Accuracy And Velocity Comparing Instep And Pass Kicks In Collegiate Male Soccer Players

Abstract

Comparing two prevalent types of soccer kicks, instep kick (dorsum of foot, at laces) and pass kick (medial foot, at longitudinal arch), can highlight functionality and effectiveness during play. PURPOSE: Identify biomechanical differences between instep kick and pass kick during soccer play, comparing dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) kicking foot. METHODS: 17 male NCAA D1 collegiate soccer players (age 19.6±1.5years; BMI 23.9±1.4kg/m2) performed 3 instep and 3 pass kicks with each foot aimed at a 1.2x1.2m target with center 9m away, raised 0.3m from ground. Maximal kick of each type was used. Self-reported footedness determined D and ND. Ball velocity was captured via motion analysis (Simi Aktisys 2D) and accuracy quantified in two measures: distance from center target and angle of deviation from target. RESULTS: Instep kicks (D and ND combined) demonstrated higher velocity than pass kicks (25.6±2.8 m/s; 23.4±2.3 m/s; p<0.001). D foot kicks had greater instep velocity (27.0±2.1 m/s) than pass kick velocity (24.2±2.2 m/s; p<0.001), but ND footed kicks did not demonstrate significance (24.1±2.7 m/s; 22.6±2.2 m/s; p=0.09). Accuracy by angle of deviation demonstrated pass kicks (D and ND combined) were more accurate than instep kicks (4.1±2.0°; 6.2±3.7°; p<0.005), with significance in accuracy also noted in ND kicks (4.3±2.2°; 6.8±4.0°; p<0.05). D foot kicks were nearly significant (3.9±1.8°; 5.6±3.4°; p=0.07). Accuracy by distance from center (D and ND combined) showed pass kicks (0.9±0.5 m) were significantly more accurate than instep kicks (1.16±0.7 m; p<0.05). Neither D (1.1±0.7 m; 0.8±0.5 m; p=0.14) nor ND foot (1.2±0.6 m; 0.9±0.5 m; p=0.18) alone demonstrated differences between instep versus pass kick accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Instep kicks function for shooting; pass kicks for precision. Instep kicks have greater velocity than pass kicks, but not in ND limb, which may be harder to develop and thus disparities are not achieved. Pass kicks have greater overall accuracy than instep kicks, but not necessarily dependent on D or ND: more even distribution of pass kicks between D and ND may be exhibited due to their high prevalence of use during play. D versus ND limb capabilities should be further examined.