ANALYSIS OF LOCOMOTION VELOCITY AND LATERAL DIFFERENCES OF STRENGTH PARAMETERS OF FOOTBALL (SOCCER) PLAYERS

Abstract

The aim of this study was the analysis of lateral differences of strength parameters of the lower limbs and locomotion velocity of right and left turns in football. Nineteen junior athletes from a Brazilian National League football (soccer) club participated in this study. The locomotion velocity was analysed by a sprint test with and without 90° turns using double light barriers. In order to identify lateral differences of muscular strength characteristics, squat jumps (SJ) with one leg were performed on a force plate. Except for the maximal rate of force development and the time dependent variables of the SJ, all coefficients of retest-reliability were higher than 0.85. A reference table for the evaluation of specific locomotion velocity characteristics and strength of the lower limbs was developed. Significant correlation was found between the maximal force and the dominant leg (preferred kicking leg).