Journal of Human Kinetics volume 80/2021, 61-69 DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2021-0103 61 Section I – Kinesiology 1 - Department of Kinesiology and Health Prevention, Jan Dlugosz University of Czestochowa, Poland. 3 - Department of Health Related Physical Activity and Tourism, Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland. Authors submitted their contribution to the article to the editorial board. Accepted for printing in the Journal of Human Kinetics vol. 80/2021 in October 2021. Kinematic Effects of the Target on the Velocity of Taekwon-Do Roundhouse Kicks by Jacek Wąsik 1 , Dariusz Mosler 1 , Dorota Ortenburger 1 , Tomasz Góra 1 , Jarosław Cholewa 3 The phenomena of target kinematic effects under different striking conditions and applying different techniques constitute one of the fields of research for sports biomechanics. However, the influence of some kinematic variables which change under different strike conditions for specific parts of the lower limb remains unknown. The aim of this study was to extend the knowledge on how targets of different shapes or the lack of a physical target would affect maximal velocity registered by a marker placed on the foot, knee and hip during the execution of a roundhouse kick. In total, 15 adult males were included in this study. All participants were taekwon-do elite athletes. The displacement of markers placed on the lateral side of the foot, knee and hip during movement execution was registered by a stereophotogrammetry apparatus. Participants performed taekwon-do roundhouse kicks for three target types (into the air, a table tennis ball and a training shield) applying either a sport or a traditional style. The highest maximal velocity was obtained for kicking into the training shield. When applying the sport style, the highest maximal velocity of foot markers for the executed kicks was registered. Kicking into air resulted in higher velocities for proximal body parts than kicking into a tennis ball, but the effect was reversed for the foot marker. In conclusion, a large resistance target is suitable for athletes’ motor preparation as it allows the highest maximum velocity to be reached. Small non-resistant targets are recommended for technical training. Key words: biomechanics, martial arts, photogrammetry, sport analysis, lower extremity. Introduction The phenomenon of aiming at an object is often the focus of research for neurophysiology and biomechanics. The process of aiming can be studied under both standard and movement execution conditions or in a state of pathology. This phenomenon is complex as visual-motor coordination together with selecting the optimal trajectory of movement towards the target are required. During movement execution, proper motor control over the body is necessary. Both hemispheres of the brain are involved in this process, thus there is no “aiming area” in the brain which is responsible for this function in contrast to speech or listening areas (Winsten, 1997). The execution of rapid and precise movements exceeds the ability to consciously process information (Plamondon, 1998). Movement is typically intended and planned; therefore, the effect is dependent on the experience of the individual and the ability to perform coordinated movement. The development of aiming skills is related to experience and age (Olivier and Bard, 2000). Adults are better at handling complex coordination tasks given the mature nervous system. Successful aiming depends on several