Application and Evolution of Leg Technique in the Finals and Semi-Finals of Taekwondo Olympic Games from 2008 to 2020

Abstract

Background and Aims: During the 2008 Olympics, the regulations saw major revisions to modernize and improve fairness. Electronic scoring methods were used to assess points objectively, eliminating the need for subjective referee judgment. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate taekwondo athletes from 2008 to 2020, including 64 athletes in total, with divisions into men's taekwondo (under 58 kg, under 68 kg, over 80 kg, and over 80 kg) and women's taekwondo (under 49 kg, under 57 kg, under 67 kg, and over 67 kg), each group comprising 32 athletes. Among them, the male athletes were 25 ± 3 years old, and the female athletes were 24 ± 2 years old. Methodology: This study employs video analysis to examine the frequency of use, scoring instances, points scored, usage rate, number of fouls, and opponent fouls among various taekwondo techniques (front kick, spinning kick, back leg spinning kick, front leg axe kick, back leg axe kick, side kick, hook kick, double kick, back kick, spinning back kick, tornado kick, straight punch). It assesses the usage of leg techniques in the Olympics and analyzes the frequency of different leg methods to evaluate the changes in taekwondo leg technique application since the introduction of electronic protective gear. Results: Video analysis has shown that, following the introduction of electronic protective gear at the 2012 London Olympics, there has been a yearly increase in the use of sidekicks, hook kicks, and the total number of techniques by taekwondo athletes. Notably, the frequency of front-leg axe kicks among male athletes and the use of straight punches to the head among female athletes have significantly increased, while no significant trends have been observed in the use of other techniques. Therefore, in taekwondo training, prioritizing the use of front-leg axe kicks, sidekicks, straight punches to the head, and hook kicks are recommended to enhance scoring rates, reduce fouls, and provoke opponent fouls. Conclusion: The use of electronic protection equipment has sparked a remarkable transformation in taekwondo methods, with a strong emphasis on strategic moves including front-leg axe kicks, sidekicks, direct punches to the head, and hook kicks, as demonstrated by film analysis since the 2012 London Olympics. This change emphasizes how crucial it is to use customized training methods to maximize scoring rates, reduce fouls, and purposefully cause mistakes by opponents.