Understanding successful and unsuccessful landings of aerial maneuver variations in professional surfing

This study aimed to analyze highly skilled aerial maneuver performance and to identify the critical features associated with successful or unsuccessful landing. Using video recordings of the World Surf League's Championship Tour, every aerial performed during the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final heats from the 11 events in the 2015 season was viewed. From this, 121 aerials were identified with the Frontside Air (n = 15) and Frontside Air Reverse (n = 67) being selected to be qualitatively assessed. Using chi‐squared analyses, a series of key critical features, including landing over the center of the surfboard (FS Air χ2 = 14.00, FS Air Reverse χ2 = 26.61; P < .001) and landing with the lead ankle in dorsiflexion (FS Air χ2 = 3.90, FS Air Reverse χ2 = 13.64; P < .05), were found to be associated with successful landings. These critical features help surfers land in a stable position, while maintaining contact with the surfboard. The results of this study provide coaches with evidence to adjust the technique of their athletes to improve their winning potential.
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports - Category: Sports Medicine Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research