KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF SOCCER HEADING TECHNIQUE

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if collegiate players who head the ball frequently (FH) use a different technique than collegiate players who head the ball infrequently (IH). Twenty-four women’s collegiate soccer players with at least 9 years of soccer heading experience were separated into FH and IH groups. Ten maximal standing headers were videotaped. The FH group had significantly larger change in ball velocity, trunk ROM, and neck and trunk angular velocity at contact. It was concluded that women who headed the ball frequently used a different technique than women who head the ball infrequently. This difference in technique was best manifested in the change in ball velocity from pre-contact to post-contact.