Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Hall, B
• Kingman, J

Titel

The effects of angle of approach on kicking accuracy and kick kinematics between dominant and non-dominant limbs in soccer

Ist Teil von

• Journal of sports sciences, 2005-12, Vol.23 (11-12), p.1153-1154

Erscheinungsjahr

2005

Quelle

Taylor & Francis Journals Auto-Holdings Collection

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• The relationship between kicking kinematics and shot accuracy has been examined in the literature using three-dimensional analysis. However, there has been limited research on the relationship between the angle of approach and kicking accuracy. Most footballers show a difference in kicking accuracy between their dominant and non-dominant foot. The dominant side usually demonstrates a more consistent and coordinated movement. The angle of approach can affect the range of motion and ball contact in both limbs, thus affecting kicking accuracy. Approach angles between 30 and 45 degree have been reported to improve kicking accuracy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of angle of approach on kicking accuracy and kick kinematics between the dominant and non-dominant limbs. With institutional ethics approval, one male participant (age 23 years, height 1.65 m, body mass 67 kg) provided written informed consent and performed maximal instep kicks with the dominant (right) and non-dominant (left) limbs towards a goal from two approach conditions. Following a warm-up, kicks were aimed at a 1 m super(2) target from a distance of 15 m using the participant's natural approach angle (56 degree ) and an approach angle of 40 degree . Kicking accuracy was recorded for four trials under each condition. Accuracy was recorded quantitatively. Two 50 Hz Sony digital cameras recorded the data, which were reconstructed in three dimensions using direct linear transformation in SIMI Motion Analysis software (Germany). Backlift (angle of knee flexion at top of backlift), pelvic rotation (about the vertical axis) and angle of shank (in frontal plane) at contact were analysed from one kick under each condition based on anterior superior iliac spine, lateral knee and lateral malleolus markers. The results showed that the 40 degree approach improved shot accuracy in both the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Using this approach the participant displayed greater backlift and pelvic rotation, and a more tilted angle of the shank at contact in the frontal plane. Backlift and an angled shank contribute to the instep of the foot being placed further under and around the ball, thus making a better ball contact. It is interesting to note the difference in pelvic rotation between dominant and non-dominant kicks. However, limited research is available on the relationship between pelvic rotation and kicking accuracy. In conclusion, the results suggest that the angle of approach affects the kinematics of instep kicking when shooting for accuracy. It appears that pelvic rotation contributes to kicking accuracy, and the approach angle can affect range of motion through this joint. Further research is required in this area. Although the approach is often individual, an angled approach of 40 degree may improve dominant and non-dominant performance by enabling greater range of motion and better contact with the ball.