Abstract
Introduction: Kicking is a vital component in the game of soccer. One major factor that influences the success of a scoring attempt is ball velocity. Ground reaction force (GRF) and joint velocities of the lower extremities are variables of interest for increasing kicking velocity. Previous studies have shown exercise programs used to strengthen the muscles used in kicking have been successful in increasing kicking velocity (Manolopoulos, et al., 2013).[GJR1] To date, no known studies have analyzed the specific relationship between GRF, joint velocity and kicking velocity.
Purpose: The goal of this pilot study was to analyze the influence of ground reaction forces and joint velocities on kicking velocity.
Methods: Four female Division II collegiate soccer players [GJR2] completed 3 instep soccer kicks [GJR3] using their dominant, right leg. Their motion was captured using the Cortex 8.1 Motion Analysis Software. Ball velocity, right and left anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and right and left ankle velocities were calculated using the motion analysis software. Ground reaction forces from the plant leg were also measured using force plate data from the Cortex software. Bivariate Pearson correlations with 0.95 confidence intervals were computed using SPSS version 28 for the resultant velocities of the right and left ASIS, right and left ankles, and the velocity of the ball. They were also calculated for the peak GRF in the anteroposterior (X), mediolateral (Y) and vertical (Z) directions and ball velocity. A correlation value of >0.800 or < -0.800 was considered significant.
Results: Significant correlations were found between peak resultant ball velocity and GRF in the X direction (-0.907), GRF in the Y direction (0.867), R ASIS velocity (0.950), R ankle velocity (0.855), and L ankle velocity (0.977). No significant correlations were found between peak resultant ball velocity and GRF in the Z direction (0.788), or peak resultant ball velocity and peak joint velocity of the L ASIS (0.692).
Conclusion: Braking force of the planting leg is shown to correlate significantly with kicking velocity. Although high braking force allows for a faster ball, this can have other implications to injury [GJR4] (Ball, 2012; Jones & Graham-Smith, 2016). Linear velocity of the hip also allows for greater ball velocity. As a pilot study, this study lacks the statistical power to extrapolate the information to larger populations. Therefore, additional studies are needed to further investigate the relationships between kicking mechanics and the resulting ball velocity.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Health, Exercise & Rehabilitative Sciences
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Justin Geijer
Start Date
4-19-2023 9:00 AM
End Date
4-19-2023 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
9
Included in
Influence of Ground Reaction Forces and Joint Velocities on Kicking Velocity
Introduction: Kicking is a vital component in the game of soccer. One major factor that influences the success of a scoring attempt is ball velocity. Ground reaction force (GRF) and joint velocities of the lower extremities are variables of interest for increasing kicking velocity. Previous studies have shown exercise programs used to strengthen the muscles used in kicking have been successful in increasing kicking velocity (Manolopoulos, et al., 2013).[GJR1] To date, no known studies have analyzed the specific relationship between GRF, joint velocity and kicking velocity.
Purpose: The goal of this pilot study was to analyze the influence of ground reaction forces and joint velocities on kicking velocity.
Methods: Four female Division II collegiate soccer players [GJR2] completed 3 instep soccer kicks [GJR3] using their dominant, right leg. Their motion was captured using the Cortex 8.1 Motion Analysis Software. Ball velocity, right and left anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and right and left ankle velocities were calculated using the motion analysis software. Ground reaction forces from the plant leg were also measured using force plate data from the Cortex software. Bivariate Pearson correlations with 0.95 confidence intervals were computed using SPSS version 28 for the resultant velocities of the right and left ASIS, right and left ankles, and the velocity of the ball. They were also calculated for the peak GRF in the anteroposterior (X), mediolateral (Y) and vertical (Z) directions and ball velocity. A correlation value of >0.800 or < -0.800 was considered significant.
Results: Significant correlations were found between peak resultant ball velocity and GRF in the X direction (-0.907), GRF in the Y direction (0.867), R ASIS velocity (0.950), R ankle velocity (0.855), and L ankle velocity (0.977). No significant correlations were found between peak resultant ball velocity and GRF in the Z direction (0.788), or peak resultant ball velocity and peak joint velocity of the L ASIS (0.692).
Conclusion: Braking force of the planting leg is shown to correlate significantly with kicking velocity. Although high braking force allows for a faster ball, this can have other implications to injury [GJR4] (Ball, 2012; Jones & Graham-Smith, 2016). Linear velocity of the hip also allows for greater ball velocity. As a pilot study, this study lacks the statistical power to extrapolate the information to larger populations. Therefore, additional studies are needed to further investigate the relationships between kicking mechanics and the resulting ball velocity.
