Instep Kick Research Articles

Changes in organisation of instep kicking as a function of wearing compression and textured materials

This study investigated effects of wearing compression garments and textured insoles on modes of movement organisation emerging during performance of lower limb interceptive actions in association football. Participants were six skilled (age = 15.67 ± 0.74 years) and six less-skilled (age = 15.17 ± 1.1 years) football players. All participants performed 20 instep kicks with maximum velocity in four randomly organised insoles and socks conditions, (a) Smooth Socks with Smooth Insoles (SSSI); (b) Smooth Socks with Textured Insoles (SSTI); (c) Compression Socks with Smooth Insoles (CSSI); and (d), Compression Socks with Textured Insoles (CSTI). Results showed that, when wearing textured and compression materials (CSSI condition), less-skilled participants displayed significantly greater hip extension and flexion towards the ball contact phase, indicating larger ranges of motion in the kicking limb than in other conditions. Less-skilled participants also demonstrated greater variability in knee–ankle intralimb (angle–angle plots) coordination modes in the CSTI condition. Findings suggested that use of textured and compression materials increased attunement to somatosensory information from lower limb movement, to regulate performance of dynamic interceptive actions like kicking, especially in less-skilled individuals.

Effects of Muscle Fatigue Induced by Countermovement Jumps on Efficacy Parameters of Instep Ball Kicking in Soccer.

The purpose was to study the effects of muscle fatigue induced by countermovement jumps (CMJ) on instep kick foot velocity in young male soccer players. Fifteen under-18 soccer players from a professional club performed maximal velocity instep kicks before and after a fatigue protocol that consisted of continuous CMJ. Foot velocity at impact without fatigue, foot velocity at impact with fatigue, CMJ height without fatigue, maximum jump height in fatigue test, and CMJ height change in fatigue test on a dynamometric platform were measured. There was a significant difference between jump height with and without fatigue (P = .00; ES = 0.8), but there were no significant differences between kicking with fatigue and without fatigue (P = .580, ES = 0.10). In conclusion, although the protocol was intense enough to generate fatigue in the muscles involved in CMJ, there were no significant differences in kicking velocity under fatigue conditions with respect to kicking without fatigue in the soccer players studied.

Comparison of selected biomechanical parameters and support foot injury during soccer instep kick by preferred and non-preferred lower limbs of the novice players

Comparison of selected biomechanical parameters and support foot injury during soccer instep kick by preferred and non-preferred lower limbs of the novice players

Compression and texture in socks enhance football kicking performance

The purpose of this study was to observe effects of wearing textured insoles and clinical compression socks on organisation of lower limb interceptive actions in developing athletes of different skill levels in association football. Six advanced learners and six completely novice football players (15.4±0.9years) performed 20 instep kicks with maximum velocity, in four randomly organised insoles and socks conditions, (a) Smooth Socks with Smooth Insoles (SSSI); (b) Smooth Socks with Textured Insoles (SSTI); (c) Compression Socks with Smooth Insoles (CSSI) and (d), Compression Socks with Textured Insoles (CSTI). Reflective markers were placed on key anatomical locations and the ball to facilitate three-dimensional (3D) movement recording and analysis. Data on 3D kinematic variables and initial ball velocity were analysed using one-way mixed model ANOVAs. Results revealed that wearing textured and compression materials enhanced performance in key variables, such as the maximum velocity of the instep kick and increased initial ball velocity, among advanced learners compared to the use of non-textured and compression materials. Adding texture to football boot insoles appeared to interact with compression materials to improve kicking performance, captured by these important measures. This improvement in kicking performance is likely to have occurred through enhanced somatosensory system feedback utilised for foot placement and movement organisation of the lower limbs. Data suggested that advanced learners were better at harnessing the augmented feedback information from compression and texture to regulate emerging movement patterns compared to novices.

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

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.

Bilateral differences in knee and ankle loading of the support limb during maximal instep soccer kicking

Summary Objective Kicking actions have been implicated in the aetiology of soccer injuries and the unilateral nature of kicking may influence this. The biomechanics of the support limb are distinct between the dominant and non-dominant during instep kicking, although little is known about how these alterations in mechanics may be associated with the risk of injury. This study aimed to examine vertical ground reaction forces as well as knee/ankle loads when performing maximal kicks with the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Material and methods Twenty male academy soccer players performed maximal kicks with their dominant and non-dominant limbs striking a force platform with their support limb. Vertical ground reaction forces and knee/ankle joint kinetics were obtained from each limb and then contrasted using paired t-tests. Results Significant increases in knee extensor and abduction moment were found when using the non-dominant limb. It was also shown that patellofemoral contact force was significantly higher in the non-dominant kicking condition. Conclusions The findings from the current investigation have clinical significance and support the notion that kicking with the non-dominant limb may be associated with and increased injury aetiology.

The effect of non-stability surface of support leg on the instep kicking kinematics in soccer players

The effect of non-stability surface of support leg on the instep kicking kinematics in soccer players

Support leg action can contribute to maximal instep soccer kick performance: an intervention study

ABSTRACTThis investigation assessed whether a Technique Refinement Intervention designed to produce pronounced vertical hip displacement during the kicking stride could improve maximal instep kick performance. Nine skilled players (age 23.7 ± 3.8 years, height 1.82 ± 0.06 m, body mass 78.5 ± 6.1 kg, experience 14.7 ± 3.8 years; mean ± SD) performed 10 kicking trials prior to (NORM) and following the intervention (INT). Ground reaction force (1000 Hz) and three-dimensional motion analysis (250 Hz) data were used to calculate lower limb kinetic and kinematic variables. Paired t-tests and statistical parametric mapping examined differences between the two kicking techniques across the entire kicking motion. Peak ball velocities (26.3 ± 2.1 m · s−1 vs 25.1 ± 1.5 m · s−1) and vertical displacements of the kicking leg hip joint centre (0.041 ± 0.012 m vs 0.028 ± 0.011 m) were significantly larger (P < 0.025) when performed following INT. Further, various significant changes in support and kicking leg dynamics contributed to a significantly faster kicking knee extension angular velocity through ball contact following INT (70–100% of total kicking motion, P < 0.003). Maximal instep kick performance was enhanced following INT, and the mechanisms presented are indicative of greater passive power flow to the kicking limb during the kicking stride.

Effect of Kinetic Resistance Training and Technique on Special Strength Level and Effective Kinematic Variables in Instep Kick for Soccer Juniors

Background: Training with resistance is considered the essential and complementary part of players' preparation period during training season through developing different aspects. Objective : This study aims to investigate the Effect of Kinetic resistance training and technique on special power level and effective kinematic variables in instep kick for soccer juniors. Methodology : 20 junior soccer players (age: 17.54 ±0.5 years, body mass: 69.05 kg, height: 170 cm, training age=7.7 years) participated in this study were randomly assigned into two groups experimental (n=10) trained with kinetic resistance training program and technique and control (n=10) trained with traditional soccer training program only where, the experimental approach was used. Results : The kinetic resistance trainings and technique positively affected the special power level, kicking accuracy and time and effective kinematic variables in instep kick. Conclusion : The researcher recommended that coaches should give attention to special strength developing and to be an essential part of the training program through kinetic resistance trainings and technique. Also coaches should depend on the kinematic variables affecting performance for detecting the improvement level in performance as a result of kinetic resistance trainings and technique. Keywords : kinetic resistance, technique, special strength, kinematic, Instep Kick

Uticaj različitih faktora na ispoljavanje brzine i preciznosti šuta u fudbalu

The main purpose of this paper is to explain the main factors for performance quality of soccer instep kick. Kicking performance of the soccer players could be assessed through the measures of kicking accuracy and ball velocity. The most important factors are approach angle, approach speed and instruction. Also, ball-foot interaction in impact phase during instep soccer kick is very important for performance quailty of instep kick. Speed and foot stiffness have a positive correlation with the speed of the ball, so for the achievement of higher ball speed it is necessary to achieve the maximum speed of the foot before and at the time of contact with the ball. At the same time the strain level of the foot at the moment of contact with the ball should be minimized. In addition, researches were showed that power and strength level of the lower extremity muscles has a positive effects on instep kick performance.

Kinetic Analysis of Instep and Side-foot Kick in Female and Male Soccer Players

The purpose of this study was to identify the kinetics of instep and side-foot kicks for female and male soccer players to understand the common and different mechanics underlying the two kicks. 6 female and 6 male soccer players performed maximal instep and side-foot kicks. Their motions and ground reaction forces were recorded by a motion capture system (250 Hz) and a force platform (1000 Hz). The ball velocity of the instep kick (22.5 ± 1.0 m/s for female players, 27.9 ± 1.3 m/s for male players) was significantly higher than that of the side-foot kick (21.5 ± 1.0 m/s for female players, 26.9 ± 1.3 m/s for male players). Significant differences were also observed between the two kicks of female players for the value of hip flexion/extension torque. Moreover, significant differences were also observed between the female and male players for the value of hip adduction/abduction torque for side-foot kick. These results indicated that to enhance such hip torques is one of the technical elements that could be improved to increase ball velocity of side-foot kick in female players.

Synchronized lower limb kinematics with pelvis orientation achieves the non-rotational shot

A non-rotational (NR) shot is now a well-known scoring move in soccer. To execute the NR shot, it is necessary to deprive the ball of any rotational forces during the impact phase. To execute the NR shot, it is natural that the force vector acting from the foot would pass through the ball’s center of gravity; however, the coordinated motion of the lower limb joint’s angular displacement and the pelvis is still unclear. The aim of this study is to estimate the coordinated leg and pelvis motion during the NR shot as compared to that during instep kicking. Four right-leg dominant college league players were asked to perform a NR shot and an instep kick a total of 10 times each. Hip, knee, and ankle joint angular displacements in the sagittal plane and pelvis yaw and roll rotational motions during both types of kicks were calculated with 14 IR reflective markers using a 3D real-time motion analysis system with a 250-Hz sampling. The Euclidean distances of the joint space of the NR shot and the instep kick were also calculated to detect similarities in the coordinated motion of the lower limb. The results showed that the lower limb joint motions in the sagittal plane were not different; however, the pelvis roll and yaw motions were apparently different, and these phenomena could simulate a pendulum motion with changes in both the vertical and horizontal displacements. These results suggest that the coordinated motion of the lower limb joint’s angular displacement shows high similarity between the NR shot and the instep kick, and the pelvis roll and yaw synchronized orientation is essential for achieving the NR shot.

Prediction of Kick Direction from Kinematics during the Soccer Penalty Kick

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

Side to side differences in hamstring muscle kinematics during maximal instep soccer kicking

Hamstring strains are a common non-contact injury in soccer. The current study investigates bilateral differences in hamstring kinematics during maximal instep kicking. Thirteen male soccer players performed maximal instep kicks with their dominant and non-dominant limbs. Muscle-tendon kinematics of the four hamstring muscles during the kick movement were quantified using OpenSim software. Differences between dominant and non-dominant limbs were examined using paired t-tests. The results revealed that the biceps femoris long head (dominant = 165.28. ± 62.46 & non-dominant = 137.65 ± 52.17%), semimembranosus (dominant = 220.75 ± 43.35 & non-dominant = 131.23 ± 36.74%) and semitendinosus (dominant = 90.95 ± 16.69% and non-dominant = 80.47 ± 15.99%) experienced significantly greater strain when using the dominant limb. The current investigation provides key information regarding the mechanics of the hamstring group during maximal instep kicking, indicating that kicking with the dominant limb may place soccer players at increased risk from hamstring strain injury.

Age and gender differences in kinematics of powerful instep kicks in soccer

Soccer kicking training should be adjusted to the characteristics of the athletes. Therefore, examination of differences in kicking kinematics of females and pubertal players relative to males is worthwhile. The purpose of the study was to compare kicking kinematics and segmental sequence parameters between male, female, and pubertal players. Ten adult male, ten adult female, and ten male pubertal players participated in the study. Participants performed five consecutive kicking trials of a stationary ball, as powerful as they could. Analysis of variance showed significantly higher ball velocity, higher joint linear velocities for the knee and the hip, and higher angular velocities of the knee and the ankle for males compared to female and pubertal players (p < 0.05). Similarly, the peak joint velocity was achieved significantly closer to ball impact in males compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Males also showed a more plantarflexed ankle immediately before ball impact (p < 0.05). Females and pubertal players may benefit from skill training aiming to increase ankle plantarflexion and hip flexion prior to ball impact, and to adjust thigh and shank motion, such that the shank–foot segment travels through a higher range of motion and with a greater velocity.

The effects of fatigue on instep kick performance in soccer

This study was applied to investigate the effects of fatigue on instep kick performance in soccer. Seven male soccer players participated in this research. Each had a minimum 6 years of soccer playing experience. The age was (mean±SD) 22.85 ± 1.57 years, height 178.14 ± 3.08 cm, weight 69.35 ± 3.71 kg, body mass index 21.86 ± 1.25 kg/m 2 and maxVO 2 values were 59.14 ± 4.77 ml/kg/min of subjects. The high intensity endurance protocol selected to be used in the present study has been previously applied to simulate soccer field conditions to occur fatigue on subjects. The subjects performed 5 instep kicks from the 16 m distance to the goal targets prior to, in the middle and after the implementation of a 90 min intermittent exercise protocol. Analysis of the sprint times taking a part in an exercise protocol, the significant difference was found (P<0.01). While there was an increase on sprint times, after the multiple comparison the significant difference was came out between the first and the last parts of the test protocol (P<0.05). During the exercise, when the average heart rate of subjects was compared according to the parts; there was significant differences with the first and third parts between the second and last parts (P<0.01). The lactate levels of subjects were increased throughout the exercise application. The results indicated that the lactate values were also significantly higher compared with the pre-fatigue values (P<0.01). The decrease was occurred on instep kick performance performed in accordance with F-Marc shooting dead ball test of all subject in the middle and after of the exercise protocol. The present results suggest that the fatigue affects the soccer kick performance. While the kicks apart the parts was compared there is a significant decreasing was observed. It can say that the fatigue affects the success of the kick.

The Contribution of Trunk Axial Kinematics to Poststrike Ball Velocity During Maximal Instep Soccer Kicking

To date, biomechanical analyses of soccer kicking have focused predominantly on lower-extremity motions, with little emphasis on the trunk and upper body. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in trunk axial kinematics between novice (n = 10) and skilled (n = 10) participants, as well as to establish the relationship of trunk axial motion and sagittal plane thigh rotation to poststrike ball velocity. Three-dimensional body segmental motion data were captured using high-resolution motion analysis (120 Hz) while each participant completed 5 maximal instep soccer-style kicks. The results demonstrate that skilled participants use 53% greater axial trunk range of motion compared with novice participants (P < .01), as well as 62% greater peak trunk rotation velocity (P < .01). The results also show a moderate, positive correlation of peak trunk rotation velocity with poststrike ball velocity (r = .57; P < .01), and peak hip flexion velocity with poststrike ball velocity (r = .63; P < .01). The current study highlights the potential for trunk rotation-specific training to improve maximum instep kick velocity in developing soccer athletes.

The effects of fatigue on instep kick performance in soccer

The effects of fatigue on instep kick performance in soccer

Diferencias cinemáticas del golpeo de fútbol entre futbolistas expertos y sujetos inexpertos (Soccer kick kinematic differences between experienced and non-experienced soccer players)

Objetivo: Examinar las diferencias cinemáticas del golpeo con empeine entre futbolistas expertos y sujetos inexpertos. Sujetos: Se analizaron 17 hombres de 17 a 21 años. Metodología: Se utilizó un sistema de fotogrametría 3D con cuatro cámaras. Los sujetos ejecutaron golpeos con el empeine a máxima potencia. Se analizó la Velocidad del Pie en el Impacto, la Máxima Extensión de Cadera, la Máxima Flexión de Rodilla y la Duración de las Fases del gesto. Resultados: Se hallaron diferencias significativas en la Velocidad del Pie de la pierna no hábil en el momento del impacto (m/s) (Expertos: 14,5±.52, Inexpertos: 12.5±.5; p&lt;.001) y Máxima Extensión de Cadera (grados) (Expertos: 39.2±1.3, Inexpertos: 34.28±3.2; p&lt;.001). También hubo diferencias significativas en la Duración de la Fase 2 en ambas piernas (p&lt;.05). Conclusiones: El golpeo con el empeine total en fútbol presenta diferencias significativas entre grupos de diferente nivel tan solo en la pierna no dominante. Palabra clave: golpeo, fútbol, biomecánica, empeine.Abstract: T; Purpose: to examine kinematic differences of instep soccer kick between experienced and non-experienced soccer players. Subjects: 17 men between 17 and 21 years old. Methodology: a 3D film system with 4 cameras was used. Maximum power instep kicks were executed. It was analyzed feet velocity in the impact, maximum hip extension, maximum knee flexion and kick phases duration. Results: were found significant differences in feet velocity with non-dominant leg in the impact moment (m/s) (Experienced: 14.5±.52, Non-experienced: 12.5±.5; p&lt;.001) and maximum hip extension (degrees) (Experienced: 39.2 ± 1.3, Non-experienced: 34.28±3.2; p&lt;.001). Also were significant differences in the second phase duration in both legs (p&lt;.05). Conclusions: Maximum instep soccer kick show significant differences between groups of different level only in non-dominant leg.Key words: kick, soccer, biomechanics, instep.

A non-randomised experimental feasibility study into the immediate effect of three different spinal manipulative protocols on kicking speed performance in soccer players.

BackgroundThe most utilized soccer kicking method is the instep kicking technique. Decreased motion in spinal joint segments results in adverse biomechanical changes within in the kinematic chain. These changes may be linked to a negative impact on soccer performance. This study tested the immediate effect of lumbar spine and sacroiliac manipulation alone and in combination on the kicking speed of uninjured soccer players.MethodsThis 2010 prospective, pre-post experimental, single-blinded (subject) required forty asymptomatic soccer players, from regional premier league teams, who were purposively allocated to one of four groups (based on the evaluation of the players by two blinded motion palpators). Segment dysfunction was either localized to the lumbar spine (Group 1), sacroiliac joint (Group 2), the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint (Group 3) or not present in the sham laser group (Group 4). All players underwent a standardized warm-up before the pre-measurements. Manipulative intervention followed after which post-measurements were completed. Measurement outcomes included range of motion changes (digital inclinometer); kicking speed (Speed Trac™ Speed Sport Radar) and the subjects’ perception of a change in kicking speed. SPSS version 15.0 was used to analyse the data, with repeated measures ANOVA and a p-value <0.05 (CI 95%).ResultsLumbar spine manipulation resulted in significant range of motion increases in left and right rotation. Sacroiliac manipulation resulted in no significant changes in the lumbar range of motion. Combination manipulative interventions resulted in significant range of motion increases in lumbar extension, right rotation and right SI joint flexion. There was a significant increase in kicking speed post intervention for all three manipulative intervention groups (when compared to sham). A significant correlation was seen between Likert based-scale subjects’ perception of change in kicking speed post intervention and the objective results obtained.ConclusionsThis pilot study showed that lumbar spine manipulation combined with SI joint manipulation, resulted in an effective intervention for short-term increases in kicking speed/performance. However, the lack of an a priori analysis, a larger sample size and an unblinded outcome measures assessor requires that this study be repeated, addressing these concerns and for these outcomes to be validated.