Rowing Biomechanics Chris McCosker QLD Academy of Sport Rowing Biomechanist
Outline 1. Biomechanics 2. Rowing Biomechanics 3. What Makes the Boat Go Fast? 4. The Importance of the Catch 5. Coaching Tools
What is Biomechanics Biomechanics is the study of internal and external forces on the body and the effects produced by these forces Kinematics Describes motion (Position, velocity, acceleration) Kinetics Describes the components associated with motion (Force, Torque / Moments, angular velocity, ang acc.)
Biomechanical Principles have been established to evaluate the efficiency of movements, e.g.. the known mechanical laws of general validity (Newton s laws) Newton s Law of Motion Boat + Rower Centre of Gravity Levers (1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd - mechanical Advantage) Muscle Force - Optimum muscle lengths
Sports Biomechanics objective quantitative and qualitative analysis applies concepts of mechanics to the body Qualitative Analysis Photo Filming (Video analysis) Quantitative Analysis Kinematics: describes the motion of nature (time, distance, velocity, acceleration) Kinetics: explains the causes of the motion (mass, force, work, power, energy)
Rowing Technique is characterised... as an appropriate biomechanical method to produce boat propulsion by using either sculls or sweep oars. Sculling Sweep-oar rowing
Rowing Biomechanics Rower s anthropometry Rower s boat rigging Boat hull design Fluid dynamics
Applied Forces in the boat pin Aerodynamic Drag Vel stretcher Hydrodynamic Drag pin
Forces during on-water rowing drive phase recovery phase pin pin stretcher stretcher pin pin boat velocity force
Force (N) Propulsive pin force + Propulsive stretcher force = Net applied boat force pin drive phase 1200 900 Applied force - oar angle plot PROPULSIVE FORCES: Net applied boat force = Pin force - Stretcher force Fpp Fboat Fpst 600 stretcher 300 0 pin -300-80 -60-40 -20 0 20 40 60 Oar angle-bow ( )
What Makes the Boat Go Fast?
What Makes the Boat Go Fast? Athlete A Athlete B
What Makes the Boat Go Fast? Athlete A Athlete B
The Importance of the Catch Most challenging part of the stroke cycle Apply power correctly and efficiently while staying balanced and dynamic in a compressed position on a moving platform!! Important to remember: An effective catch can only occur if the recovery is done correctly!!
The Importance of the Catch Key Ingredients Preparation: Rig boat correctly Eliminate faults before getting to catch Positions through recovery phase will impact catch position Unnecessary movements right at the catch make a good catch more difficult Effective Stroke Length: Repeatability and individuality Catch Position Goal to minimise boat check If the rower performs the catch properly, the boat will have the least negative acceleration and pitching in the stern
Remember The catch should always be thought of as the end of the recovery phase! No power should be applied until the blade has entered the water If the blade is not locked in the water, power applied is ineffective Think how does this affect boat speed
Coaching Tools - Video What is the goal of the session? Will video analysis help me achieve these goals and get my message across to the athlete? If so, where will I film from?
Rowing Biomechanics - Video What am I looking at? Is my camera positioned correctly? Is my aim to give feedback to the athlete? What questions do I ask? Athlete ownership self analysis!
Rowing Biomechanics Now that I have captured my video what do I do now??
Coaching Tools - Analysis Analysis Tools: Smartphone apps ie. coachmyvideo, coach s eye, ubersense PC/laptop kinovea
Coaching Tools - Analysis Watch the video in your time first before showing athletes Develop clear points of interest Don t get side tracked Let athlete provide feedback Develop Things to Work On
Conclusion Knowledge of biomechanics important for coaches who are seeking to improve and develop their athletes Do not need to become experts Have a knowledge of technologies available Develop athlete ownership But don t become reliant on it!! How will it impact boat speed?