title: The Contribution of Trunk Axial Kinematics to Poststrike Ball Velocity During Maximal Instep Soccer Kicking.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise Science, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH.
authors.forename: Adam M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Fullenkamp
authors.forename: Brian M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: C Matthew
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Laurent
authors.forename: Amanda Paige
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Lane
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology*; D013909:Thorax / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult