Determinants of the half-turn with the ball in sub-elite youth soccer players. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zago, Matteo; Codari, Marina; Grilli, Massimo; Bellistri, Giuseppe; Lovecchio, Nicola; Sforza, Chiarella
• Is Part Of: Sports biomechanics. Volume 15:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 234
• Page End: 244
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Motion analysis -- methods -- coordination -- movement -- kinematics -- soccer -- sports -- techniques -- sport topics; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Human mechanics -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2016.1162841
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-3141

Abstract

Abstract: We explored the biomechanics of the 180° change-of-direction with the ball (half-turn) in soccer. We aimed at identifying movement strategies which enhance the players' half-turning performance, by characterising technique kinematics and understanding the structure of biomechanical and anthropometrics variables. Ten Under-13 sub-elite male players were recorded with an optoelectronic motion analyser while performing a 5-m straight dribbling followed by a half-turn with the sole. Joints kinematics differences between faster and slower trials were found in support-side hip rotation, driving-side hip adduction, trunk flexion and rotation, and arms abduction. To unveil the data-set structure, a principal component (PC) analysis and a stepwise linear discriminant analysis were performed using 30 biomechanical parameters and four anthropometric variables for each trial. Seven retained PCs explained 79% of the overall variability, featuring combinations of original variables that help in understanding the factors facilitating fast half-turns: keeping short steps, minimising lateral and forward body movements, and centre-of-mass lowering, even with ample lower limbs ranges of motion (RoM); abducting the upper limbs while limiting trunk flexion and pelvic inclination RoM. Balance and task-constrained exercises may be proposed to improve this technique. Moreover, a quantitative knowledge of the movement structure could give coaches objective insights to better instruct young players.