The Contribution of Expert Coaches’ Experiential Knowledge in Understanding Punching Performance in Boxers

Traditionally, the field of sports science has been interested in conducting research that is predominately quantitative in nature. Although this approach has provided significant findings, this has led to expert coaches’ experiential knowledge being neglected in favour of empirical knowledge. By investigating punching in boxing, we are interested in developing an understanding of whether elite coaches, through their experiential knowledge, intuitively identify key characteristics of effective punching as identified in controlled experimental research. For this purpose, five interviews were conducted with professional and amateur boxing coaches. From this qualitative approach it was evident that coaches’ knowledge was consistent with that of the empirical research on effective punching performance with four principal components emerging from the interview data. These included: 1) whole body movement, 2) footwork, 3) hip and shoulder rotation, and 4) hand and arm position. The data illuminated how coaches’ knowledge can be used to strengthen empirical findings in sports performance, in this case punching in boxing. Additionally, characteristics of performance that were discussed by coaches that were not identified in the empirical literature highlight directions for further research regarding effective punching technique, an area that requires further investigation before conclusive structures of good practice can be applied

HOOK-GRIP IMPROVES POWER CLEAN KINETICS AND KINEMATICS

The purpose of this study was to compare one repetition maximum (1RM), as well as biomechanical outputs across a range of loads (75-100%) in the power clean (PC) utilizing the hook grip (HG) or closed-grip (CG). Eleven well-trained males (PC 1RM=1.34xBW) with at least six months of HG experience volunteered. Following a familiarization session, PC 1RM testing with the HG and CG were completed in random order, 5-7 days apart on a force platform with linear position transducers and 2D motion capture. The HG condition resulted in greater PC 1RM (6.6%, ES=0.43), peak barbell velocity (2.9-5.2%, ES=0.41-0.70) and relative peak barbell power (5.7-15.1%, ES=0.32-0.71) at all submaximal loads compared to CG. No substantial differences were found in horizontal bar-path (ES=-0.27-0.32). The results of this study suggest that athletes who implement weightlifting movements in their physical preparation should adopt the HG

The Contribution of Expert Coaches’ Experiential Knowledge in Understanding Punching Performance

Traditionally, the field of sports science has been interested in conducting research that is predominately quantitative in nature. Although this approach has provided significant findings, this has led to expert coaches’ experiential knowledge being neglected in favour of empirical knowledge. By investigating punching in boxing, we are interested in developing an understanding of whether elite coaches, through their experiential knowledge, intuitively identify key characteristics of effective punching as identified in controlled experimental research. For this purpose, five interviews were conducted with professional and amateur boxing coaches. From this qualitative approach it was evident that coaches’ knowledge was consistent with that of the empirical research on effective punching performance with four principal components emerging from the interview data. These included: 1) whole body movement, 2) footwork, 3) hip and shoulder rotation, and 4) hand and arm position. The data illuminated how coaches’ knowledge can be used to strengthen empirical findings in sports performance, in this case punching in boxing. Additionally, characteristics of performance that were discussed by coaches that were not identified in the empirical literature highlight directions for further research regarding effective punching technique, an area that requires further investigation before conclusive structures of good practice can be applied

Improvement of kinetic, kinematic, and qualitative performance variables of the power clean with the hook grip

The power clean and other weightlifting movements are commonly used in the development of muscle power. However, there is a paucity of research examining the use of the hook grip (HG) in weightlifting performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare 1-repetition maximum (1RM) and kinetic, kinematic, and qualitative variables across a range of loads (75-100%) during power-clean performance with an HG and a closed grip. A total of 11 well-trained men (power-clean 1RM = 113.4 [15.9] kg, 1.34 × body mass) with at least 3 mo of HG experience volunteered to participate. Following a familiarization session, 1RM testing with the HG and closed grip were completed 5-7 d apart in a randomized order. Barbell kinetic and kinematic variables were recorded via a force platform and dual linear position transducer system. All subjects had a greater 1RM with the HG than with the closed grip (P < .001, effect size [ES] = 0.43). Peak velocity (ES = 0.41-0.70), peak power (ES = 0.43-0.61), peak force (ES = 0.50-0.57), and catch height (ES = 0.40-0.96) were significantly greater (P < .05) when using the HG at all or most of the submaximal intensities. In addition, subjects reported significantly greater perceptions of grip security, power, and technical competency at submaximal but not maximal loads. Athletes and coaches who implement weightlifting movements in their physical preparation should adopt the HG where possible. Furthermore, researchers and sport scientists should control and report the grip type used when performing weightlifting-type movements