Hayden Croft
"By analysing the biomechanics of the throw, we’re trying to figure out what good throwers do that bad throwers don't."
Otago Institute of Sport and Adventure lecturer Hayden Croft and Otago Polytechnic Education Development Centre Educational Developer Peter Brook are at the forefront of this revolution. They have spent several years developing a range of video-based virtual reality tools, which are now being employed by the New Zealand Rugby Union for professional game scenario training. "We began by developing a method for analysing the biomechanics of the lineout throw, which is important, because it is a very troublesome skill," Croft explains. "Basically, the players are in a room with a life-sized projection of a game scenario on the field, and they have to respond to what's going on effectively. Our laser tracking technology then measures the effectiveness and accuracy of the throw. By analysing the biomechanics of the throw, we're trying to figure out what good throwers do that bad throwers don't."
Having the ability to analyse the biomechanical details of the lineout throw is an exciting opportunity for Croft, who specialises in the field of biomechanics. It is, however, not the only aspect of the technology that is causing excitement in the NZRU. "Their motivation was to develop methods of training players that didn't involve other members of the team," he says. "The conditioning coach wouldn't want his lineout forwards doing 30 or 40 jumps when they're suppose to be recovering, for instance. This enables them to rest players and offer specialised training to those who need it." Croft recently presented the results of his ongoing research at a three-day symposium in Malaysia, focused exclusively on his work, and he says his presentation attracted a great deal of international interest.
Currently, he is working with the NZRU on a new virtual reality-based initiative involving player-mounted cameras, as well as looking at ways to take advantage of the recent boom in commercial 3D technology. It appears that when it comes to the application of cutting edge technology to sport, the field is wide open.