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Dumb VB Question No. 2

Discussion in 'Alligator Alley (other sports)' started by cocodrilo, Nov 3, 2021.

  1. Nov 3, 2021 #1
    cocodrilo

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    In college women's volleyball, all the players wear some kind of wrapping, for lack of better word, around their lower legs. I assumed that this was some padding to protect their knees, since they do a lot of forward sliding on the floor. But if you look close, in almost all cases the wrapping doesn't even cover their knees. Their knees are exposed. So what is the purpose of the wrapping?
     
  2. Nov 3, 2021 #2
    swampgas44

    swampgas44 Junior

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    I believe by wearing the padding just below the knee it hits the floor first and therefore does protect the knees. If you wore it over the knee it would probably hinder your jumping ability somewhat.
     
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  3. Nov 3, 2021 #3
    cocodrilo

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    Hmm. I'm not sure how the padding could hit the floor before the knee does, since the padding isn't that bulky, whereas a knee by nature sticks out. I guess I'd have to go down to the volleyball court and try it, but I'll pass. Thanks.
     
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  4. Nov 4, 2021 #4
    bigDgator

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    This short video shows how the knee comes into contact with the floor and why they wear them low.
     
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  5. Nov 4, 2021 #5
    cocodrilo

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    Thanks. I just have a problem relating the human body to physics in sports. Like I don't understand why a catcher never gets hit in back of the head with the bat, or why a college diver somersaulting off the diving board doesn't hit his or her head on the board.
     
  6. Nov 11, 2021 #6
    bigDgator

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    They do on rare occasion. Even the great Greg Louganis hit his head on the platform when he was the best in the world. You should be able find video of it. As a catcher I have been hit with the bat in many different places, mostly the catcher’s mitt, and by terrible hitters. You have to remember the batter is striding towards the pitchers mound when they hit the ball, some more than others, and the bat isn’t fully extend during the early part of the swing.