title: Influence of non-preferred foot technical training in reducing lower limbs functional asymmetry among young football players.
abstract: The functional asymmetry of the lower limbs has been regarded as a relevant factor of the performance of football players. We purposed to ascertain whether a specific technical training programme for the non-preferred foot has implications in the increasing utilisation rate of the respective member during the game. Young football players (n = 71) were randomly divided into experimental group (N = 35; 14.37 ± 1.94 years) and control group (N = 36; 14.50 ± 1.81 years). The study was developed into three stages: first, assessment of the index utilisation of both limbs during the game; second, application of a technical training programme that includes the drilling of specific motor skills exclusively directed to the non-preferred foot; and third, assessment of the new rate of both limbs' utilisation after the predefined six months. The main findings were: (1) the use of the non-preferred foot increased significantly with the technical training programme in the experimental group and remained constant in the control group; (2) the use of the preferred foot decreased significantly in the experimental group and remained similar in control group. We concluded that a systematic and specific technical training for the non-preferred foot increases its use and reduces functional asymmetry in game situation, consequently improving the player's performance.
authors: a Faculty of Sport , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.
authors: José
authors: J
authors: Guilherme
authors: Júlio
authors: J
authors: Garganta
authors: Amândio
authors: A
authors: Graça
authors: André
authors: A
authors: Seabra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D005528:Foot / Q000502:physiology; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: football; functional asymmetry; non-preferred foot; preferred foot; skill acquisition