Abstract

Every human movement, regardless of how simple, can be analyzed as a sum of biomechanical factors. Such actions can even be found on the field of play in American Football. The seemingly simple action of attempting a place-kick is actually a combination of many quite complex formulas, equations, and relationships.

This thesis will attempt to analyze some of the individual factors involved while successfully executing a place-kick using the tradition style approach. A model of the ball's projected motion will be created that will allow us to trace the ball's movement along the x and y axis. The model will demonstrate what effect ideal conditions have on the ball's path as well as how environmental factors affect the ball's flight. Some of the factors observed are: effects of humidity, drag, and game situations such as the position from the line of scrimmage and the height of the goal post. Some anatomical factors will also be discussed regarding the length of the bones in the upper and lower leg and how their length influences the kick.