In my preceding post I said that after a thorough investigation and analysis of the forces associated with platform angle mechanics I reached the conclusion that rotational (steering) force should be applied to an isolated area of the inner shell wall of the ski boot by the medial aspect of the head of the first metatarsal. The reason I conducted a thorough investigation and analysis of the forces is that as a problem solver this is my standard protocol. Protocol aside, the need for a thorough investigation of every aspect affecting athletic (skier) performance was known as far back as 1983.
….. quality teaching – coaching of neuromuscular skills in physical education should always be preceded by an analytical process where the professional physical educator synthesizes observations and theory from scientific and technical perspectives……
There are many sports skills which require that sports objects, implements, equipments, and apparatus be utilized. (implements such as ski boots and skis)
All factors must be studied in terms of the skill objective. If problems are noted in the performance of the skill, where did they originate? Within the performer? Within the sport object? Both? What precise changes must be made to obtain the skill objectives?
The directions for improvement given to the performer must be based on scientific and technical analysis of the total skill.
Analysis of Sport Motion (May 1, 1983): John W. Northrip
Planes of Forces
The ability to conduct a thorough investigation and analysis of the forces associated with platform angle mechanics and biomechanics requires as a minimum, a basic understanding of the engineering aspects of the associated forces. In the case of platform mechanics and biomechanics, knowing the plane or planes in which a force or combination of forces are acting is essential.
The Force Plane in the Perfect Fit
The objective of achieving a perfect fit of the foot and leg of a skier is create a perfect envelopment of the foot and leg of a skier with the rigid shell wall of a ski boot so that force is applied evenly to the entire surface of the foot and leg to create a unified mass with the ski so that the slightest movement of the leg will produce edging and steering forces. In this format force(s) applied to the base plane by the leg will be distributed to a broad area with limited ability to apply coordinated forces to a specific area of the ski. Sensory input is also limited by the uniform force applied to all apects of the foot by the perfect fit format creating what amounts to the skiing equivalent of the Bird Box.
Platform Planes
In the mechanics and biomechanics of platform angle there are potentially three horizontal planes in which forces can be applied as shown in the graphic below. The left hand image shows the rotational force applied to a torque arm plane elevated about the base and plantar planes. In the perfect fit format in the right hand image the leg is shown as a rigid strut extending to the base plane where rotational force is applied.When the foot and leg of a skier are perfectly fit within to the rigid shell of a ski boot any force applied by the leg can only applied to the base plane of the ski where the force is distributed over a broad area. Steering and edging forces applied to the ski by the leg lack precision because they cannot be applied to specific areas or applied in a coordinated manner.
In the above graphic the whole leg rotational effort applied to the base plane by foot in the two examples is shown with no resistance. In my next post I will discuss what happens when resistance is added that opposes the rotational force applied to the base plane.