Date of Award

8-1994

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Human Performance and Health Education

First Advisor

Dr. Mary L. Dawson

Second Advisor

Dr. Patricia Frye

Third Advisor

Dr. Roger M. Zabik

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate biomechanical factors associated with successful overhand floater serves. Specifically, the study investigated the kinematics of the server at ball-hand contact. Six subjects performed floater serves for this investigation. Subjects served three trials under each of the following conditions: (a) short and long serves and (b) three ball-valve positions at ball-hand contact. Threedimensional cinematographic methods were used to obtain the data. Descriptive statistics were utilized to compare floater and nonfloater serves with respect to distance and ball-valve position. The results showed that (a) more long serves were classified as floater compared to short serves; (b) long serves were associated with greater linear displacement, linear velocity, and angular velocity at ball-hand contact compared to short serves; and (c) few posture differences were evident in the serving arm of subjects serving floater and nonfloater serves, or long and short serves.

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