Biomechanical Comparison of Cutting Techniques: A Review and Practical Applications

Abstract

CUTTING ACTIONS ARE IMPORTANT MANEUVERS IN MULTIDIRECTIONAL SPORT AND ARE ALSO KEY ACTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH NONCONTACT ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY; HOWEVER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT 3 PRIMARY CUTTING TECHNIQUES HAVE BEEN STUDIED WITHIN THE LITERATURE: THE SIDE-STEP, CROSSOVER CUT, AND SPLIT-STEP. THESE CUTTING TECHNIQUES DEMONSTRATE KINETIC AND KINEMATIC DIFFERENCES, WHICH HAVE DISTINCT IMPLICATIONS FOR BOTH PERFORMANCE AND POTENTIAL INJURY RISK. IN THIS REVIEW, WE DISCUSS THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE 3 CUTTING TECHNIQUES AND PROVIDE CUTTING TECHNICAL GUIDELINES, VERBAL COACHING CUES, AND CHANGE-OF-DIRECTION SPEED AND AGILITY PROGRAMMING RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENHANCE PERFORMANCE AND PROMOTE SAFER MECHANICS.