DOES FORCEFUL EXTENSION OF THE SUPPORT LEG DURING THE KICKING STRIDE ENHANCE MAXIMAL INSTEP KICK PERFORMANCE IN A SKILLED SOCCER PLAYER?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to apply a technique intervention to the maximum instep kick to increase performance. A carefully constructed intervention was based on evidence from motor learning studies. A single semi-professional player undertook a single subject design to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention, and analyse the mechanisms which underpin the technical improvements. Kinetic and kinematic data was collected pre and post intervention. Ball speed (26.9 ± 1.3m.s-1 to 29.2 ± SD 0.9m.s-1) and knee extension velocity increased following the intervention. The mechanisms presented display a greater active contraction of support leg musculature led to increased energy transfer across the pelvis, and a greater subsequent passive energy transfer through the kicking limb.