Soccer Clubs Research Articles

Interlinking financial stability regulation and governance in German professional soccer: contribution and implications

IntroductionThis study explores the integration of financial stability regulation in professional soccer within the framework of sport governance, focusing on the German context. The research examines how financial regulations influence key governance principles such as accountability, transparency, and sustainability, while also addressing the challenges posed by the dynamic nature of professional soccer.MethodsA qualitative methodology was employed, using focus group discussions with nine experts, including representatives from soccer clubs, auditing firms and other relevant stakeholders. The discussions aimed to capture diverse perspectives on the impact of financial stability regulation on governance practices within the German soccer league and clubs.ResultsThe findings reveal that financial stability regulation is effective in promoting financial discipline and accountability at both league and club levels. However, the study also identifies challenges, such as the need for greater harmonization of regulatory frameworks across different levels of professional soccer and the potential benefits of implementing incentive mechanisms within the financial stability regulation to improve governance at the league and club levels.DiscussionThe study underscores the importance of a multi-dimensional approach to financial stability regulation, considering political, systemic, and organizational dimensions. It highlights the potential for improving governance through the adoption of independent governance models and more practical applications of governance principles. Future research could further explore these areas, offering insights that could enhance the effectiveness of financial regulation in professional soccer and potentially other sport contexts.

Does Employing Skilled Immigrants Enhance Competitive Performance? Evidence from European Football Clubs

We investigate the effect of employing skilled immigrants on the competitive performance of organizations by studying European football (soccer) clubs in Germany, Italy, France, England, and Spain from 1990 to 2020. Microdata from this setting offers unusual transparency about players’ birthplaces and their contributions to organizational performance. Further, country-level rules govern how many immigrant players clubs can deploy. Using changes to these rules as the basis for instrumental variables, we find that the number of immigrant players in the club’s starting lineup has a positive local average treatment effect on the club’s performance. We show that this occurs for two related reasons. First, immigrants exhibit higher individual talent. Second, immigrants play a coordinating role that enables the organization to broaden the variety of on-field strategies and actions it uses to outperform rivals. The latter mechanism is novel to the literature. This paper was accepted by Olav Sorenson, organizations. Funding: F. Morales acknowledges research funding from Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo, Chile (Fondecyt de Iniciación) [Grant 11200342]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.03356 .

When colleagues compete outside the firm

AbstractResearch SummaryCollaboration among employees is the bedrock of an organization, but we suggest that it can be undermined by their extra‐organizational affiliations. We point to the hidden but common constellation of two coworkers who are also affiliated with organizations that compete with one another. We hypothesize that such colleagues collaborate less with one another when performing on behalf of their shared employer. Using data from professional soccer, we provide empirical evidence. We outline implications for research on extra‐organizational affiliations, intraorganizational collaboration, competition and rivalry, and social networks.Managerial SummaryImagine two soccer players who play for the same soccer club – but compete against one another when they perform on behalf of their national team (i.e., the two players have different nationalities). We show that the two soccer players collaborate less (i.e., play fewer passes to each other) at their club after encountering each other as opponents when performing on behalf of their national teams. This finding in the context of sports has implications for firms. Managers of the same firm may serve on boards of directors of companies that compete with each other, and employees may support political parties that compete – eventually hindering internal collaboration.

Creativity in sports: The crucial role of motor skills

What enables athletes to perform creative actions in their sports? In the last two decades, sports studies have predominantly assumed that divergent thinking (DT) is the key ingredient and have developed sport-specific DT tests to assess players’ creativity. However, a fundamental question remains: Do players who score high on sport-specific DT tests perform more creative actions on the field? The DT approach in sports has recently been challenged by the hypothesis that creative actions are primarily enabled (or limited) by players’ motor skill repertoires. Here, predictions based on the DT and motor skill approach are tested in the domain of soccer. Studies 1a and b tested male under-12 players, and Study 2 tested female under-19 players of a professional soccer club. All three studies indicated no correlation between the creativity of actions performed on the field (rated with the Consensual Assessment Technique) and players’ soccer-specific DT. In contrast, moderate to high correlations between on-field creativity and motor skills were found. These results challenge the DT approach in sports and the validity of sport-specific DT tests, highlighting the crucial role of sensorimotor skills in performing creative actions in sports or other domains in which creative performance is embodied through motor actions.

From league champion to community champion: Institutional entrepreneurship in Belgian soccer

Sport clubs traditionally focus on essential tasks such as organising local competitions, facilitating youth sport, and managing their volunteers. This primary focus can sometimes make it challenging to prioritise additional social initiatives such as developing more inclusive sports programs for disadvantaged communities. Despite the inherent difficulties, expanding the scope of sport clubs to embrace social inclusivity can significantly enhance their impact on both members and their local neighbourhoods. Central to addressing this social challenge are institutional entrepreneurs, who serve as exemplary sports clubs advocating the integration of both traditional responsibilities and social values within the sports sector. Recognising the pivotal role played by institutional entrepreneurs, this study aimed to delve deeper into the specific environmental characteristics and actions that trigger sport clubs to become an institutional entrepreneur. For this purpose, we applied the entrepreneurial model of Battilana, Leca & Boxenbaum (2009) . Employing a single-case study design, we focused on a Belgian amateur soccer club, conducting a comprehensive investigation through 22 semi-structured interviews. The findings yielded multiple interesting insights such as the role of the external environment (i.e., the competitive dynamics of soccer and the demographic shift in the club's neighbourhood) in initiating entrepreneurial initiatives. Furthermore, the role of an intrapreneur emerged from the data and proved to be a decisive characteristic in catalysing the call for advocating social values within the club. Consequently, this study contributes to the discussion on how entrepreneurial actions, initiated by the intrapreneur, can bring about social change in the field of sport clubs.

The Evaluation of the Modified Wave Periodization Model Efficiency on the Example of Young Soccer Players' Sprint Tests

The research aimed to evaluate the modified model of wave periodization efficiency in running speed tests conducted among soccer players aged 12 to 16. Participants included prospective players of a leading Polish top league soccer club. The research was carried out from 2018 to 2022 in June (Testing A) and December (Testing B) of each year. The test involved 30-m straight line running with 5-, 10-, and 30-m split time measurements. For this purpose, electronic photocells were used (FITLIGHT, Canada). The six-month training intervention increased the athletes' speed as there was a considerable decrease in the running time over the distance of 5 m (F = 7.86; p < 0.001), 10 m (F = 73.99; p < 0.001) and 30 m (F = 127.55; p < 0.001). Analysis of running performance of young soccer players aged 12–16 showed a significant improvement in speed at distances of 5, 10 and 30 m, confirming training effectiveness based on the wave periodization model. The negative correlation between testing year and performance suggests the influence of biological development on players' speed. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted training, which was reflected in reduced differences between test scores. Improving initial running technique can contribute to better match results, which emphasizes the need for an individual approach to the physical preparation of players.

Potential financial loss and risk factors for hamstring muscle injuries in elite male Brazilian soccer players: a season-long prospective cohort pilot study.

The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the potential financial loss and a range of potential risk factors for hamstring muscle injuries in elite Brazilian soccer. Thirty-four male players (age: 25 ± 6 years; stature: 180 ± 8 cm; body mass: 78 ± 9 kg; minutes played in matches: 2243 ± 1423 min) from an elite professional soccer club were monitored during a 12-month season. Muscle injury was identified by magnetic resonance imaging and the severity was defined according to the number of days away: minimal (1-3 days), mild (4-7 days), moderate (8-28 days), severe (>28 days). Potential financial loss due to the team's under achievements was determined. Dorsiflexion range of motion, eccentric knee flexor strength and isokinetic tests were performed during the pre-season. Association between dependent variables and the occurrence of injury was evaluated. Nine hamstring muscle injuries with moderate severity were found in 8 athletes. Recovery time was 22 days off the field on average. Potential financial loss was $-43.2 million USD and earnings on merit money was 21%. Previous injury, increased flexor deficit 60° /sec and increased flexor fatigue index 300°/sec were all associated with a greater chance of hamstring muscle injury. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was significantly lower in the injured group (35.6 ± 3° vs. 39.1 ± 4.9°; p = 0.017, effect size = -0.74). High financial burden was found in elite Brazilian soccer during one full season. Injured athletes had high hamstring fatigue index, knee flexor strength deficit, ankle range of motion restriction and previous hamstring muscle injury when compared to non-injured athletes. Therefore, preventive approaches in professional soccer players with previous hamstring injuries should be a priority.

Talent identification and development strategies in elite women’s soccer: a pan-European perspective

ABSTRACT The question of how best to identify and develop youth soccer players has received considerable attention from the scientific community. Existing literature has, however, largely focused on male players, with comparatively little exploration of the specific approaches employed within women’s soccer. Accordingly, we sought to investigate the key factors deemed important by elite women’s soccer clubs concerning the: 1) identification of potential talent; 2) development of players within the player pathway; and 3) selection of players for the next age group or senior team. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews with 11 key representatives from seven elite women’s soccer clubs. Clubs were purposefully sampled to include the highest performing teams (38 domestic titles and 10 UEFA Women’s Champions League titles) from five European nations (Spain, France, Sweden, Germany, and Italy). Data were analysed using thematic content analysis, resulting in six higher-order themes: 1) prioritising local talent; 2) recruitment from mixed grassroots leagues; 3) creating challenging developmental environments; 4) ensuring player wellbeing; 5) patience in decision-making; and 6) facilitating the youth-to-senior transition through a top-down approach. A total of 17 lower-order themes were subsequently identified. The present study offers novel insights of key strategies deemed important by some of the most successful women’s clubs in top-performing European nations. Future research examining the efficacy of such approaches could help inform the development of evidence-based practices for nurturing the next generation of elite female players.

Anti-Black Racism and Soccer in Canada: Is It Because I’m Black, Ref?

This study critically examines the experiences of members of a sub-Saharan African men’s recreational soccer club with anti-Black racism in a Western Canadian city. Drawing from extensive ethnographic fieldwork, and working at the intersections of Critical Race Theory and Physical Cultural Studies, our analysis focuses on how team members navigate a racial hierarchy that privileges Whiteness and cements their status as outsiders through both overt and subtle forms of racism on the pitch, and the laborious, retraumatizing challenges of “proving” these racist incidents to those in positions of institutional power. We underline the need for anti-racist and anti-oppressive policies and training, and independent judiciaries to monitor and address racist incidents and systemic racism—and its intersections with other forms of oppression—in Canadian sport cultures.

Prevalence of Asymptomatic Hip Joint Abnormalities Among Adult Professional Soccer Players and Their Association With Age and Limb Dominance

PurposeThe aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic hip joint abnormalities among adult professional soccer players and to determine the relationship between the number of these abnormalities with age and limb dominance as well as the relationship between those abnormalities themselves. MethodsAdult male professional soccer players from one top-division soccer club in a European country underwent magnetic resonance imaging using 1.5 Tesla scanners, the results of which were analyzed independently by two experienced radiologists. The incidence of hip osteoarthritis according to the Kellgren-Lawrence and SHOMRI classifications, femoroacetabular impingement, hip dysplasia, and presence of os acetabuli were analyzed. ResultsA total of 47 subjects were included (age 24.5 ± 5.4 years, height 181.5 ± 5.7 cm, body mass index 22.8 ± 1.3 kg/cm2). From 1 to 5 mri abnormalities were detected in 63 (67%) hip joints. Osteoarthritis of the first and second degree was determined in 46.8% and 18.1% of all hip joints accordingly. The overall prevalence of femoroacetabular impingement was 32%, with pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement occurring in 27.7% of cases, cam-type in 11.7%, and mixed type found in 6.4% of images. These abnormalities are not related to the dominant leg. Significant correlations were found between cam-type femoroacetabular impingement and osteoarthritis (p = 0.007), as well as between pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement and osteoarthritis (p < 0.001). ConclusionFemoroacetabular impingement was found among one-third of the soccer players with no hip complaints. Additionally, a correlation between the presence of femoroacetabular impingement and hip osteoarthritis was observed. However, these abnormalities do not appear to be associated with leg dominance. Level of evidenceLevel IV, prognostic study.

The Relationship between Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) Activities of Professional Soccer Clubs and Club Equity

The Relationship between Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) Activities of Professional Soccer Clubs and Club Equity

Variations in External and Internal Intensities and Impact of Maturational Age on Soccer Training Tasks.

During peak height velocity, adjusting training intensity is crucial for optimizing performance and minimizing injury risk. This cross-sectional study compares external and internal intensities in different training tasks (analytical tasks, small-sided games, and training matches) and analyzes their effect on the maturation age of young players. Fifty-five U-15 and U-16 boys from two soccer clubs in southwestern Spain were monitored using inertial movement units and heart rate monitors to report training intensities. Anthropometric data and birthdates were collected to estimate maturation age. The Friedman test and Durbin-Conover post hoc test identified specific differences between groups, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients assessed variable impacts. Training matches showed significantly higher distance covered, maximum and average speed, and average heart rate compared to small-sided games and analytical tasks. High-intensity actions and sprints were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) during training matches compared to analytical tasks and during small-sided games compared to analytical tasks. Player load per minute was significantly highest (p < 0.05) during training matches, followed by small-sided games, and lowest in analytical tasks. Positive correlations between maturational age and high-intensity actions, accelerations, and decelerations indicated higher intensity (p < 0.05) in more mature players. A negative correlation between player load per minute and maturational age suggested more efficient intensity management in mature players. These findings highlight the importance of considering biological maturation and training task variability in youth athletes' development.

High-intensity resistance training and collagen supplementation improve patellar tendon adaptations in professional female soccer athletes.

We investigated whether 10 weeks of pre-season soccer training (including high-intensity resistance exercise) with hydrolysed collagen (COL) supplementation would confer greater changes in patellar tendon (PT) mechanical and material properties compared with placebo (PLA) in professional female soccer athletes. Eleven athletes from the first team squad of a Football Association Women's Championship soccer club volunteered to participate in this study (age, 25.7±4.2 years; height, 1.68±0.04m; mass, 64.0±4.6kg). Participants were pair-matched for baseline knee extensor maximum isometric voluntary contraction torque, age, height and mass and were randomly assigned to the COL group (n=6) or PLA group (n=5). Participants were given 30g COL or energy-matched (36.5g maltodextrin and 8.4g fructose) PLA, plus 500mg vitamin C before each training session, which consisted of high-intensity lower-limb resistance exercise, plyometric or pitch-based exercise 3 days/week for 10weeks during the pre-season period. We assessed knee extensor maximum isometric voluntary contraction torque and PT properties using isokinetic dynamometry and ultrasonography before and after the intervention. The PT stiffness [COL, +15.4%±3.1% (d=0.81) vs. PLA, +4.6%±3.0% (d=0.32), P=0.002] and Young's modulus [COL, +14.2%±4.0% (d=0.65) vs. PLA, +3.4%±2.8% (d=0.15), P=0.004] increased more in COL than in PLA. There was a main effect of training on PT cross-sectional area (P=0.027), but no interaction effect (P=0.934). To conclude, 10 weeks of pre-season soccer training (incorporating high-intensity resistance exercise) with 30g COL increased PT stiffness and Young's modulus more than training alone in professional female soccer athletes. This has positive implications for improving athletic performance and mitigating injury risk.

Jump Squat Vs. Resisted Sprint Training Programs Applied to Elite Youth Soccer Players: Effects on Sprint and Power-Related Performance.

Loturco, I, Pereira, LA, Mercer, VP, Oliveira, LP, Zanetti, V, Lima, L, Bastos, T, Moura, TBMA, and McGuigan, MR. Jump squat vs. resisted sprint training programs applied to elite youth soccer players: effects on sprint and power-related performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study examined the effectiveness of 2 different and widely used training programs on the sprint and power-related performance of youth soccer players. Two distinct training strategies-vertically oriented jump squats (JSs) or horizontally oriented resisted sprints (RSs)-were executed under the same absolute loading conditions (i.e., 30% of the athletes' body mass [BM]) during a 4-week preseason period. Training schemes, loading intensities (based on %BM), and the number of experimental sessions were designed in conjunction with the soccer club's coaching staff, considering the calendar, available resources, and regular training programs. Twenty-five under-17 soccer players performed a series of speed, power, and jump tests before and after 10 resisted training sessions, consisting solely of loaded JS or RS. Overall, neither group (i.e., JS or RS training groups) exhibited any improvement in linear sprint and change-of-direction (COD) speed. Conversely, vertical jumping ability and peak velocity in the loaded JS increased significantly only in the JS group, which may positively affect players' performance and training prescription during short soccer preseasons. Given the challenges in enhancing sprint speed among soccer players during preseasons (and even over the competitive season), coupled with the limited effectiveness of RS in improving sprinting, COD, and jumping capabilities within congested and short training phases (i.e., ≤4 weeks), the regular use of RS training methods during these phases may be highly questionable. Coaches should carefully consider these critical limitations and potential disadvantages when designing neuromuscular training programs for soccer players during the preparatory phases of the annual training season.

Analyzing the Marketing Strategy of Manchester United: A Study of Success in the Premier League

For the past several decades, Manchester United has been deemed the most successful soccer club in the world either in their achievements or marketing. However, starting from this decade, the ranking and achievements of Manchester United have dropped into the trough, but, still, their marketing strategy is strong, and they gained a lot of commercial lubricants. This study is going to analyze the success of Manchester United’s Marketing Strategy. Especially focusing on the brand sponsors and variations, also analyzing the arena services of the team. By combining the analysis of these aspects, we could clearly identify the expedient scheme of Manchester United’s Marketing strategy whether to orientate on their potential customers or attract the potential customers. Moreover, this paper also gives a thorough analysis of the current dilemma by identifying the problem current grade of the team and providing the potential comparison strategy with other teams. On account of the current ranking of Manchester United in the Premier League does not satiate the fans, they have not won the great champions for several years, and the fandom outflow and the decreasing value of the branding is a severe problem that needs to be solved by Manchester United. Utilizing the comparison with another team could comprehensively provide a satisfactory solution to deal with the current dilemma of the team record and strengthen their marketing strategy.

Uncovering the Hidden Variable: Corruption and the Underperformance of Zimbabwean Soccer Teams

This study investigates the factors contributing to the underperformance of Zimbabwean soccer teams, with a specific focus on the often-overlooked variable of corruption. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining statistical analysis and qualitative interviews, we identify the determinants of soccer success and propose strategies to address maladministration. Our findings suggest that corruption, alongside economic performance, talent pool size, experience, culture, and political factors, plays a significant role in national soccer team performance. However, the literature lacks exploration of these factors in the African context. Our research reveals a lack of clear strategic planning processes, inadequate governance structures, and limited financial incentives in Zimbabwean soccer clubs. We recommend education and training, business coaching, ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and punitive measures for corruption to improve soccer development in Zimbabwe. This study contributes to the understanding of soccer development in Africa and highlights the need for urgent reforms to address corruption and maladministration in sports management.

The Association Between the Development of Cam Morphology During Skeletal Growth in High-Impact Athletes and the Presence of Cartilage Loss and Labral Damage in Adulthood: A Prospective Cohort Study With a 12-Year Follow-up

Background: Cam morphology develops during skeletal growth, but its influence on cartilage and the labrum in high-impact athletes later in life is unknown. Purpose: To (1) explore the association between the presence and duration of cam morphology during adolescence and the cartilage and labral status 7 to 12 years later and (2) report the prevalence of cartilage loss and labral damage in a population of young male athletes (<32 years old) who played professional soccer during skeletal growth. Study Design: Cohort study (Prognosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 89 healthy male academy soccer players from the Dutch soccer club Feyenoord (aged 12-19 years) were included at baseline. At baseline and 2.5- and 5-year follow-ups, standardized supine anteroposterior pelvis and frog-leg lateral radiographs of each hip were obtained. At 12-year follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging of both hips was performed. Cam morphology was defined by a validated alpha angle ≥60° on radiographs at baseline or 2.5- or 5-year follow-up when the growth plates were closed. Hips with the presence of cam morphology at baseline or at 2.5-year follow-up were classified as having a “longer duration” of cam morphology. Hips with cam morphology only present since 5-year follow-up were classified as having a “shorter duration” of cam morphology. At 12-year follow-up, cartilage loss and labral abnormalities were assessed semiquantitatively. Associations were estimated using logistic regression, adjusted for age and body mass index. Results: Overall, 35 patients (70 hips) with a mean age of 28.0 ± 2.0 years and mean body mass index of 24.1 ± 1.8 participated at 12-year follow-up. Cam morphology was present in 56 of 70 hips (80%). The prevalence of cartilage loss was 52% in hips with cam morphology and 21% in hips without cam morphology (adjusted odds ratio, 4.52 [95% CI, 1.16-17.61]; P = .03). A labral abnormality was present in 77% of hips with cam morphology and in 64% of hips without cam morphology (adjusted odds ratio, 1.99 [95% CI, 0.59-6.73]; P = .27). The duration of cam morphology did not influence these associations. Conclusion: The development of cam morphology during skeletal growth was associated with future magnetic resonance imaging findings consistent with cartilage loss in young adults but not with labral abnormalities.

Sport-related concussion in Brazilian professional soccer: A four-year prospective epidemiological analysis

This study aimed to investigate the incidence and other significant features of craniomaxillofacial trauma (CMFT), particularly Sport-Related Concussion (SRC), among professional soccer players from two major leagues in Brazil. This is a prospective epidemiological study which assessed two divisions of the national championship and large regional one over four seasons. Data were gathered from soccer clubs and their medical staff using two online forms. Data related to players (age and position) and injuries (diagnosis, type, body location, laterality, field location, tests performed, need for surgery, time lost in sports, and recurrence) were collected. Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 15 seasons, comprising 3 828 matches and 126 ​324 hours (h) of gameplay, were analyzed. A total of 299 CMFT cases were reported, with a median incidence of 2.37 per 1 000 ​h of play. Among them, there were 178 head and 121 face traumas, which led to 87 SRC (representing 29.10% of all CMFT), with an incidence of 0.69. Defensive midfielders (14.43%) and goalkeepers (14.00%) had the highest prevalence rates of CMFT. Only 3.68% of the injuries, mostly lacerations and fractures, required surgical treatment. This study identified that the average time lost in sports due to SRC was 5.12 days, with a recurrence rate of 12.71%. SRC are a frequent consequence of CMFT in Brazilian professional soccer. Although most cases are mild, there is a high recurrence rate, which may have long-term implications.

Effects of Acute Ingestion of Guarana (Paullinia Cupana) on Soccer Player Performance: A Randomized, Cross-over, Placebo-Controlled Study

Objective To investigate the acute effects of ingesting a beverage containing guarana (Paullinia cupana) seed powder on performance during field tests related to physical capacities that are determinants of soccer performance, such as lower limb power, sprint, agility, and the capacity to carry out intermittent exercise. Methods The study was conducted using a randomized, crossover, and counterbalanced design, with a beverage containing guarana or placebo administered in a double-blind manner. Twenty-seven under-17 soccer players of a professional soccer club performed a battery of tests 60 min after the ingestion of guarana (3 g of the fruit seed powder) or placebo. Trials were performed with a 7-day washout period. The battery of tests included a countermovement jump test, sprints of 10 and 20 m, an Illinois agility test, and a Yo–Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (YYIR1). Results Guarana ingestion did not improve countermovement jump, sprints, or agility (p > 0.05). However, guarana ingestion increased the distance covered in the YYIR1, compared with placebo ingestion (p = 0.01). Conclusion Acute ingestion of guarana improves the capacity to perform intermittent exercise in soccer players but seems to be ineffective to improve lower limb power, sprint, and agility.

A Video App for Screening Osgood-Schlatter Disease Using Soccer Instep Kicking Motion Analysis.

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is a type of osteochondrosis and traction apophysitis that results from repeated contractions of the quadriceps femoris muscle on the tibial tuberosity. Its prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment are crucial because it causes chronic knee pain and surgical approaches are required if left untreated. Three-dimensional motion analysis is a useful approach for elucidating the pathological factors of OSD; however, it requires advanced cameras, sophisticated facilities, and expensive software. Conversely, the advent of technology has provided affordable video recording devices, and smartphone/tablet-based applications have enabled two-dimensional (2D) motion analysis. This emerging tool and artificial intelligence technology were used to analyze the pivot leg from videos recorded on a tablet device during the instep kicks of adolescent soccer players. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine whether the pathological factors for OSD occurring in the pivot foot can be identified through a simple 2D motion analysis using a tablet device. In total, 94 knees of 47 soccer players (aged 14.1±0.8 years, all male) who belong to a single soccer club were evaluated. OSD was diagnosed using ultrasonography and physical examination (a positive bone fragment on ultrasonography or tenderness at the tibial tuberosity). Lower limb muscle tightness was evaluated using the finger-floor distance, straight leg raising test, heel-buttock distance, Thomas test, and ankle range of motion using a goniometer. We then performed motion analysis, and the instep kicking motion was recorded using a video camera on a tablet device. The joint angles of the hip, knee, and ankle were measured using a real-time human-pose detection system. Data were compared between the OSD and non-OSD groups. Overall, six of the 47 players (12.8%) were diagnosed with OSD. No correlation was found between lower limb tightness and the occurrence of OSD in all indices. However, the 2D motion analysis revealed that the knee flexion angle at the time of plantar placement during the instep kick movement was significantly larger in the OSD group than in the non-OSD group (OSD group: 42.0±7.2˚, non-OSD group: 33.5±6.6˚, *p=0.013). A video motion analysis revealed that the knee flexion angle during the instep kicking motion was significantly greater in athletes with OSD of the supporting foot.