Journal of Human Kinetics volume 42/2014, 81-90 DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2014-0063 81 Section I – Kinesiology 1 - Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, University in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. . Authors submitted their contribution of the article to the editorial board. Accepted for printing in Journal of Human Kinetics vol. 42/2014 on September 2014. Kinematic Analysis of the Instep Kick in Youth Soccer Players by Alen Kapidžić 1 , Tarik Huremović 1 , Alija Biberovic 1 We attempted to establish which applied kinematic variables significantly contributed to the efficiency of the instep kick motion in soccer. The study sample comprised 13 boys (age: 13 ± 0.5 yrs; body mass: 41.50 ± 8.40 kg; body height: 151.46 ± 5.93 cm) from the FC Sloboda school of soccer. Each participant performed three kicks with maximum strength that were video recorded with two synchronized cameras (Casio Ex-F1) positioned 12 m away from the place of the kick. Data were collected by analyzing the video recordings of each kick. Data processing was performed using the APAS motion analysis system (Ariel Dynamics Inc., San Diego, CA). On the basis of the forward selection method of multiple regression analysis, we determined the correlations between the prediction variables and the selected criteria (speed of the ball; p = 0.01). On the basis of the regression coefficients, it was concluded that two variables significantly contributed to the speed of the ball: speed of the foot of the kicking leg at the time of contact with the ball (p = 0.01) and the distance between the angle support leg and center of the ball (“foot posterior displacement”) (p = 0.01). In order to achieve the best possible technical performance and, therefore, a higher speed of the ball, soccer players must pay attention to two important elements during training. First, it is necessary to position the support leg as close to the ball as possible and, second, maximize the force used in the initial phases of the kick to achieve a high speed of the kicking foot. Key words: knee angle, biomechanics, velocity, foot, support leg, kicking technique. Introduction Variations of the instep kick are often used in soccer, such as when passing the ball at medium and long distances, when shooting at the goal, and when performing penalty kicks (Kellis and Katis, 2007). Coaching experience and knowledge of a mechanical model of desired performance are necessary for a coach to correct performance among players (Smith et al., 2006). The biomechanics of kicking in soccer is particularly important for guiding and monitoring the training process. Studies in the biomechanics of instep kicking have focused on numerous variables in different populations, but all seek to establish optimal variables, or variables that are most predictive of success, which is most typically defined by the resulting ball velocity (Ismail et al., 2010). The instep soccer place kick is one of the most analyzed kicking actions in soccer (Dorge et al., 2002). Considering its complexity, application in the game, multiple advantages, and the desire for the best possible technical performance, the instep kick is the subject of much research that has involved all levels of players, from youth athletes to experienced professionals (Ismail et al., 2010; Barfield et al., 2002; Shan and Westwrhoff, 2005; Reilly, 2003; Kellis et al., 2004). Biomechanical techniques are important tools for many sport disciplines, but, in soccer, they are particularly useful for defining the characteristics of skills, improving mechanical effectiveness in execution, and identifying factors that influence successful performance. Knowledge and understanding of biomechanics can enhance learning and Unauthenticated Download Date | 1/28/17 4:08 PM