Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Physical Education

First Advisor

Jeffrey E. Edwards

Second Advisor

J. Patrick Babington

Third Advisor

Thomas W. Nesser

Abstract

Context: Wooden sticks have been used in field hockey since the inception of the game. In recent years, there has been a growing trend among players to use modern composite sticks. However, there has been no research into the possible effects the weight of these composite sticks could have on player's performances. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect stick weight would have on player perfonnance, specifically ball velocity and player accuracy, during a series of penalty strokes. Design: All subjects were required to take twenty penalty strokes on goal with each of the two differently weighted sticks, into randomly assigned corners. Subjects: Thirty Two (age 25.7 ± 6.1 yrs, ht 173.6 ± 8.7 em, wt 75.3 ± 14.1 kg,% BF 18.0 ± 6.3 kg) healthy, physically active field hockey players participated in this study. Measurements: Players heights, weights, hand grip strength, wrist flexion and extension, upper body power, ball velocity and accuracy were measured. Results: Differences between groups were determined using a 2 X 2 X 2 mixed model ANOV A. Correlation (Pearson r) and multiple regression analysis where also computed. Conclusions: Stick weight was found to have no significant effect on player ball velocity, and or accuracy. However, upper body power, body fat % and skill level were all found to significantly contribute to increased ball velocity.

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