Abstract:
Purpose of this study was to quantify expected peak ground reaction force differences between one-footed landing and two-footed landing after dunking a basketball. After a pilot study with 3 recreational college basketball players, research subjects were 8 male Division II and III college basketball players. Results were that ground reaction force and impulse values were significantly greater for the two-footed landing vs. one-footed landing after either a one-handed dunk or a two-handed dunk. The author postulates that landing on two feet simultaneously would distribute the force and impulse over both feet, reducing the values on either foot compared with the one-footed landing, and presumably reducing the risk of injury. The literature review concludes that ankle and knee injuries are the two most common injuries to basketball players, and that appropriate landing strategies can reduce the resultant forces.
