Female Soccer Players Research Articles

Online Guided ACT Intervention for Enhancing the Psychological Well-being of Female Soccer Players in Pre-season

This study investigated whether an internet-based intervention aimed at enhancing the psychological well-being of female soccer players before the competitive season could be effective approach to meet the needs of the players. Players (n= 43; 17–26 years old)on the four separated teams in Finland’shighest league were assigned to either a guided six-week online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention (ACTi) or to a control condition (CON). A between-groups pre–post (ACTi vs. CON) design was implemented before the competitive season. Players in the ACTi were offered three group sessions, performed internet-based tasks, and were individually supported by a guide. The results demonstrated that the ACTi players maintained their sports-related well-being (between-group, d = 0.72), while the sports-related well-being of the CON players, especially emotional and social well-being, had declined. In addition, ACTi players’perceived stress (d = 0.60) and depression (d = 0.88) declined, while their psychological flexibility in sports (d = 0.41) increased compared to the CON players. These results suggest that before the competitive season, players’ sports-related well-being decreases. The ACT intervention seemed to prevent this decrease and provide players with the skills to cope with emotional and social stressors related to the competitive season.

Monitoring Heart Rate Variability and Its Association with High-Intensity Running, Psychometric Status, and Training Load in Elite Female Soccer Players during Match Weeks

In order to maximize adaptations to reach high performance, sports coaches must regularly monitor the healing process following competitions or important training sessions and maintain psychometric status. As a result, the objective of this study was to track heart rate variability (HRV) in elite Spanish female soccer players during match weeks and examine its connection to high-intensity running, psychometric status, and training load. Changes in the nocturnal HRV measured along the square root of differences between adjacent RR intervals of 4 h (rMSSD 4 h) during the first phase of slow wave sleep (rMSSD 5 min), resting heart rate (RHR 4 h and RHR 5 min) were recorded with Firstbeat Bodyguard 2 (Firstbeat Technologies, Jyvaskyla, Finland). Training and match loads were recorded with rating perceived exertion and high-intensity running data by using a global positioning system (GPS) device (SPI-Pro X, GPSports). Ultimately, the psychometric test was recorded by a 5-item questionnaire, and all data were analyzed across three weeks of a competitive season. The day of the match found the lowest HRV, while the day following the match found a substantial (p < 0.01) rise in rMSSD 4 h and rMSSD 5 min. Similarly, these variables showed significant differences two days after the match. Similarly, these variables showed significant differences two days after the match. Furthermore, significant differences were found between the RHR 4 h and RHR 5 min (p < 0.01) and rMSSD 4 h and rMSSD 5 min (p < 0.05) and variables after two days with a higher training load. The results gathered from the psychometric tests, and the various HR markers showed significant associations. As a result, HRV, RHR, and psychometric assessments are probably sensitive to changes in load within a microcycle, providing a straightforward and non-invasive technique to assess changes in the recovery/fatigue status of top-level female soccer players.

Normalising the conversation: a qualitative analysis of player and stakeholder perceptions of menstrual health support within elite female soccer

ABSTRACT Purpose: This qualitative study explores player and stakeholder perceptions of menstrual health support in elite female soccer. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 47 participants including players (n = 12), parents (n = 9), coaches (n = 9), sport scientists (n = 7), nutritionists (n = 5) and medical staff (n = 5). Results: Via thematic analysis, data demonstrate that elite female soccer players experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms primarily at the onset of and during menses (as also perceived by stakeholders), with most participants perceiving these symptoms to impact performance. Nonetheless, menstrual health support is perceived as minimal and although players have their menstrual status tracked, they report little understanding as to why or how this information is used. This confusion was also present among stakeholders, often as a result of uncertainty about the evidence supporting the need for menstrual health support. The perceived lack of support may also be reflective of a culture where conversations about the menstrual cycle are not normalised. Overall, this may result in failure to identify and treat menstrual irregularities despite non-coaching staff members perceiving them to be common amongst players. Conclusion: These data support the need for individualised support based on the lived experiences of individual players and support staff. Furthermore, our research identifies the need for organisational, stakeholder, and player centred education programmes (led by experts in female athlete health) that create an environment where players receive personalised menstrual health support.

Effects Of Jump Training On Youth Female Soccer Player’s Physical Fitness

Background:Youth female soccer players require high muscular power to overcome their opponents. Jump training can facilitate improvements in muscular power as has been demonstrated in youth male soccer players. However, studies in female players are comparatively scarce.Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a jump-training program, as compared to soccer training alone, on the physical fitness of youth female soccer players.Methods:Fourteen physically active youth female soccer players (age: 16.0±2.2 years) were randomly divided into a jump-training group (n=8) or control group (n=6). Before and after a 4-week intervention period, the players were assessed with a countermovement jump (CMJ) test, multiple 4-bounds test (4BT), a 20-m sprint, maximal kicking velocity (MKV) and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (level 1; Yo-Yo IR1).Results:No significant changes in any of the dependent variables were noted in the control group, although small effect sizes were observed in CMJ (ES=0.33) and 4BT (ES=0.27). In contrast, the jump training group achieved significant improvements in CMJ (p=0.001; ES=0.85), 4BT (p=0.002; ES=1.01) and MKV (p=0.027; ES=0.77), with small to medium effect sizes observed in the 20-m sprint (p=0.069; ES=0.59) and Yo-Yo IR1 (p=0.299; ES=0.20) tests.Conclusion:Compared to regular soccer training that induced only small improvements in CMJ and 4BT, a jump training intervention resulted in small to large improvements in the physical fitness of youth female soccer players with changes seen in CMJ, 4BT, 20-m sprint, MKV, and Yo-Yo IR1.

The influence of short sprint performance, acceleration, and deceleration mechanical properties on change of direction ability in soccer players-A cross-sectional study.

The study investigated the relationship between short sprint performance and mechanical parameters obtained during the acceleration and deceleration tasks with the change of direction (COD) performance in female and male soccer players. The acceleration and deceleration ability were compared in the "High/Fast" versus "Low/Slow" COD performance group based on a median split analysis in each sex group. One hundred three French soccer players were assessed for the sprinting Force-Velocity (F-V) profile (i.e., theoretical maximal force [F0], velocity [V0], power [Pmax]), 10m performance, linear deceleration test (maximal braking force [HBFmax], braking power [BPmax], deceleration [Decmax]), and COD performance using 505-test. The 10m performance was strongly associated with 505-test performance (ES = [0.64 to 0.71]), whereas the sprinting F-V profiles parameters were weakly to moderately correlated with 505- performance (ES = [-0.47 to -0.38]). The BPmax was also moderately associated with 505-test performance (ES: range = [-0.55 to -0.46]). In addition, the High/Fast female COD group presented higher F0, Pmax, HBFmax, and BPmax than the Low/Slow group, whereas the male groups presented very few mechanical differences. Multiple regression analysis shows that the COD performance of male players was determined by 10m performance and maximum deceleration power. In contrast, no statistically significant model could be found to determine the change of direction performance in female players. In conclusion, the current finding indicated that the only variable strongly associated with COD performance was the linear 10m sprint time. In the same way, the mechanical parameters obtained from acceleration and deceleration seemed to play a non-neglectable role in this population.

Blow-Up Fracture With Concussion in a Division I Collegiate Female Soccer Player

The purpose of this case report is to present the case of a Division I collegiate female soccer player diagnosed with a blow-up fracture and a concussion. This athlete suffered from a blow-up fracture, a fracture of the superior orbital rim, which is less common than the inferior, blowout fracture. The uniqueness comes from a common mechanism, player-to-player contact, causing an uncommon fracture pattern and the athlete’s full, unrestricted, return to sport. Severity of these injuries can vary from very mild to very severe, and the treatment options are variable depending on the severity.

슬개골 통증 증후군 여자축구선수의 무릎 보호대와 테이핑 처치가 무릎 안정성, 통증 척도 및 체력요인에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze knee kinesiology taping (KT) and knee sleeve on the effects of knee stability, pain scale, and physical fitness factors in female soccer players with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Subjects were 5 female soccer players from University D who had been diagnosed with PFPS, and those who experienced two or more knee pains from long sitting, climbing stairs, squatting, running, kneeling, and deep kneeling were selected. For the knee sleeve, Fortium (Co., Ltd.)

The effectiveness of injury prevention programs that include core stability exercises in reducing the incidence of knee injury among soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The knee is one of the most common sites of injuries among soccer players. The incidence of knee injuries can be reduced by improving the neuromuscular control and core stability. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of injury prevention programs that include core stability exercises in reducing the incidence of knee injuries among soccer players. METHODS: Data were obtained from different databases (1985–2021). Only randomized controlled trials that used injury prevention programs that include core stability exercise to prevent knee injuries were included. The keywords used during the search were ‘knee injuries’, ‘core stability exercises’, ‘FIFA 11+’, ‘prevention of knee injuries’, ‘anterior cruciate ligament injury’ and variations of these search terms. RESULTS: The pooled results of 7828 soccer players and 863700 exposure h showed an overall injury reduction of 56% per 1000 h of exposure in the intervention group compared to the control group with an injury risk ratio of 0.44 (95% CI 0.321–0.619; P= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Injury prevention programs that include core stability exercises reduce knee injury rates among soccer players by 56% (46% in male and 65% in female soccer players).

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional multiple object tracking learning performance in adolescent female soccer players: The role of flow experience reflected by heart rate variability

Three-dimensional multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) has been used in various fields to mimic real-life tracking, especially in perceptual-cognitive skills training for soccer. Yet, the learning efficiency in 3D-MOT tasks has not been compared with 2D-MOT. Further, whether the advantage can be reflected by heart rate variability (HRV) based on the neurovisceral integration model should also be examined. Therefore, we used both 2D- and 3D-MOT in a brief adaptive task procedure for adolescent female soccer players with HRV measurement. A faster tracking speed threshold of participants was found in the 3D- compared to 2D-MOT, as well as average tracking speed in the last training period of 3D-MOT. Moreover, lower low frequency (LF) components of HRV in the 3D-MOT indicated a flow experience, demonstrating the provision of more attentional resources. Therefore, we observed that adolescent female soccer players demonstrated higher learning efficiency in 3D-MOT tasks in virtual reality (VR) through a higher flow experience. This study examined the learning efficiency between the two MOT tasks in the soccer domain using evidence from HRV and highlighted the utility and applicability of 3D-MOT application.

A neural network for the detection of soccer headers from wearable sensor data

To investigate the proposed association between soccer heading and deleterious brain changes, an accurate quantification of heading exposure is crucial. While wearable sensors constitute a popular means for this task, available systems typically overestimate the number of headers by poorly discriminating true impacts from spurious recordings. This study investigated the utility of a neural network for automatically detecting soccer headers from kinematic time series data obtained by wearable sensors. During 26 matches, 27 female soccer players wore head impacts sensors to register on-field impact events (> 8 g), which were labelled as valid headers (VH) or non-headers (NH) upon video review. Of these ground truth data, subsets of 49% and 21% each were used to train and validate a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network in order to classify sensor recordings as either VH or NH based on their characteristic linear acceleration features. When tested on a balanced dataset comprising 271 VHs and NHs (which corresponds to 30% and 1.4% of ground truth VHs and NHs, respectively), the network showed very good overall classification performance by reaching scores of more than 90% across all metrics. When testing was performed on an unbalanced dataset comprising 271 VHs and 5743 NHs (i.e., 30% of ground truth VHs and NHs, respectively), as typically obtained in real-life settings, the model still achieved over 90% sensitivity and specificity, but only 42% precision, which would result in an overestimation of soccer players’ true heading exposure. Although classification performance suffered from the considerable class imbalance between actual headers and non-headers, this study demonstrates the general ability of a data-driven deep learning network to automatically classify soccer headers based on their linear acceleration profiles.

Cognitive and Behavioral Outcomes in Male and Female NCAA Soccer Athletes across Multiple Years: A CARE Consortium Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in neurocognitive, psychosocial, and balance functioning in collegiate male and female soccer players across three consecutive years of baseline testing compared with a control group of noncontact athletes. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare changes in annual, preseason baseline measures of neurocognitive function, neurobehavioral and psychological symptoms, and postural stability between collegiate soccer players ( n = 75; 51 [68%] female soccer players) and noncontact athletes ( n = 210; 133 [63%] female noncontact athletes) across three consecutive years. Among all participants, the group-time interaction was not significant for any outcome measures. Overall, soccer players reported lower (better) Brief Symptom Inventory 18 Depression ( P = 0.004, Exp(B) = 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.18-0.73), Global Severity Index ( P = 0.006, Exp(B) = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.33-0.84), and Post-Concussion Symptom Scale Symptom Severity ( P < 0.001, Exp(B) = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.22-0.95) scores than noncontact athletes. No other outcome measures were different between soccer players and noncontact athletes. Among collegiate athletes, soccer players report similar or better psychosocial functioning and symptom scores than noncontact athletes. Importantly, neurocognitive functioning, neurobehavioral and psychological symptoms, and postural stability do not worsen over time in collegiate soccer players relative to their noncontact counterparts. Our findings suggest that despite possible exposure to repetitive head impacts, collegiate soccer players do not exhibit changes in observable function and symptoms across multiple seasons.

Match activity profile of professional female soccer players during a season.

It is necessary to understand movement characteristics of elite female soccer players during a match to develop effective training program. The purpose of this study is to analyze the physical demands of Korean female professional soccer players during a competitive season. Twenty-four female professional players (age: 27.8±3.9 years; height: 165.7± 5.1 cm) from a team, belonging to the women's professional soccer league in South Korea participated in the study. The players participated in 11 home matches and 10 away matches from April 26 to November 9 of the 2011 season. Body weight and body mass index decreased during the first half-season compared to the preseason (P<0.05), and the decreased values were maintained until the second half-season. Total distance covered by the players was more than 9.5 km per match. No difference was found in the total distance, movement distance by exercise intensities, number of sprints and accelerations, and maximum speed between the first half- and second half-seasons. Midfielders covered the most distance during a match compared to other positions (P<0.05). Wing forward covered the most distance of high-intensity exercise. Maximum speed during the match was higher among wing forward and forward than in other positions (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between home and away matches in all variables (P>0.05). In conclusion, in order to improve the performance of female soccer players and prevent injuries, a training program should be constructed that considers the characteristics of each player and playing position rather than uniform training in a team.

Exploring external load variations in elite female soccer players during 6v6 small-sided games

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the external loads response of elite female soccer players to different small-sided games (SSG). Twelve elite female soccer players (26.5 ± 5.7 years, 58.6 ± 5.6 kg, 164.4 ± 5.3 cm) performed four different 6vs6 SSG: two different sizes (20x20m and 30x30m) and with minigoals (MG) and without mini-goals (NG). Methods: Total distance (TD), low-intensity running distance (LIR), high-intensity running distance (HIR), sprint distance (SD), accelerations (ACC), decelerations (DEC), repeated sprints (RS) and Bodyload (BL) was collected using a 15Hz global positioning satellite system. The variables were compared across all SSG formats using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (p&lt;.05) and non-clinical magnitude-based inferences (Cohen´s d). Results: Compared to 20x20m SSG, the 30x30m SSG induced greater TD (p=.001, d=1.20), LIR (p=.001, d=1.06), HIR (p=.001, d=1.20) and BL (p=.008, d=1.04) in NG condition. Similarly, in SSG with MG, greater number of ACC (p=.003, d=.38), DEC (p=.005, d=.42), LIR (p=.009, d=.86) and HIR (p=.070 d=.61) occurred in 30x30m vs. 20x20m. When NG 30x30m and 20x20m SSG were played, greater TD (p=.001, d=1.70; p=.001, d=1.13; respectively), LIR (p=.001, d=1.84; p=.001, d=1.39), ACC (p=.54, d=.39; p=.003, d=.74; respectively) and BL (p=.001, d=1.60; p=.001, d=1.15; respectively) were noted compared to MG. Conclusion: greater external load response of elite female soccer players was observed in SSG without mini-goals and played in greater pitch sizes. These findings are usefulness for coaches and physical trainers to design proper training tasks according to game demands.

Rectus Femoris Muscle Composition: Association with Sports Performance and Playing Position in Female Soccer Players

Abstract Background Quadriceps muscle plays a relevant role in soccer as its function is determinant for sprinting, jumping and striking the ball. Although ultrasound demonstrated to be useful in risk of injury prevention and monitoring post-injury rehabilitation, no studies analyzed the ultrasound muscle histology with sports performance tests. We aimed to analyze the correlation between ultrasound findings related to rectus femoris morphology and composition with sports performance indicators and to analyze sociodemographic, sports performance and ultrasound differences according to playing position. Methods An observational study was conducted at the CFF OLYMPIA soccer club (Madrid, Spain). Twenty-two semi-professional female soccer players were enrolled in this study. Sociodemographic data, bilateral ultrasound measurements of the rectus femoris muscle and sports performance tests (Counter Movement Jump -CMJ-, The Sprint Repeat Ability -SRA-, and one Repetition Maximum -1RM-) were collected. Results No correlations between ultrasound imaging and sports performance indicators were found. Significant correlations between cross-sectional area and perimeter with age (p&lt;0.05) and fatty infiltration with body mass index and tight perimeter (p&lt;0.05) were seen. No muscle ultrasound morphology or quality differences were found between the playing positions (p&gt;0.05). Finally, most of the functional tests showed no between-position differences (except SRA between goalkeepers and attackers). Conclusion Although muscle morphology and quality are associated with demographic features, US should not be used as a predictor of sports performance in female football players since no association between US and sports performance were observed. Similar US and functional test scores were obtained among the different playing positions.

Effects of a short-term in-season break on repeated-sprint ability, jump height and locomotor performance in small-sided games in female soccer players

The current study aimed to analyse the effects of an in-season break period (2-week) on specific performance in amateur young female soccer players. Twelve female soccer players completed four assessment sessions, two before (BD-d1 and BD-d2) and two after (AD-d1 and AD-d2) a 2-week in-season break detraining period (both separated by 24 h). In each session, players completed a repeated sprint ability test (repeated sprint ability = 8 sprints of 30 m with 25 s of recovery), a countermovement jump test and locomotor performance in small-sided games (small-sided games = 3 sets of 5 min in a 5 vs. 5). Players exhibited a significant decrease in mean of repeated sprint ability (mean time of 8 sprints, p = 0.000, effect size = 2.04) and countermovement jump ( p = 0.009, effect size = 1.39) performance between BD-d1 and AD-d1. The percentage of change between BD-d1 and BD-d2 from AD-d1 and AD-d2 shows significant differences ( p = 0.05, effect size = 1.12) in best of repeated sprint ability (best time of 8 sprints) but not ( p = 0.517, effect size = 0.31) in mean of repeated sprint ability. Significantly less high-intensity acceleration was performed in BD-d2 and AD-d2 from BD-d1 ( p = 0.003, effect size = 3.21 and p = 0.002, effect size = 3.25, respectively). Only a 2-week in-season break inactivity was sufficient to decrease mean of repeated sprint ability and countermovement jump performance but not the best of repeated sprint ability. Therefore, it is necessary to apply specific training strategies to prevent decreases in performance in female soccer players in specific periods of the season.

Comparisons and correlations between the anthropometric profile and physical performance of professional female and male soccer players: Individualities that should be considered in training

For male soccer players, the anthropometric profile and physical performance is already known but in women it is not well documented, the knowledge of these differences can qualify the training. Therefore, the aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to compare the anthropometric profile and physical fitness of Brazilian professional female and male soccer players; and (ii) analyze the relationships between anthropometric and physical fitness measures per sex. A cross-sectional study including 92 professional soccer players 44 women and 48 men was conducted. After one week of the end of the pre-season, the players from four different teams were assessed to anthropometric profile assessments and physical performance tests (e.g., jumping, linear sprint, change-of-direction and aerobic based test). Comparisons, correlation, and effect size analysis were performed between groups. Apart from the age and change-of-direction test, all other anthropometric and physical performance variables were significant different between women and men. Men were significantly faster than women in the 20 m linear sprint test (8.87%; p &lt; .001; d = 2.382). The sum of skinfolds was correlated with some physical performance variables; however, body mass and body height were corrected with physical performance only for female soccer players. Thus, men performed better than women for most physical tests and presents differences in the anthropometric profile. Finally, coaches should consider that the anthropometric and performance profile are correlated differently between female and male soccer players. Thus, coaches should consider gender-specific parameters to create goals about the anthropometric and physical performance profile of players.

Performance of male and female soccer players in field-based tests for screening the anterior cruciate ligament injury risk

Performance of male and female soccer players in field-based tests for screening the anterior cruciate ligament injury risk

Construction of the football training process in the annual cycle in female student football teams

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the structure and content of the physical training of highly qualified female soccer players during the annual training cycle.&#x0D; Material and methods. The following research methods were used to solve the tasks: analysis of scientific and methodological and special literature, regulatory documents; pedagogical research methods (pedagogical observation, pedagogical testing, pedagogical experiment); methods of mathematical statistics.&#x0D; The results. The level of aerobic endurance is determined by the results of the 2000 m run. The obtained data indicate an increase in the test indicators from 499.3 ± 8.24 s at the beginning of the study to 484.7 ± 7.01 s after the basic stabilizing mesocycle, which was 2.9%, but already in the first competitive period, compared to the previous ones , the results of this test deteriorated by 1.0%. In the second competitive period, the test execution speed deteriorated by 2.3%, and the overall average result became even worse than the initial one.&#x0D; The predominant influence of the development of certain physical qualities on the quantitative and qualitative indicators of the performance of technical and tactical techniques by football players was determined. The number of shots on goal depends on the level of general endurance (r = 0.59), the quality of stopping is dependent on speed and strength qualities (r = -0.53), and the intensity coefficient depends on the level of special (speed) endurance (r = 0.65). There is a very weak or weak statistically reliable relationship between other indicators of competitive activity and physical fitness of qualified soccer players (r = 0.10-0.43).&#x0D; Conclusions. Based on the determination of the dynamics of physical qualities during the annual training cycle and the analysis of the relationship between indicators of physical fitness and competitive activity, it was recommended to the team coach to plan physical training taking into account the playing role of female athletes and correct training programs with an increase in the time allocated to physical training in the competitive period

Japanese Female Professional Soccer Players’ Views on Second Career Development

The purpose of this study was to analyze professional, Japanese, female soccer athletes’ views on second career development and perceived support from the Women’s Empowerment Professional Football League, Japan. This study was underpinned by occupational socialization theory and utilized a qualitative, collective case study design through demographic questionnaires, in-depth face-to-face semistructured interviews, and reflexive thematic analysis. Participants were six current professional soccer players of one professional team of the Women’s Empowerment League. Three themes were generated from the data: (a) avoiding washout effects in second career opportunities, (b) the importance of dual-career pathway opportunities, and (c) professional development and second career training. These findings reflected how participants’ first career as a professional athlete became ingrained within their identity and shaped future desires and preparations for second careers. They also reflect the difficulty participants experienced balancing a professional athletic career with part-time office work for financial stability as well as planning for a second career linked to soccer. Players expressed a need for second career preparation to be facilitated by their clubs and the Women’s Empowerment League, and we provide implications and recommendations to support this work.

Hip and knee joint angle patterns and kicking velocity in female and male professional soccer players: A principal component analysis of waveforms approach

ABSTRACT This study used principal component analysis (PCA) of waveforms to extract movement patterns from hip and knee angle time-series data; and determined if the extracted movement patterns were predictors of ball velocity during a soccer kick. Twenty-three female and nineteen male professional soccer players performed maximal effort instep kicks while motion capture and post-impact ball velocities data were recorded. Three-dimensional hip and knee joint angle time-series data were calculated from the beginning of the kicking leg’s backswing phase until the end of the follow-through phase and entered into separate PCAs for females and males. Three principal components (PC) (i.e., movement patterns) were extracted and PC scores were calculated. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to establish correlations between hip and knee PC scores and kicking velocity. Results showed better kicking performance in male players was associated with a greater difference between the hip extension at the end of the backswing/beginning of the leg cocking phases and hip flexion at the end of the follow-through phase (r = −0.519, p = 0.023) and a delayed internal rotation of the hip (r = 0.475, p = 0.040). No significant correlations between ball velocity and hip and knee kinematics were found for female players.