INVESTIGATION OF SOCCER KICKING FOR PROFICIENT AND NONPROFICIENT SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the kinematic differences between proficient and non-proficient players during soccer kick. We hypothesize that there are significant kinematic differences between the proficient and non-proficient players as they aim to hit a specific target. Six subjects were recruited for the study. A marker-based motion capture system was used to capture the lower extremity joint kinematics during soccer kick. Our results showed that proficient subjects displayed larger maximum hip flexion angles during initiation phase and lower maximum hip flexion during kick phase for the right target, as compared to the non-proficient subjects. These differences may be useful considerations in developing a neuromuscular training program to increase the proficiency of hitting a specific target during a soccer game.