Comparison of skills and lower limb biomechanics of female futsal players at collegiate and club levels

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare the futsal-specific skills and biomechanical characteristics of futsal female players at collegiate and club levels. Ten collegiate and ten club level female futsal players were voluntarily participated in the study. Four futsal-specific skills tests (i.e., Massey Futsal Shooting Test, Illinois Agility Test, 20m sprint test and Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test) and four lower limb biomechanical tests (i.e., Drop Vertical Jump, Counter Movement Jump, Star Excursion Balance Test and isokinetic strength and power at 60°/s and 300°/s of knee flexors and extensors) were completed by the participants. Anthropometric parameters such as body weight, standing height and body fat composition were collected. Independent T-test was used to to determine the mean differences across groups in all variables. Results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between both groups except for MFST (p value = 0.00). The shot speed for club group was statistically faster (52.16 km.h-1) than collegiate group (43.44 km.h-1). The duration to complete the shots for club group was statistically shorter (4.35s) than collegiate group (4.43s). More total scores were obtained by collegiate group (4.43 point) than club group (4.35 point). These results conclude that both groups had similar level of strength and power for the lower limb, except for shooting skill. Training should focus on strength development for hamstring and quadriceps muscles because these muscles may affect shooting speed in both collegiate and club players.