Dynamic adjustment of submaximal effort soccer side-foot kicks

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Science
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Understanding the biomechanical principles of soccer kicks is crucial for performance enhancement.
• Previous research has focused on maximal effort kicks, with less attention paid to submaximal efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the dynamics of the kicking leg during submaximal effort soccer side-foot kicks.
• To investigate how joint kinetics and kinematics are regulated to control ball velocity at different effort levels.

Main Methods:

• Eight male university soccer players performed side-foot kicks at 50%, 75%, and 100% maximal effort.
• High-speed motion capture (500 Hz) recorded kicking leg dynamics, and initial ball velocities were measured.
• Analysis focused on joint moments, angular impulses, and segmental motion within and out of the thigh-shank plane.

Main Results:

• Systematic regulation of hip flexion and knee extension moments was observed, supporting a sequential segmental control model.
• Hip external rotation moments were adjusted, indicating control of motion outside the primary kicking plane.
• At maximal effort, knee extension velocity's contribution increased, while hip external rotation's contribution decreased, correlating with a straighter approach run.
• Submaximal kicks showed smaller ball/foot velocity ratios, suggesting manipulated ankle joint fixation at impact.

Conclusions:

• Soccer kick intensity is modulated through coordinated movements within and outside the thigh-shank plane.
• Ankle joint fixation plays a significant role in submaximal kicks, influencing ball velocity control.
• These findings offer valuable insights for players and coaches to optimize side-foot kicking technique.