How else can we use this information? 

Impacts - Environmental

Environmental constraints which can include wind, rain, crowd noise and the location where the data was collected (Anderson et al., 2018), were not the primary focus of this exercise, however it is important to include the conditions as they provide some context for interpreting the results. On the day of data collection, the weather was still with minimal wind assistance, this meant the ball flight was not noticeably altered by external forces. This allows the observed changes in horizontal displacement and ball velocity to be attributed more confidently to the curvilinear run up technique rather than environmental interference. 

It was not raining on the day of the data collection, but the ground was damp and soft underfoot, which introduces a subtle biomechanical consideration. A softer and slightly wet surface can influence plant‑leg stability, traction during the approach, and the athlete’s ability to generate force efficiently. In wet conditions, a heavier and more difficult to grip ball typically requires greater force to achieve the same distance as in dry conditions (Orchard, 2001), reinforcing the importance of stable footing and effective force transfer during the run up. From a practical standpoint, these conditions reflect authentic AFL environments, where players will frequently perform set shots on a damp playing surface. 

The fact that the curved approach still produced performance advantages under these conditions, strengthens the real-world relevance of the findings and highlights the technique's potential usefulness in match play.

Impacts - Performance

The performance impacts of this investigation demonstrate how a curvilinear run up can directly influence the outcome of an AFL set shot. The finding that stood out the most was the consistent increase in horizontal displacement as the radius of the curvature increased. From a performance perspective, this means players are able to generate more distance on the kick therefore extending their effective scoring range. This occurs because the curved run up enhances the combination of forces through the players trunk, hips and kicking leg, increasing in the approach velocity, therefore the momentum transfers to the ball on impact. When the player is near the limit of their kicking range, the extra force can mean the difference between the ball falling short or, going the distance required to score.

A secondary impact was the increase in the initial ball velocity observed in the participants. The faster ball flight is of more benefit in actual match play because it reduces the influence of defensive pressure, wind and air resistance (Ball, 2008).  A ball that travels faster and more direct is harder to smother, less affected by the environment and more likely to maintain its intended trajectory. This suggests that a curved run up may not only increase the distance but also improve the consistency and reliability of long-range set shots.

The data did not show a consistent relationship between curvature and vertical displacement, highlighting that players can adopt a curved approach without compromising the height or the trajectory of the ball. This is important for performance as it means players can strive for greater distance and velocity without having to sacrifice the ball's parabolic flight profile.

The variation between the participants shows the performance benefits of a curved run up is specific to the individual. Some athletes may experience noticeable gains in distance and velocity, whilst others may see a lesser improvement which is dependent on their co-ordination, strength and natural kicking mechanics. This reinforces the importance of tailoring the run up strategy to the athlete and not applying a one size fits all approach.

Impacts - Coaching, Training and Performance

Practical coaching strategies that can be implemented based on the data and analysis include; 

1. Set shot - 10 shot challenge

• Each player takes 2-4 shots at each spot, changing the angle and distance at each spot
• Complete the drill in pairs to challenge your teammate
• Practice for 15-30 minutes each time
• If possible, video to analyse trunk rotation, approach velocity and leg to ground angle

(GN Sports, 2026)

The set shot challenge uses the data showing how a curvilinear run up improves force integration, approach velocity and momentum transfer. By taking repeated shots from varying angles and distances, players practice stabilising their run up, curvature, refining trunk rotation and maintaining their leg to ground angle. These are the exact variables that increased the horizontal displacement and ball velocity in the analysis. By completing the drill in pairs adds game like pressure, whilst the optional video feedback can help identify inefficient or risky movement patterns by reinforcing the mechanics that produced longer, faster kicks in the data and reduces injury by promoting controlled trunk rotation, stable plant-leg loading and safer movement patterns.

    2.    Maintaining a consistent radius of curvature - keeping the ball in the channel

• Making sure you know your number of steps and routine, be aware of your starting foot
• Correct ball position in your hand
• Aim at the far goal post

(Ryan, 2011)

Maintaining a consistent radius of curvature is supported by the data showing players produced greater horizontal displacement and ball velocity when their curved approach remained stable. Keeping the ball in the channel, knowing the number of steps in the routine and starting on the correct foot all reduce unnecessary variability in the approach. Correct ball positioning and aiming at the far goal post also supports cleaner contact and more efficient alignment through impact. Combined, these adjustments lift the performance by establishing a repeatable, well-timed approach, whilst reducing injury risk through minimising sudden changes in trunk rotation or plant-leg loading than can occur with an inconsistent run up.

Other Applications

The findings from this analysis justify the use of these drills and cross‑sport comparisons further demonstrating their relevance through shared movement strategies across accuracy‑based sports. Similar techniques apply in basketball free throw, penalty kicks in soccer, place kicking in rugby and American NFL field goal kicking. Athletes rely on stable, repeatable approach patterns, controlled trunk rotation and consistency in the application, reducing variability and enhancing accuracy. Similar to AFL, these sports use repeated practice drills from varied angles and distances during competitive or paired drills to recreate game like scenarios.

Technique evaluation is fundamentally based on mechanical principals, multi-segmented interactions and musculoskeletal characteristics (Lees, 2002).  Applying these principals, the importance of maintaining a consistent run up, regulated step count, stabilising the curvature and ensuring the correct ball positioning aligns with the performance principals observed across these sports, where structured routines and controlled variability contribute to more efficient mechanics, improved accuracy and better decision making under pressure.