In an earlier post, I looked at the different styles used by kickers, and started to consider how their height and body proportions impact their experience.
Suppose we analyze one kicker's style in more detail using the same basic techniques. To do this, I've done a video frame capture at key points, adjusted the geometry so that the size of the kickbike and rider match, then used a line tracing technique to eliminate all the distracting background elements. This was just a rough, 'quick and dirty' so you'll notice some variations that will be cleaned up later - for example: the kickers head/helmet varies quite a bit. Hopefully this won't be too distracting.
Image 017: The kicker is just completing a foot change. His kicking leg is coiled, ready to kick, and his body is in the air for a brief moment.
Image 018: He's bringing his body back down, has curved his arms and back, and is about to release the kick stroke.
Image 019: He's finishing the kick stroke, bent his stationary knee, moved his arms forward, lifted his head slightly, and has straightened his back. This is all done in one smooth, continous movement extending the body and releasing his energy with the kick.
Image 20: He's into the gliding phase. His center of gravity is still low, his arms and stationary knee are bent. His kicking leg has followed through with it's power stroke in much the same way that a good tennis player will follow through with their racquet after hitting the ball.
Then, add a little animation and -
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