EFFECTS OF A 10 WEEK TRAINING PROGRAM ON PHYSICAL CONDITIONING AND INSTEP KICK KINEMATICS IN SOCCER

Authors

  • E. Manolopoulos
  • C. Papadopoulos
  • S. Prassas
  • E. Kellis
  • J. Ostarello

Abstract

The instep kick is the kick of choice in soccer scoring and passing over medium to long distances. Its success depends on many factors including the strength of the muscles responsible for the actions of the (kicking lower) extremity, the rate of muscle force production, the synchronization and energy transfer between lower extremity segments (Plagenhoef, 1971), the linear approach velocity (Opavsky, 1988) and approach angle (Isokawa and Less, 1988), and the ability of muscle to utilize effectively the stretch/shorten cycle (BOhrle, 1985). Ultimately, on a given kick, the velocity of the kicking foot and the point of (foot) force application on the ball determine the trajectory characteristics of the ball. Other factors such as flexibility and aerobic/anaerobic capacities also determine the ability of players to successfully perform in a game. The purpose of this study was to study the effects of a 10 week training program on selected physical conditioning and instep kick kinematic parameters in soccer.

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Published

2008-03-25

Issue

Section

Coaching and Sports Activities