Quantitative analysis of the kinematics of the overhead lacrosse shot in youth

Abstract

Lacrosse is one of the oldest team sports in the United States and it has become the fastest growing sport in the country. The purpose of this study was to describe the kinematics of the overhead shot in youth male lacrosse players in attempt to gain an understanding of the movement patterns of the upper extremity. It was hypothesized that the kinematics observed with the overhead lacrosse shot would be similar to the mechanics of an overhead throw. Ten male youth lacrosse players (10.69 ± 2.06 years; 153.87 ± 12.90 cm; and 43.33 ± 9.25 kg) volunteered. Three accurate overhead shots were performed and the fastest shot was then selected for detailed analysis. The overhead lacrosse shot relies on trunk extension and rotation as the shot progresses and less on shoulder external rotation than a throw. Additionally, the lacrosse shot also appears to be less dependent on humeral elevation, compared to throwing, as 15.38 ± 12.10° of elevation was observed.