Abstract
Background: Speed and direction of the ball are key factors in successful soccer penalty kicks. The kinematics that contribute to the kick direction are unclear. Purpose: The purpose of the study was (1) to compare the differences in instep kick kinematics between left and right kick directions; (2) to determine the significant factors that predict kick direction. Method: Four digital video cameras (80 Hz) collected data from eleven experienced female soccer players during instep penalty kicks to the left and right. Video analysis software (Dartfish Team Pro 6.0) was used to process and analyze the video files. Results : Paired t-tests indicated that several variables before ball contact were different. The linear regression included three variables (support foot orientation, support foot position behind the ball and approach angle) to best predict kick directions (R 2 = 75.6%, p < .01). Conclusion: The results may be useful for goalkeepers to anticipate kick direction before ball contact to gain a better chance to save the penalty kick. Keywords: Instep kick, Anticipation, Goalkeeping
Highlights
For a penalty kick in soccer the player kicks a stationary ball located 11 m away from the goal line
The approach angle (APA) was significantly less for the left kicks
The support foot orientation (SFO) positively correlated with the kick direction angle, which indicates that the ball direction would be altered in the same direction as the support foot
Summary
For a penalty kick in soccer the player kicks a stationary ball located 11 m away from the goal line. The level of difficulty in penalty defense was highlighted by Bar-eli, Azar, & Ritov, (2007) who analyzed 286 penalty kicks in top leagues and worldwide championships. They reported that 80% of the penalty kicks resulted in a goal being scored (Bar-eli, Azar, & Ritov, 2007). Speed and direction of the ball are key factors in successful soccer penalty kicks. Conclusion: The results may be useful for goalkeepers to anticipate kick direction before ball contact to gain a better chance to save the penalty kick
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