BSC U11 – U18
Unilateral Squatting:
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Squatting is the produce of functional hip strength, among other factors such as hip, knee and ankle range of motion
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Consistently across the age groups, U11-U18, with the exception of u12, 50-80% of the girls tested are unable to unilaterally squat at >90 degrees of knee flexion. Improving the ability to unilaterally squat will reduce the risk of knee ligament injury.
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Consistently across the age group, U11-U18, with the exception of U12, only <20% of the girls tested are able to unilaterally squat at >90 degrees of knee flexion.
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These results identify the need for improving unilateral squat ability, which would reduce the risk of a knee ligament injury.
Unilateral Squatting Demonstrating a Valgus Knee position:
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Knee valgus is characterized by a combination of hip adduction and hip internal rotation, also referred to as medial knee placement, usually when in a squat like position
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The value of maintaining a sagittal plane alignment during a squat minimizes the incident of an
“at risk” position for a knee ligament injury
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Consistently across the age groups, U11-U18, with the exception of U15, there was a greater incident of squatting with a valgus knee position, opposed to maintaining a proper sagittal plane alignment.
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Nearly 70% of those tested have this at risk valgus knee position while performing a unilateral squat.
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A program that enables players to maintain a sagittal plane alignment during a squat, or functionally in play on the soccer field will reduce the risk of a knee ligament injury.
Muscle Strength Testing:
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Strength is measured using a range of 0-5. A value is given to an individual muscle group based on the resistance it is able to uphold when a specific force is applied.
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For example, 3+ is equivalent to full range of motion against gravity with slight resistance
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While 5 is equivalent to full range of motion against gravity with maximal resistance
 5 muscle strength is optimal, minimizing the risk of poor mechanics and injury
Contact: Marcie L. Schwartz, MPT, COMT, Sportsmetrics Certified mlynn472@hotmail.com or (240) 601-3399 www.protectmyacl.com

Gluteus Medius Strength:
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Beginning with U14, there is an increase of gluteus medius strength with age from 3+/5 to 4/5
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Consistently across the age groups, with the exception of <10% of U17, no participant demonstrated 5/5 strength
 To reduce the risk of knee ligament injuries, a program to improve gluteus medius strength, would be beneficial.
Hamstring Strength @ 90 degrees of Knee Flexion:
 Consistently across the age groups U12-U18, 80% demonstrated 5/5 muscle strength
 60% of the U11 age group demonstrated 5/5 muscle strength
Hamstring Strength >90 degrees of Knee Flexion:
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This position is often present in an “at risk” knee ligamentous injury
 Consistently across all age groups 0% of participants demonstrated 5/5 muscle strength
 More than 50% of all participants demonstrated 4- or less muscle strength
 Improving hamstring strength would be helpful in reducing the risk of ACL injury
Contact: Marcie L. Schwartz, MPT, COMT, Sportsmetrics Certified mlynn472@hotmail.com or (240) 601-3399 www.protectmyacl.com