LTPDst3cover.qxd (Page 1) - Scottish Rugby Union

Foot positionFeet should always be in a NEUTRAL POSITION.(Not over-pronated or supinated as the feet provide impact absorption and also stability inthe neutral position).SUPINATED NEUTRAL PRONATEDKeep the landing foot as close under the hip as possible.What are the ground reaction forces?In any running, jumping, landing and change of direction movement in sport, players mustbe able to absorb the amount of force being transmitted through the lower limbs. In anytypical landing action whether a bi-lateral movement or unilateral movement (depending onthe action), anything from 2.5 to 4 x bodyweight of force can be transmitted through thelower limbs in less than 0.02sec.Ground reaction forces can bedivided into two parts:1. Vertical ground reaction force2. Horizontal or breaking forceVERTICAL FORCEGRFHORIZONTALFORCEForces on impact are mostly vertical with less horizontal. The intensity of a jump will dependon height (vertical) and/or distance (horizontal). Therefore the higher you jump or thefurther you jump, the greater the forces on impact.It is important to minimise ground reaction forces if high intensity and too often repeated.- Potential for injury (chronic)- Cartilage/osteoarthritis- Achilles Tendon / Patellar Tendon.46