| Summary: | Kicking is a popular skill that has been the topic of multiple studies. However, little research has been done to identify control parameters that could potentially alter the pattern of kicking. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not anticipation-coincidence timing is a constraint that affects kicking pattern through the examination of kinematic variables. Twenty participants (7 males, 13 females, age 19-24 years) performed 12 kicks at maximum velocity for 5 conditions. Conditions were categorized by required anticipatory response. Condition 1 (C1), Stationary Ball (no anticipation), Condition 2 (C2), Anticipation/Slow ball velocity, Condition 3, (C3), Anticipation/Fast ball velocity, Condition 4 (C4), No Anticipation/Slow ball velocity, Condition 5 (C5), No Anticipation/Fast ball velocity. Dependent measures for pattern change were thigh lag, shank lag, and foot lag. Dependent measures for anticipation were the time values of contact relative to the required location. Constant Error, Variable Error, Absolute Error, time from Initial Movement to Contact, and time from Ball Release to Initial Movement were dependent measures for anticipation. Three-dimensional data were collected with a Peak Motus Motion Analysis System. Segmental lag data were analyzed using a 2-way (Condition x Level) MANOVA. Significant MANOVA was followed by a two-way (Condition x Level) ANOVA to determine dependent measures responsible for significance. Scheffe´ post hoc procedure determined means responsible for significant differences. Dependent measures for anticipation were analyzed using a 2-way (Condition x Level) ANOVA. Analyses for pattern change indicated significant main effects for thigh, shank and foot lag. Foot lag was the only variable responsible for significant pattern change (indicated by differences in positive and negative values). Variability in foot lag throughout conditions indicated different strategies of coordination. Anticipation data indicated that both levels of experience consistently made contact before the designated point in the fast velocity conditions and after the designated contact point in the slow velocity conditions. Initial Movement was initiated faster in the slow velocity conditions and was interpreted as a hardwiring coordination strategy. Decreased error scores for C5 indicated that the point of interception was not preferred for either level of experience. Results indicate that anticipation-coincidence timing is not a control parameter for kicking. In addition, it was concluded that different coordination strategies may be used to elicit a kick based on individual conditions.
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