IMPACT PATTERNS IN SOCCER KICK MOTION FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOYS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate impact patterns and kinematics of the kicking motion in Japanese elementary school boys. The school boys were classified into three groups: good-impact, toe-impact, and poor-impact groups. There were large differences in the ball speed, foot speed, and impact ratio between the good-impact group and the other groups. The good-impact group extended the hip joint largely during the back-swing phase. The college students largely inclined the support leg more than the elementary school boys. The elementary school boys should be taught to increase the range of motion of the kicking leg and to contact the ball with the top of the foot near the foot center of mass, which can be induced by angled approach steps.