable Platform- By having a platform, a stable base is achieved. This stable base player provides a sense of autonomy when a player hits the ball. The ball should ideally rest on the players non- dominate hand. By creating stability of the ball, the player is able to impart maximal force when required as external factors cannot influence.
- Clenched fist- As the instructional video explains it is important to make a fist with the thumb on the outside. If the player handballs with the thumb clenched in the middle of the fist it dramatically increases the chance of injury.
- Back swing with a bent elbow- It is crucial that the elbow of the contact hand is bent in the preparation phase. The benefit of having a bent elbow is that it assists in creating greater acceleration which impacts on the amount of force imparted to the ball.
- Opposite Foot Forward/ Side on- The opposite foot should be out in front of your body which will provide forward momentum with the handball; centre of mass plays a vital role in creating this forward momentum. This non dominant is utilised for more than simply maintaining balance, the foot increases the likelihood of the football travelling in the intended direction towards the desired target.
Contact or release
- Forward momentum- At the point of contact, by having forward momentum the percentage of successfully executing the skill is enhanced. The reason for this is that the body weight is heading towards the desired target.
- Clenched fist- As mentioned previously, by having a clenched fist the force applied to the ball can be greater. The aim is to apply force marginally lower than the cross seams on the football to send it into a back spinning motion which is known as the ‘rocket handball’, the Rocket Handball is the most efficient way to handball and makes it easy for team mates to mark the football.
- Steady head- Having a steady head is crucial as it provides a means of balance. The optimal head position would preferably be directly over the ball with shoulders slightly forward from the midline. This position influences momentum because of centre of mass.
Follow Through
- Follow through- The follow through is integral to the overall process as it is important for the player to continue heading towards the target to allow for quicker ball movement and greater accuracy.
- Transition of weight- During the follow through phase, body weight will be transferred forward as the player handballs to his teammate.
- Elbow bent- In this phase of the skill, the hitting arm follows through. This part of the sequence still required a bent elbow with the elbow so that the appropriate amount of force is applied to the ball.
Biomechanical Principles Associated with the Handball
There are many biomechanical principles which influence the technique of AFL handball. Within this blog there will be a variety of principles discussed in order to answer the key question. The principles that will critiqued and analysed are listed below (Parrington, Ball, Macmahon & Taylor, 2009).
- Newton's Laws
- Summation of Force
- Kinetic Chain
- Projectile Motion
- Drag
Newtons laws
The object at rest in the sequence of executing a handball is the football; this refers to newtons first law. “An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force”. An object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. This law is referred to as the law of ‘inertia’ (Lucas, Cooke & Friis, 1999).
When a player has possession of the football in the field of play and they begin to move this is when the ball begins to move. The next movement that occurs as highlighted in the movement phase analysis is the dominant arm with a bent elbow. The lever swings backwards before it moves forward. The dominant arm moves in the direction of the intended target while the clenched fist makes contact with the ball (Huston & Huston, 2013).
In relation to Newton’s second law of motion which refers to acceleration. The important equation to keep in mind is the calculation of force (f) x mass (m) equals acceleration. Applying this equation to the handball skill, the higher the acceleration of the dominant arm, the greater the speed of the ball will be (Huston & Huston, 2013). The amount of force imparted onto the football allows the football to move and this force is equal to the mass of the football multiplied by the acceleration of the hand which makes contact with the ball (Enoka & Enoka, 2002).
“Every force has an equal and opposite reaction force”; this is Newton’s 3rd law of motion. The equal and opposite forces that enact that occur when a handball is executed is friction; friction between the ball and the clenched fist that makes contact with the football (Enoka & Enoka, 2002). Friction results from an interlocking or formation of bonds between molecules or uneven surfaces (clenched fist of dominant striking hand). Increases in interlocking results in an increased about of friction between to two surfaces (Enoka & Enoka, 2002).
When a player has possession of the football in the field of play and they begin to move this is when the ball begins to move. The next movement that occurs as highlighted in the movement phase analysis is the dominant arm with a bent elbow. The lever swings backwards before it moves forward. The dominant arm moves in the direction of the intended target while the clenched fist makes contact with the ball (Huston & Huston, 2013).
In relation to Newton’s second law of motion which refers to acceleration. The important equation to keep in mind is the calculation of force (f) x mass (m) equals acceleration. Applying this equation to the handball skill, the higher the acceleration of the dominant arm, the greater the speed of the ball will be (Huston & Huston, 2013). The amount of force imparted onto the football allows the football to move and this force is equal to the mass of the football multiplied by the acceleration of the hand which makes contact with the ball (Enoka & Enoka, 2002).
“Every force has an equal and opposite reaction force”; this is Newton’s 3rd law of motion. The equal and opposite forces that enact that occur when a handball is executed is friction; friction between the ball and the clenched fist that makes contact with the football (Enoka & Enoka, 2002). Friction results from an interlocking or formation of bonds between molecules or uneven surfaces (clenched fist of dominant striking hand). Increases in interlocking results in an increased about of friction between to two surfaces (Enoka & Enoka, 2002).
Summation of Force and Kinetic Chain
Summation of force can be imparted into the football via the hand or clenched fist; this allows the ball to travel a greater distance than it would through a single movement. The main generation of force in the handball movement is derived from the legs. To maximise accuracy and distance force through the legs must be applied firmly to the ground. The main reason for this is the upward reaction force from the ground is directed through the centre of mass of the body” (Blazevich, 2010, p. 238). As a result of an increase in power being added to each muscle group from the one before it, the fist is able to impart more force the result will be the football travelling further than it would have if there wasn't a kinetic chain created by engaging he correct group of muscles (Kargo & Giszter, 2000).
The relationship between an object's mass m, its acceleration a, and the applied force F is F = ma. Acceleration and force are vectors (as indicated by their symbols being displayed in slant bold font); in this law the direction of the force vector is the same as the direction of the acceleration vector (Kargo & Giszter, 2000).
“Body force is produced by the actions of muscles. The stronger the muscles, the more force the body is capable of producing. However, the force of the muscle group or groups must be applied in the same direction and in proper sequence to realise the greatest force (Blazevich, 2012, p. 237)".
The relationship between an object's mass m, its acceleration a, and the applied force F is F = ma. Acceleration and force are vectors (as indicated by their symbols being displayed in slant bold font); in this law the direction of the force vector is the same as the direction of the acceleration vector (Kargo & Giszter, 2000).
“Body force is produced by the actions of muscles. The stronger the muscles, the more force the body is capable of producing. However, the force of the muscle group or groups must be applied in the same direction and in proper sequence to realise the greatest force (Blazevich, 2012, p. 237)".
How can we use this information in relation to the key question?
By possessing this information about summation of force and kinetic chains aids helps the teaching process. Each individual is diverse and different in a variety of ways; they could have a different level of strength or different physiological make up (Blazevich, 2012). Summation of force allows an individual to increase the power imparted into their movement and handball allowing them to handball with greater speed or handball further. It is important to note that, this can also have a detrimental effect on their accuracy as their handball as the body experience greater volumes of movement (Blazevich, 2012).
By possessing this information about summation of force and kinetic chains aids helps the teaching process. Each individual is diverse and different in a variety of ways; they could have a different level of strength or different physiological make up (Blazevich, 2012). Summation of force allows an individual to increase the power imparted into their movement and handball allowing them to handball with greater speed or handball further. It is important to note that, this can also have a detrimental effect on their accuracy as their handball as the body experience greater volumes of movement (Blazevich, 2012).
Projectile Motion
The biomechanical principle of projectile motion refers to the movement of an object that has been projected at an angle into the air. Two factors, air resistance and gravity affect such objects (in this case a football); however, often air resistance impact is so minimal it isn't always factored in (Winter & Winter, 1990). A projected object can move at angle different angle between 0- 90 degrees. Other key term when analysing projectile motion is trajectory. Trajectory is influenced by firstly speed of projection and the height of projection.
“The maximum range of a projectile is determined partly by its angle of projection. When the angle is greater, the object attains a greater vertical height but lesser range. When the angle of projection is too small the object doesn't have sufficient vertical velocity to attain significant range (Blazevich, 2012 , p. 26)".
How can we use this information in relation to the key question?
The law of gravity plays a role in the AFL handpass. Gravity is a natural force which is constantly evident, it is always apparent. The downward influence that gravity has causes the handball to be pulled back towards the earth’s surface (Huston & Huston, 2013). The game of Australian Rules football is complex and there is no one specific point in time where the handball can be executed. There are a vast number of situations that players face but as long as both arms/hands are free a handball is able to take place. The optimal angle of release for a projectile to cover the greatest distance is 45 degrees from ground level (Blazevich. 2012). The reason for this is if a projectile is released at a higher or lower angle there will be a decrease in the distance traveled as higher trajectory will travel higher and shorter and lower will travel at a lower trajectory and will drop due to gravity (Huston & Huston, 2013).
When a handball is performed the height of release is more often than not approximately 1 metre which means the ideal or optimal angle of release is somewhere between 43-44 degrees. With this being stated, there are factors that must also be taken into account (Parrington, Ball, Macmahon & Taylor, 2009). Technique as well as individual physical characteristics have the likelihood to alter the position the ball is being performed from. What this may look like in a game situation is a player may generate a higher velocity at a lower angle due to technique which theoretically means that something has to give. In this situation it is the optimum release angle and maximum release velocity (Huston & Huston, 2013).
“The maximum range of a projectile is determined partly by its angle of projection. When the angle is greater, the object attains a greater vertical height but lesser range. When the angle of projection is too small the object doesn't have sufficient vertical velocity to attain significant range (Blazevich, 2012 , p. 26)".
How can we use this information in relation to the key question?
The law of gravity plays a role in the AFL handpass. Gravity is a natural force which is constantly evident, it is always apparent. The downward influence that gravity has causes the handball to be pulled back towards the earth’s surface (Huston & Huston, 2013). The game of Australian Rules football is complex and there is no one specific point in time where the handball can be executed. There are a vast number of situations that players face but as long as both arms/hands are free a handball is able to take place. The optimal angle of release for a projectile to cover the greatest distance is 45 degrees from ground level (Blazevich. 2012). The reason for this is if a projectile is released at a higher or lower angle there will be a decrease in the distance traveled as higher trajectory will travel higher and shorter and lower will travel at a lower trajectory and will drop due to gravity (Huston & Huston, 2013).
When a handball is performed the height of release is more often than not approximately 1 metre which means the ideal or optimal angle of release is somewhere between 43-44 degrees. With this being stated, there are factors that must also be taken into account (Parrington, Ball, Macmahon & Taylor, 2009). Technique as well as individual physical characteristics have the likelihood to alter the position the ball is being performed from. What this may look like in a game situation is a player may generate a higher velocity at a lower angle due to technique which theoretically means that something has to give. In this situation it is the optimum release angle and maximum release velocity (Huston & Huston, 2013).
Drag
The concept of drag is crucial in answering the question posed above. When running or projecting an implement it is always harder when doing so into a strong wind. The reason for this is a concept known as ‘drag’ (Kensrud & Smith, 2011). Drag takes places when molecules of fluid collide with an implement and take energy away from the object. As all moving objects generate kinetic energy, when drag is experiences there is a direct impact on this energy (Blazevich, 2012). When energy is lost, both velocity and mass must decrease. 'Aero' and hydrodynamic drag are both important concepts when discussing skill within sports where the objects are moving at high velocities (Blazevich, 2012; Kensrud & Smith, 2011).
Source: (AFL Community, 2012)
How can we use this information in relation to the key question?
When the football is kicked using the drop punt technique, what increases the accuracy is the ball moving end over end backwards. This is otherwise referred to as back spin. In relation to the handball, the type of spin which is seen as optimal is ‘backwards’ also. There are variations to the AFL handball but the most common and most encouraged is the ‘rocket handball’ (NAB Auskick Skills Guide, 2014). A ‘rocket handball’ like the drop punt, spins end over end with backspin imparted on the ball. A ball which travels through the air with backspin if executed in the correct way theoretically will move in a straight line through the air. To achieve this increased accuracy two parts of the initial handball technique can be altered. The position that the ball is held in; tilt the ball higher so that it looks like a rocket ready to launch (observe image below). The second is the point in which you make contact with the ball; for a rocket handball to increase accuracy and speed strike the ball at the bottom end of the ball when it is held in a more upright position (Blazevich, 2012; Kensrud & Smith, 2011)..
When the football is kicked using the drop punt technique, what increases the accuracy is the ball moving end over end backwards. This is otherwise referred to as back spin. In relation to the handball, the type of spin which is seen as optimal is ‘backwards’ also. There are variations to the AFL handball but the most common and most encouraged is the ‘rocket handball’ (NAB Auskick Skills Guide, 2014). A ‘rocket handball’ like the drop punt, spins end over end with backspin imparted on the ball. A ball which travels through the air with backspin if executed in the correct way theoretically will move in a straight line through the air. To achieve this increased accuracy two parts of the initial handball technique can be altered. The position that the ball is held in; tilt the ball higher so that it looks like a rocket ready to launch (observe image below). The second is the point in which you make contact with the ball; for a rocket handball to increase accuracy and speed strike the ball at the bottom end of the ball when it is held in a more upright position (Blazevich, 2012; Kensrud & Smith, 2011)..
An Australian rules football is unique in design which allows for the air flow to equal on either side. The diagram below is for a round ball; however, the theory supports the statements made within this section. As the air flow is equal around both sides of the ball. The back spin motion not only enhances the accuracy but makes it easier for your team mate to take possession (Keogh, Reid et al, 2005).
In regards to the point of contact, the bottom of the ball (where the seams meet) is the part which will allow for greater accuracy and control. The make-up of an AFL football is a unique oval shape. This shape and design impacts on accuracy of the handball is largely as accuracy and control are affected largely by its centre of mass which is located through the seams of the ball (Keogh, Reid et al, 2005). The centre of mass on the ball will allow it to travel with accuracy and in the intended way. Biomechanically speaking, an Australian rules football will have a larger ‘coefficient of restitution’ at the side of the ball and has a smaller coefficient of restitution at the meeting of the four seams at either end (Blazevich, 2012).
Answer
In order to optimise the handball technique in regards to speed and accuracy there are a variety of factors that must be consider which the body of this blog highlights. To summarise, the player executing the handball must be moving at a pace which is comfortable close to maximum speed, they also must great momentum through to the target with force being generated via the kinetic chain and summation of forces. The force generated is imparted on the ball via the clenched fist and it is important to note that accuracy is increase by an effective follow through.
How can we use this Information?
The information could be used for future physical educators or current teacher can implement the knowledge within their units. Making students aware of biomechanical principles and strategies to optimise their technique could potentially see them advance and meet certain outcomes. The information could be applied to footballers who have potential to play at the elite level; having this knowledge may help them get recognised by recruiters as it will equip them further in regards to skill sets. Finally, this information is applicable to football coaches. It will help junior or senior football coaches teach players effective handballing techniques which has the potential to make them better players in the long run.
References
AFL Community,. (2012). AFL Skills Guide -Handballing. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWeHdGS-MiY
AFL,. (2014). Australian Football League. Retrieved 13 June 2014, from http://www.afl.com.au/
Blazevich, A. (2012). Sports biomechanics (1st ed.). London: Bloomsbury.
Enoka, R., & Enoka, R. (2002). Neuromechanics of human movement (1st ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Huston, R., & Huston, R. (2013). Fundamentals of biomechanics (1st ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Kargo, W., & Giszter, S. (2000). Rapid correction of aimed movements by summation of force-field primitives. The Journal Of Neuroscience, 20(1), 409--426.
Kensrud, J., & Smith, L. (2011). In situ lift measurement of sports balls. Procedia Engineering, 13, 278--283.
Keogh, J., Reid, D., & others,. (2005). The role of biomechanics in maximising distance and accuracy of golf shots. Sports Medicine, 35(5), 429--449.
Lucas, G., Cooke, F., & Friis, E. (1999). A primer of biomechanics (1st ed.). New York: Springer.
NAB Auskick Skills Guide. (2014) (1st ed., pp. 59-62). Melbourne, Australia. Retrieved from http://mm.afl.com.au/portals/0/afl_docs/development/coaching/junior_manual/AFL_Junior_Coaching_Manual_5.pdf
News Limited,. (2014). Gold Coast Suns superstar Gary Ablett has got even better since leaving Geelong. Retrieved from http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/gold-coast-suns-superstar-gary-ablett-has-got-even-better-since-leaving-geelong-cameron-ling-says/story-e6frf3e3-1226335027242
Parrington, L., Ball, K., Macmahon, C., & Taylor, S. (2009). Biomechanical analysis of the handball in Australian football, 1(1).
Winter, D., & Winter, D. (1990). Biomechanics and motor control of human movement (1st ed.). New York: Wiley.
AFL,. (2014). Australian Football League. Retrieved 13 June 2014, from http://www.afl.com.au/
Blazevich, A. (2012). Sports biomechanics (1st ed.). London: Bloomsbury.
Enoka, R., & Enoka, R. (2002). Neuromechanics of human movement (1st ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Huston, R., & Huston, R. (2013). Fundamentals of biomechanics (1st ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
Kargo, W., & Giszter, S. (2000). Rapid correction of aimed movements by summation of force-field primitives. The Journal Of Neuroscience, 20(1), 409--426.
Kensrud, J., & Smith, L. (2011). In situ lift measurement of sports balls. Procedia Engineering, 13, 278--283.
Keogh, J., Reid, D., & others,. (2005). The role of biomechanics in maximising distance and accuracy of golf shots. Sports Medicine, 35(5), 429--449.
Lucas, G., Cooke, F., & Friis, E. (1999). A primer of biomechanics (1st ed.). New York: Springer.
NAB Auskick Skills Guide. (2014) (1st ed., pp. 59-62). Melbourne, Australia. Retrieved from http://mm.afl.com.au/portals/0/afl_docs/development/coaching/junior_manual/AFL_Junior_Coaching_Manual_5.pdf
News Limited,. (2014). Gold Coast Suns superstar Gary Ablett has got even better since leaving Geelong. Retrieved from http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/gold-coast-suns-superstar-gary-ablett-has-got-even-better-since-leaving-geelong-cameron-ling-says/story-e6frf3e3-1226335027242
Parrington, L., Ball, K., Macmahon, C., & Taylor, S. (2009). Biomechanical analysis of the handball in Australian football, 1(1).
Winter, D., & Winter, D. (1990). Biomechanics and motor control of human movement (1st ed.). New York: Wiley.