Biomechanics 03 00038
Biomechanics 03 00038
Abstract: This study aimed to report the shooting velocities and to assess the differences in shot velocity
according to the techniques used in elite youth male rink hockey players. Fifteen rink hockey players
(age = 18.40 ± 1.44 year; body mass = 73.52 ± 6.02 kg; height = 1.76 ± 0.06 m; BMI = 23.61 ± 2.12;
sports experience = 6.44 ± 1.76 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Shooting velocities were
assessed for four techniques: slap shot without approach run, drive shot without approach run, slap shot
with approach run, and drive shot with approach run. Shooting velocity measurements were conducted
using a radar Stalker ATS systemTM. The results demonstrated that drive shots consistently achieved
higher velocities compared to slap shots (F(3,56 ) = 23.9 p < 0.01, ηp 2 = 0.58). Additionally, incorporating
an approach run significantly increased shooting velocities for both techniques (p < 0.01). These findings
hold significant implications for coaches and players seeking to optimize shooting performance in
rink hockey.
right-handed player, the right hand is in the upper position) and performs a motion with
the stick backward and then forward to strike the ball. The shot is executed on the left side
of the body, involving the rotation of the torso and shoulders to the right. The right leg
is placed forward to provide stability during the shot. The drive shot primarily involves
activation of the upper body muscles, especially the pectoral, deltoids, biceps, and triceps,
to generate the required force and speed in the stick movement. Additionally, the muscles
of the torso, such as the obliques and abdominals, are also engaged to provide rotational
power and stabilization. The legs, particularly the left leg, help generate force through the
momentum and weight transfer during the shot [15]. In the slap shot, the player positions
the ball on the right side of their body (for a right-handed player) and performs a reverse
motion with the stick, taking it backward and then forward. During the slap shot, the torso,
shoulders, and hips rotate to the left, while the left leg is placed forward to provide stability
and balance during the shot. The main muscles involved to provide force and power in
the stick movement are similar to the drive shot. However, the implication of the torso
muscles, such as the obliques, is more important to generate the necessary rotation during
the motion. The legs also play an important role, with the right leg providing momentum
and weight transfer during the shot [15].
Despite the recent increase in rink hockey investigations [16,17], and while previous
research has provided valuable insights into the determinants of shooting velocity [18],
the relationship between shooting technique and shooting velocity in rink hockey players
remains relatively unexplored. Only Vaz et al. [18] have reported values of the shoot-
ing velocity with an approach run (115.4 ± 7.2 km/h) and without an approach run
(102 ± 4.6 km/h) in a sample of top-elite Portuguese rink hockey athletes. Therefore, the
aims of this study were (1) to report the shooting velocities from drive and slap techniques
both with players using an approach run and with players shooting from a static position;
and (2) to assess the differences in shot velocity according to the techniques used. It was
hypothesized that rink hockey players would obtain higher velocities when using the drive
technique, especially when using an approach run.
2.1. Participants
Fifteen highly skilled male rink hockey players were recruited through convenience
sampling to participate in this research. The participants’ demographic details, including
age, height, mass, BMI, and playing experience, were provided by the club’s medical de-
partment, and are presented in Table 1. All players were involved in a talent development
program at the time of this study, dedicating a minimum of four training sessions per
week, comprising approximately 8 to 12 h weekly, for 8–9 months annually. Moreover,
they regularly competed in matches, with at least one game scheduled every weekend
throughout the season. To ensure the participants’ optimal physical condition, athletes with
any existing acute or chronic injuries or illnesses that could hinder their maximum effort
during the tests were excluded from this study. Prior to the commencement of the research,
written informed consent was obtained from all participants and from parents/tutors, ad-
hering to the ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki (revised in Fortaleza,
Brazil, 2013). The Ethics Committee of the Ramon Llull University in Barcelona approved
the research design (ref. no. 1819005D), and the technical department of the club granted
official consent for the study’s conduction.
Biomechanics 2023, 3 471
Biomechanics
Biomechanics 2023,
2023, 4,
4, FOR
FOR PEER
PEER REVIEW
REVIEW 33
(A)
(A) (B)
(B)
Figure
Figure1.
Figure 1.1.(A)
(A)Drive
(A) Drive
Drive shot
shot and
shot
and (B)
and slap
(B)(B) shot
slap
slap techniques
shot
shot without
techniques
techniques approach
without
without run.
approach
approach run.run.
(A)
(A) (B)
(B)
Figure 2. (A) Drive shot and (B) slap shot techniques with approach run.
Biomechanics 2023, 3 472
Subjects shot a standard rink hockey ball (mass 160 g, circumference 23 cm) as fast as
possible toward a standard goal (without goalkeeper), using their personal technique and
managing their personal stick. Each subject performed a total of two attempts for each type
of shot, with at least two minutes of rest between each attempt. The shoot was measured
using a radar Stalker ATS systemTM (Radar Sales, Minneapolis, MN, USA) handheld at
shoulder level. Immediately after each shot, the athlete was informed of the achieved
velocity. The highest values obtained from the two attempts of the same technique were
used for further analysis.
3. Results
Descriptive statistics and reliability measures for all tests are shown in Table 2. Almost
all the assessments showed good within-session ICC values (≥ 0.9) and had acceptable
consistency with CV values <10%.
0.01; d = 1.98 (1.13 to 2.83). In both techniques, shooting with an approach run also pro-
Biomechanics 2023, 3 473
vides higher shooting velocities (p = 0.02; d = 1.18 (0.38 to 1.97) for the slap shot; p < 0.01; d
= 1.52 (0.71 to 2.34) for the drive shot).
Figure 3. Comparison between the shooting velocity according to the different shooting techniques
Figure 3. Comparison between the shooting velocity according to the different shooting techniques used.
used.
4. Discussion
4. Discussion
The present study aimed to assess and compare the shooting velocities from the main
The present
shooting techniquesstudy (the aimed
drivetoshot
assess
andandthe compare
slap shot,the bothshooting
with and velocities
without from the main
an approach
shooting techniques
run) in elite youth rink (the drive players.
hockey shot andThe themain
slap shot,
findingsboth withthat
were andsignificant
without an approach
differences
in shooting
run) velocities
in elite youth rinkacross
hockey theplayers.
variousThe techniques used were
main findings were found, with the drive
that significant shots
differences
indemonstrating higheracross
shooting velocities velocities compared
the various to slap shots.
techniques used were found, with the drive shots
The analysis
demonstrating of shooting
higher velocitiesvelocities
compared basedto on
slaptheshots.
different techniques revealed notable
differences in shot velocity. Unsurprisingly,
The analysis of shooting velocities based on the different the drive shot technique
techniquesexhibited
revealedhighernotable
velocities compared to the slap shot (110.4 ± 8.25 km/h
differences in shot velocity. Unsurprisingly, the drive shot technique exhibited vs. 98.3 ± 8.08 km/hhigherfor the ve-
drive shots and 94.6 ± 7.08 km/h vs. 85.3 ± 8.39 km/h for the slap
locities compared to the slap shot (110.4 ± 8.25 km/h vs. 98.3 ± 8.08 km/h for the drive shots shots), which can be
explained
and by the
94.6 ± 7.08 dominance
km/h vs. 85.3of ± the
8.39drive
km/hshot
for among
the slapmost rinkwhich
shots), hockey players
can [15]. Thisby
be explained
difference can be attributed to the biomechanical characteristics of the two techniques. The
the dominance of the drive shot among most rink hockey players [15]. This difference can
drive shot’s stick motion allows for more effective force generation from the upper body
be attributed to the biomechanical characteristics of the two techniques. The drive shot’s
muscles, resulting in higher velocities compared to the slap shot’s stick motion [15]. The
stick motion allows for more effective force generation from the upper body muscles, re-
drive shot primarily activates the muscles of the upper body, particularly the pectorals,
sulting in higher velocities compared to the slap shot’s stick motion [15]. The drive shot
deltoids, biceps, and triceps, to produce the necessary force and speed in the stick’s motion.
primarily
Furthermore,activates the muscles
the muscles of theof torso,
the upper
suchbody,
as the particularly
obliques and the abdominals,
pectorals, deltoids,
are alsobi-
ceps, and triceps,
involved to produce
in supplying the necessary
rotational strength force and speed in the
and stabilization. Thestick’s motion. the
legs, notably Further-
left
more,
leg, contribute to generating force by leveraging momentum and transferring weightin
the muscles of the torso, such as the obliques and abdominals, are also involved
supplying
during therotational
shot. Instrength
this vein, andthestabilization. The legs,rapid
drive shot involves notablyand theforceful
left leg,movements,
contribute to
generating force by
requiring players to leveraging
exert maximal momentum
power inand a shorttransferring
period, whichweight canduring the shot. In
be advantageous
this vein,gameplay,
during the driveespecially
shot involves rapid and situations
in goal-scoring forceful movements,
or set-piecesrequiring
actions (one players
of thetomost
exert
maximal
important power in a short
offensive actions period,
in rinkwhich
hockey can be advantageous
games) during
[24,25]. However, thegameplay,
slap shot especially
involves
ina goal-scoring situations
different movement or set-pieces
pattern, where the actions
player(oneusesof the most important
a rotational motion andoffensive actions
trunk rotation
intorink
generate
hockey power.
games) Although
[24,25].the arm andthe
However, shoulder
slap shot muscles are still
involves involved,
a different the primary
movement pat-
emphasis
tern, whereinthe theplayer
slap shotusesisa on rotational
rotational power
motion and and coordination
trunk rotation toand there ispower.
generate a higher Alt-
implication
hough the arm of the
andstabilators
shoulder and core are
muscles muscles.
still involved, the primary emphasis in the slap
shot isInon addition, this power
rotational study also
andhighlighted
coordination theand
impact of incorporating
there an approach
is a higher implication ofrunthe on
sta-
shooting velocities.
bilators and core muscles. Both the slap shot and the drive shot exhibited higher velocities when
players used an approach
In addition, this studyrun also(110.4 ± 8.25 km/h
highlighted for drive
the impact and 94.6 ± 7.08ankm/h
of incorporating for slap
approach run
shot when using an approach run vs. 98.3 ± 8.08 km/h for the drive
on shooting velocities. Both the slap shot and the drive shot exhibited higher velocities and 85.3 ± 8.39 km/h
for the slap slop when not using an approach run). When a running approach is used, the
athlete benefits from accumulating speed and kinetic energy while moving toward the
Biomechanics 2023, 3 474
target. This additional speed translates into an increase in the velocity of the body part
involved in the shot. The kinetic energy generated by the approach is transferred to the
ball at the moment of the shot, resulting in higher velocities. Conversely, shooting from a
stationary position requires the athlete to generate all the necessary force and power from a
static position. In this case, power largely depends on the athlete’s muscular strength and
technique. Since there is no accumulated kinetic energy from a run up, efficient technique
and the ability to generate explosive force from a static starting position are crucial to
achieve a powerful throw. This is especially relevant in penalty situations, when the
player has to shoot from a static position [26]. Moreover, the shot’s rotational movements
involving the torso and shoulders to the right, combined with the leg’s force generation,
contribute to its superiority in generating shooting velocities. These findings are consistent
with the results reported by Vaz et al. [18] in a study involving top-elite rink hockey athletes,
where similar values were observed (115.4 ± 7.2 km/h vs. 102 ± 4.6 km/h).
Despite the valuable insights provided by this study, certain limitations should be
acknowledged. Firstly, the relatively small sample size and the exclusive focus on elite
youth male rink hockey players from a specific club may limit the generalizability of the
findings to other player populations or different levels of play. To enhance the robustness
of future research, larger and more diverse samples should be considered. Secondly, the
cross-sectional design used in this study hinders the establishment of causal relationships,
and the measurements were taken at a specific point in time (end-season). Considering the
potential impact of season timing on the results, and more especially in youth athletes [27],
longitudinal studies would be beneficial. Additionally, the current study only assessed
shooting velocity, neglecting other influential factors like biomechanics movement, the
kind of sticks used, or accuracy in shots. More comprehensive investigations encompassing
a broader range of variables would provide a more holistic understanding of shooting
performance in rink hockey.
Furthermore, the involvement of specific muscles during shooting actions may vary
depending on the particular technique employed [15]. Incorporating electromyographic
(EMG) analysis in future studies could shed light on muscle activation patterns during
different shooting techniques in rink hockey. This deeper insight into the biomechani-
cal aspects underlying shooting performance could identify specific muscle groups con-
tributing to higher shooting velocities and further enhance training and performance
optimization strategies.
5. Conclusions
In conclusion, the current study revealed that the drive shot run exhibited higher
velocities than the slap shot. Additionally, both the drive and slap techniques demonstrated
higher shooting velocities when executed with an approach run compared to shooting
from a static position. Furthermore, this study provides baseline data on shot velocities for
each technique in elite youth rink hockey players. Coaches and players can utilize these
findings to develop targeted training programs aimed at optimizing shooting performance
in rink hockey. These training programs should focus on optimizing shooting techniques
to maximize ball speed. Players should receive coaching on proper body positioning, arm
and shoulder coordination, and trunk rotation to generate the greatest amount of force and
precision during shots. Biomechanical analysis, such as motion capture technology, could
provide valuable feedback and guidance to players in refining their shooting technique.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, J.A.-A., G.T. and D.M.-G.; methodology, J.A.-A. and G.T.;
formal analysis, J.A.-A. and G.T.; data curation, J.A.-A., G.T. and D.M.-G.; funding acquisition, J.A.-A.;
investigation, J.A.-A. and G.T.; writing—original draft preparation, J.A.-A. and G.T.; writing—review
and editing, J.A.-A., G.T., and D.M.-G.; project administration, J.A.-A. All authors have read and
agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Biomechanics 2023, 3 475
Institutional Review Board Statement: The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the
Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Ramon Llull University Ethics Committee (ref. no. 1819005D).
Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in
the study.
Data Availability Statement: The data presented in this study are available on reasonable request
from the corresponding author.
Acknowledgments: We are grateful to all the study subjects for their participation.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
References
1. Fernández, D.; Cadefau, J.A.; Serra, N.; Carmona, G. The distribution of different intensity demanding scenarios in elite rink
hockey players using an electronic performance tracking system. PLoS ONE 2023, 18, e0282788. [CrossRef]
2. Yagüe, P.L.; Del Valle, M.E.; Egocheaga, J.; Linnamo, V.; Fernández, A. The competitive demands of elite male rink hockey. Biol.
Sport 2013, 30, 195–199. [CrossRef]
3. Arboix-Alió, J.; Buscà, B.; Busquets, A.; Aguilera-Castells, J.; de Pablo, B.; Montalvo, A.M.; Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, A. Relationship
between Inter-Limb Asymmetries and Physical Performance in Rink Hockey Players. Symmetry 2020, 12, 2035. [CrossRef]
4. Arboix-Alió, J.; Aguilera-Castells, J.; Rey-Abella, F.; Buscà, B.; Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, A. Asimetrías neuromusculares entre
miembros inferiores en jugadores de hockey sobre patines. RICYDE Rev. Int. Ciencias Deport. 2018, 14, 358–373. [CrossRef]
5. Colomar, J.; Corbi, F.; Brich, Q.; Baiget, E. Determinant Physical Factors of Tennis Serve Velocity: A Brief Review. Int. J. Sports
Physiol. Perform. 2022, 17, 1159–1169. [CrossRef]
6. Hayes, M.J.; Spits, D.R.; Watts, D.G.; Kelly, V.G. Relationship Between Tennis Serve Velocity and Select Performance Measures.
J. Strength Cond. Res. 2021, 35, 190–197. [CrossRef]
7. Stodden, D.F.; Fleisig, G.S.; McLean, S.P.; Andrews, J.R. Relationship of Biomechanical Factors to Baseball Pitching Velocity:
Within Pitcher Variation. J. Appl. Biomech. 2005, 21, 44–56. [CrossRef]
8. Shaw, J.; Gould, Z.I.; Oliver, J.L.; Lloyd, R.S. Physical Determinants of Golf Swing Performance: Considerations for Youth Golfers.
Strength Cond. J. 2022, 44, 10–21. [CrossRef]
9. Novak, D.; Loskot, J.; Roczniok, R.; Opath, L.; Stastny, P. Training with a Heavy Puck Elicits a Higher Increase of Shooting Speed
Than Unloaded Training in Midget Ice Hockey Players. J. Hum. Kinet. 2022, 82, 191–200. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
10. Schwesig, R.; Laudner, K.G.; Delank, K.-S.; Brill, R.; Schulze, S. Relationship between Ice Hockey-Specific Complex Test (IHCT)
and Match Performance. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 3080. [CrossRef]
11. Ladru, B.-J.; Beddows, T.; Langhout, R.; Gijssel, M.; Tak, I. What biomechanical parameters are related to drag-flick performance
in field hockey? A systematic review. Sport. Biomech. 2023, 27, 1–30. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
12. Chelly, M.S.; Hermassi, S.; Shephard, R.J. Relationships between Power and Strength of the Upper and Lower Limb Muscles and
Throwing Velocity in Male Handball Players. J. Strength Cond. Res. 2010, 24, 1480–1487. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
13. Marques, M.C.; van den Tillaar, R.; Vescovi, J.D.; González-Badillo, J.J. Relationship Between Throwing Velocity, Muscle Power, and
Bar Velocity During Bench Press in Elite Handball Players. Int. J. Sports Physiol. Perform. 2007, 2, 414–422. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
14. Riverola, R. Hockey Patines: Preparación Física; Segura, R., Ed.; Altorendimiento: Alcoy, Spain, 2009.
15. Ballestero, E. El hockey Sobre Patines: Variables del Rendimiento en el Disparo a Portería. Ph.D. Thesis, Institut Nacional
d’Educació Física de Catalunya, Lleida, Spain, July 2017.
16. Arboix-Alió, J.; Buscà, B.; Peña, J.; Aguilera-Castells, J.; Miró, A.; Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, A.; Trabal, G. Situational and Game
Variables in Rink Hockey: A Systematic Review. Apunt. Educ. Física Deport. 2023, 2, 22–35. [CrossRef]
17. Ferraz, A.; Valente-Dos-Santos, J.; Sarmento, H.; Duarte-Mendes, P.; Travassos, B. A Review of Players’ Characterization and
Game Performance on Male Rink-Hockey. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 42–59. [CrossRef]
18. Vaz, M.; Ramos, N.; Abrantes, J.; Queirós de Melo, F.; Conceiçao, F. Biomechanics of the Penalty Stroke in Roller Hockey. Rev.
Port. Ciencias Desporto 2011, 2, 129–132.
19. Weir, J.P. Quantifying Test-Retest Reliability Using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and the SEM. J. Strength Cond. Res. 2005,
19, 231. [CrossRef]
20. Koo, T.K.; Li, M.Y. A Guideline of Selecting and Reporting Intraclass Correlation Coefficients for Reliability Research. J. Chiropr.
Med. 2016, 15, 155–163. [CrossRef]
21. Cormack, S.J.; Newton, R.U.; McGuigan, M.R.; Doyle, T.L.A. Reliability of Measures Obtained During Single and Repeated
Countermovement Jumps. Int. J. Sports Physiol. Perform. 2008, 3, 131–144. [CrossRef]
22. Cohen, J. Statistical Power Analysis for Behavioural Science; Lawrence Erlbaum: Mahwah, NJ, USA, 1988.
23. Hopkins, W.G.; Marshall, S.W.; Batterham, A.M.; Hanin, J. Progressive Statistics for Studies in Sports Medicine and Exercise
Science. Med. Sci. Sport. Exerc. 2009, 41, 3–13. [CrossRef]
24. Arboix-Alió, J.; Trabal, G.; Aguilera-Castells, J.; Buscà, B. Analysis of the Individual Set-Pieces Influence on the Teams’ Ranking in
Rink Hockey. J. Hum. Kinet. 2021, 79, 229–236. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Biomechanics 2023, 3 476
25. Arboix-Alió, J.; Trabal, G.; Hileno, R.; Aguilera-Castells, J.; Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, A.; Buscà, B. The Influence of Individual
Set-Pieces in Elite Rink Hockey Match Outcomes. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 12368. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
26. Arboix-Alió, J.; Trabal, G.; Valente-Dos-Santos, J.; Aguilera-Castells, J.; Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, A.; Buscà, B. The influence of
contextual variables on individual set-pieces in elite rink hockey. Int. J. Perform. Anal. Sport 2021, 21, 336–347. [CrossRef]
27. Fort-Vanmeerhaeghe, A.; Bishop, C.; Buscà, B.; Vicens-Bordas, J.; Arboix-Alió, J. Seasonal variation of inter-limb jumping
asymmetries in youth team-sport athletes. J. Sports Sci. 2021, 39, 2850–2858. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual
author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to
people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.