Major Question

What is the optimal run up length to reach the maximum distance when performing a vortex throw?

Background Information

 

The vortex throw is a movement that is very similar to movements in other sports. Similar movements consist of the javelin throw, shot put, discus, american football and many other sports that include a run up with a big single arm throw projecting an object forward. Pokrajčić, proved that the vortex throw can be instrumental in supporting beginners with the javelin throw. This is due to the exact same grip used to throw the javelin and vortex and allows beginners to master the technical skills and understand how to control a device and how to be precise with it (Pokrajčić, 2019). In the study, Pokrajčić used a vortex that was 24cm long and 135 grams (Pokrajčić, 2019).

Our question surrounding the Vortex throw is, what is the optimal run up length to reach the maximum distance when performing a vortex throw. The hypothesis is that the further that the athlete goes back to run up for the throw, the quicker the projection speed will be. 

The biomechanics incorporated into the overhand throw is about building velocity through the kinetic chain of the athlete. The kinetic chain in the throwing movement is about energy transfer from the lower limbs and the ground right through the trunk (proximal kinetic chain) and into the arm (distal kinetic chain) (Weber et al., 2014). In order to maximise this movement and create the greatest force and velocity in the throw, the athlete needs to optimise their approach and projection velocity to throw the furthest distance. Projection speed will be important to record due to how it is affected by the generation phase of the throw. This is when the athlete will need to generate their power and the longer the strides and higher force that goes into the ground on the last step, the better the trunk transverse angular momentum will be, projecting the vortex further (Ramsey & Crotin, 2018). 

Another key principle that will determine the furthest vortex distance will be the projectile motion and there are four main things to consider. Projection speed; This will be important because the bigger and faster the generation phase is to the throw the quicker the projection speed will be resulting in more energy to lose before gravity forces the object down (Hicks, 2025). Projection Angle; This will be important to try and keep consistent as if it isn't then it will be another variable in the mix affecting the results. Due to the positive projectile relative releise height, the consistent optimal angle in this experiment will be approximately 45 degrees, however this changes depending on the sport and the movement (Hicks, 2025). Relative Release Angle; The taller the athlete the lower the relative release angle will be to achieve the 45 degree projection angle (Hicks, 2025). Angle of Muscular Orientation/Activation; Due to muscular structure the projection angle of 45 degrees will balance the production of force between the upper body muscles projecting the vortex forward and upward (Hicks, 2025). 

The last factor to consider is the equipment being used and in this case it will be the Nerf AERO Howler which is a vortex that has many different principles to unpack. The aerodynamics and the way that the vortex spins and the way it travels through the air will be critical in determining how this will affect the distance of the throw.

   

              

Figure 1. Nerf AERO Howler Vortex used in this investigation. Image sourced from https://www.amazon.com.au/Vortex-Holder-Football-Exterior-Assorted/dp/B0B2ZTRRQM