The effect of ball characteristics on head acceleration during purposeful heading in male and female youth football players. Issue 3 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peek, Kerry; McKay, Marnee; Fu, Allan; Meyer, Tim; Oxenham, Vincent; Esopenko, Carrie; Caccese, Jaclyn; Andersen, Jordan
• Is Part Of: Science and medicine in football. Volume 5:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 195
• Page End: 203
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: Soccer -- adolescent -- ball -- head injury; Soccer injuries -- Periodicals; Soccer -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Soccer -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 617.102763
• DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2021.1897657
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2473-3938

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to explore the effects of different ball types and characteristics on head acceleration during purposeful heading in youth football players. Methods: Experienced male and female players (n = 61) aged between 12–17 years completed heading trials with 4 different balls (Ball 1 mass 192 grams (g), pressure 5.0 pounds per square inch (psi); Ball 2 432 g, 5.0 psi; Ball 3 255 g, 5.0 psi; Ball 4 430 g, 10.5 psi) whilst wearing a head-mounted accelerometer and gyroscope. Balls 1, 2 and 4 were size 5 balls; Ball 3 was a size 4 ball. Results: Multivariate analysis of variance and post-hoc univariate analyses revealed a statistically significant difference between ball type and head acceleration during heading for both linear acceleration (adjusted R 2 = 0.68; F = 140.90; p = <0.001) and angular velocity (adjusted R 2 = 0.28; F = 26.52; p = <0.001). Ball 1 (lightest size 5 ball) and Ball 3 (size 4 ball) demonstrated linear head accelerations up to 59% lower (p = <0.01) when compared with Ball 4 (size 5 regulated match ball). Discussion: Head acceleration during purposeful heading is influenced by changes to ball pressure, ball size and/or ball mass. Changing ball characteristics, particularly in youth football training when heading is being taught, should be an easy strategy to implement.