Movement Analysis of
Kicking A Soccer Ball
Kendra Alberts - Kyleah Bowder - Kelsey Timmerman
Introduction

Kicking a soccer ball is
situational.
–
Depending where you are on
the field or what your
objective is, the kick may be
different.
–
The different kicks might
differ in force and distance
based upon technique.
–
Examples: cross, shot, and
goal kicks compared to a pass
in a combination play.
Mental Preparation

Players are constantly thinking
“what is next” --- Head is up.

Mental preparation leads to ball
set up.
–
–

Laces
Inside of foot
Ball set up leads to body
preparation.
Types of Kicks

Laces Kick- Toe down, power in knee
flexion. Used for crosses, corner kicks,
goal kicks, and shooting.

Inside of Foot-Ankle rotated out, toes
pointed up. Used for passing, and finishing
(shooting).
Laces Kick
Six Stages
1. The Approach
2. Foot Planting
3. Cocking of
Kicking Limb
4. Swing
5. Ball Contact
6. Follow Through
Stages-Laces

Stage 1: The Approach
–
This stage is consecutive to the mental
preparation.
 Set
play: Run up at an angle
 Shot: Anticipation
 Cross: Touch to the outside of the foot kicking the
ball to create an angle.
Stages-Laces

Stage Two-Foot Planting
–
Determines the direction of the kick
–
Done in the sagittal plane
–
Result of knee extension in stride and plantar
flexion. P. Flexion may proceed into
dorsiflexion based upon circumstances or
stage of the kick.
Stages-Laces

Stage Three: Cocking of
Kicking Limb
-Power producing
movement.
-Knee Flexion is the main
component
-Plantar flexion in the
kicking foot
-Hip extension
-Possible hip abduction.
This movement stores up force
and energy that will transfer
over to the swing phase.
Stages-Laces

Stage Four: The Swing
–
–
–
Knee extension
Hip flexion
Plantar flexion
This is an explosive anaerobic movement.
* Torque and moment arm play a major role in this
movement. The longer the limb and shorter moment
arm, the more speed will be generated. The smaller the
limb and bigger the moment arm, the greater the
strength
Stages-Laces

Stage Five: Ball Contact
–
Knee Extension still taking place
– Continuation of hip flexion
– Plantar flexion
– Some dorsiflexion in planted foot
Stages-Laces

Stage Six: Follow Through
–
Continuation of ball contact
 Knee Extension
 Hip Flexion
 Foot begins to relax
-Then the reverse happens
-Hip Extension bringing leg back down
-Athlete lands on shooting foot
Laces-Upper Body

There is minimal movement in the upper
body.
 Most movement done in the frontal plane.
–
Lateral flexion in the torso
– Arm abduction
– Arm adduction
QuickTime™ and a
H.264 decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Inside of the foot


The stages of using the inside of the foot are very similar.
However there is more movement done in the transverse
plane.
– Eversion in the foot
– Lateral rotation in the knee
QuickTime™ and a
H.264 decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Main Muscles








Quadriceps
Hamstrings
Gluteus Max and Min
Periformis
Abdominals
Psoas
Calves
Adductors of the leg
References
Amiri-Khorasani, M., Abu Osman, N. A., & Yusof, A. (2011). Biomechanical
responses of thigh and lower leg during 10 consecutive soccer instep kicks.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(4), 1177-1181.
Andrzejewski, M., Chmura, J., Pluta, B., & Kasprazak, A. (2012). Analysis
of motor activities of professional soccer players. Journal of Strength and
Conditioning Research, 26(6), 1481-1487.
Bacvarevic, B. B., Pazin, N., Bozic, P. R., & Mirkov, D. (2012). Evaluation
of a composite test of kicking performance. Journal of Strength and
Conditioning Research, 26(7), 1945-1452.
Amiri-Khorasani, M., MohammadKazemi, R., Safarazi, S., Riyahi-Malayeri,
S., & Sotoodeh, V. (2012). Kinematics analysis related to stretch-shortening
cycle during soccer instep kicking after different acute stretching. Journal of
Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(11), 3010-3017.