Understanding Change of Direction Performance: A Technical Analysis of a 180° Ground-Based Turn and Sprint Task

This study aimed to identify the key technical features that are consistently present in superior 180 degrees ground-based change of direction performances (180gbCOD), but lacking in lesser skilled performances. Twenty-two national under 21 level netball players performed three trials of a 180 degrees turn from a static start, followed by a 2.5 m straight sprint. High-speed video of the movement was recorded for each trial. A qualitative analytic approach was used to analyze the technical strategies employed by players throughout the movement task. Five key technical features were identified that were consistently observed in superior 180gbCOD performances (first foot ground contact was parallel to the new direction): 1) shallow squat combined with backward-moving centre of mass; 2) head leading the body through the turn; 3) arms and legs close to the body through the turn; 4) full extension of the takeoff leg (trail leg) at first takeoff; and, 5) large takeoff distance (distance from the foot of the trail leg to the center of mass) at first takeoff. These features provide coaches with valuable insight into the technical cues that appear to contribute to a superior 180gbCOD performance.