Video Self-model Training of Punt Kicking

Abstract

Differences in skill performance associated with side preference are observed in sports codes where an equivalent level of performance by both limbs is desired. In Australian Rules Football, some players can achieve long, accurate kicks with either foot, but other players typically have significant discrepancies between kicking sides. To improve punt kicking for distance and accuracy, video self-model training was applied to kicks made with the non-preferred foot, using the feedforward method. To show players performing at a level they could not currently achieve with their non-preferred foot, video of self was made with preferred foot kicks mirror-reversed and watched by the participants. Kicks made for distance showed an improvement in relative side-to-side performance from pretest to post-test, that continued at the retention test.