Prediction of ball direction in soccer penalty through kinematic analysis of the kicker.

The penalty kick is a crucial opportunity to score and determine the outcome of a soccer match or championship. Anticipating the direction of the ball is key for goalkeepers to enhance their defensive capabilities, considering the ball's swift travel time. However, it remains unclear which kinematic cues from the kicker can predict the ball's direction. This study aimed to identify the variables that predict the ball's direction during a soccer penalty kick. Twenty U19 soccer players executed penalty kicks towards four targets positioned in the goal, while kinematic analysis was conducted using a 3D motion analysis system. Logistic regression analysis revealed that trunk rotation in the transverse plane (towards the goal - left; or slightly to the right - right) served as the primary predictor of the ball's horizontal direction at 250 and 150 ms before the kicking foot made contact. Additionally, the height of the kicking foot in the sagittal plane solely predicted the vertical direction at the moment of contact. This information, encompassing trunk rotation and kicking foot height, can be employed in perceptual training to enhance decision-making and the implementation of feints during penalty kicks.

Five-week sensory motor training program improves functional performance and postural control in young male soccer players - A blind randomized clinical trial.

Sensory motor training programs are used in the rehabilitation and prevention of injuries among soccer players. Inconsistencies are found in the literature regarding the duration of the protocols and the exercises and equipment used. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the benefits of a five-week sensory motor training program on the functional performance and postural control of young soccer players. METHODS: The study sample comprised 22 young male soccer players who were evaluated using: the Figure-of-Eight Test (F8), Side Hop Test (SHT), Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), and a force platform. The players were randomly divided into a control group (N = 10), who continued their soccer practice sessions and an intervention group (N = 12), who continued their soccer practice sessions and were also enrolled in a supervised five-week sensory motor training program. RESULTS: After the five-week training program, the intervention group obtained significant results in the F8, SHT and SEBT, as well as in the following parameters: area of pressure of sway center (COP), mean velocity and mean frequency of COP. CONCLUSION: The five-week sensory motor training program, carried out with easily available and low cost equipment, was effective at improving functional performance and postural control in young soccer players.