Relationship Between Soccer Specific Skills and Anthropometric Data in NCAA Division I Female Soccer Athletes

Abstract

Introduction: Soccer research has focused on men's soccer, while women's soccer has been underrepresented in studies focusing on physiological variables. The game of soccer places a varying demand of physiological factors on the performers. Each player must perform a diverse collection of dynamic movements including jumping, cutting, heading, sprinting, jogging, and the most fundamental and frequently used element of kicking. The possession of these fitness characteristics in isolation does not predispose the athlete for success in soccer; instead there must be a balance between these components. A fitness profile of the athletes may be generated from a battery of tests that will have some value in allowing comparisons between individuals and, with the use of normative ranges, individual weakness can be assessed and remedial training can be prescribed to increase performance. Kicking is the one of most fundamental and easily assessed skills in soccer. Many coaches equate kicking performance, as measured by velocity and distance, to successful soccer players. Of further importance is gaining an understanding of how those physiological traits relate to factors which can be more closely identified with on-field performance. By understanding what relationships, if any, exist between physiological factors such as body mass, percent body fat, body fat, muscular strength and power to sport specific variables such as kick velocity, coaches can focus their training on areas of the most importance. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of physiological characteristics to soccer-specific variables, such as kick velocity (KV), knee torque (KT), and body fat percentage (BF%) specifically in female collegiate soccer players. METHODS: The subjects of this study consisted of 22 NCAA Division I female soccer players. Anthropometric data was collected on age, height, weight, and body composition. Body composition was assessed using the Jackson-Pollock 3- Site Skinfold Formula procedure using the Lange skinfold calipers. A one repetition max (1-RM) squat parallel test was be used to determine the maximum lower body strength of the athlete. Lower body explosive power (VJ) was measured using a Vertec vertical jump device. A 40 yard dash was measured to evaluate acceleration and 100 meter sprint was used to determine speed. V̇o2Max was done with a 2-mile run test and prediction equations, while agility was tested using the Illinois Agility Test. Knee Torque (KT) was measured using the knee extension on the Biodex III and Kicking Velocity (KV) was determined using the Speed Trac radar gun. Statistical significance was set a the alpha level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between KT and KV (r = 0.89), as well as vertical jump and KV (r = 0.91). Aerobic power (r = 0.93), agility (r = 0.88), and vertical jump (r = 0.84) were highly correlated to BF%. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that significant relationships exist between physiological characteristics and soccer-specific variables. Practical Applications: Although sport specific skill training is essential and desirable among coaches and athletes, it is important to recognize that athleticism is multifaceted. The possession of these fitness characteristics in isolation does not predispose the athlete for success in soccer; instead there must be a balance between these components.