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Kicking Velocity and Effect on Match Performance When using a Smaller, Lighter Ball in Women's Football
T B Andersen1, P Krustrup2, M Bendiksen2
1Department of Public Health - Sport Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|August 24, 2016
Summary
A new, lighter football increased kicking speed in female players but did not affect match performance metrics. Physical exertion remained high regardless of the ball type used in matches.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Football Performance Analysis
Background:
- The impact of equipment variations on athletic performance is a critical area of sports science research.
- Understanding how ball characteristics influence player biomechanics and match outcomes is essential for optimizing training and competition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a smaller, lighter new ball (NB) compared to a standard ball (SB) on kicking speed and technical-tactical and physical performance in elite female footballers.
- To determine if ball size and weight influence key match performance indicators such as heart rate, blood lactate, distance covered, and skill execution.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory testing to measure peak ball velocity during kicking with both NB and SB.
- Field-based match analysis to collect data on physiological responses (heart rate, blood lactate), movement demands (total distance, intense running), and technical execution (passing accuracy and distance).
- Utilized Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) to assess match-induced fatigue.
Main Results:
- Laboratory tests showed a statistically significant 6% increase in peak ball velocity with the NB compared to the SB (p<0.05).
- During match play, no significant differences were found in mean heart rate, blood lactate levels, total distance covered, intense running distance, or Yo-Yo IR1 performance decrement between the two ball types.
- Passing statistics, including the number of passes of varying lengths and overall success rate, remained consistent regardless of the ball used.
Conclusions:
- While a smaller, lighter ball can enhance kicking speed in elite female footballers, it does not translate to measurable differences in technical-tactical or physical performance during actual match play.
- The physical demands and performance outcomes in high-level women's football are robust and not significantly altered by the use of this specific new ball type compared to the standard ball.
- Players experience substantial physical loading when competing with either ball type, indicating the intensity of elite female football.
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