A biomechanical analysis of soccer heading technique

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if differences existed between collegiate soccer players who head the ball frequently and those players who head the ball infrequently. Twenty-four women's collegiate soccer players volunteered for this study. All Participants had at least 9 years of soccer heading experience, were currently injury free, and reported no serious head injuries. Participants were separated into two groups, frequent headers (FH) and infrequent headers (IH). They were videotaped performing 10 standing headers and were asked to head as hard as they could. Incoming ball velocity was consistent at 8.2 m/s (+/− .2 m/s). Variables measured included: difference in velocity from pre-contact to post-contact, trunk ROM from initiation of flexion to contact, trunk and neck angular velocity at contact, and average linear acceleration over contact. The Frequent Header group had significantly larger velocity difference, trunk ROM, and neck and trunk angular velocity at contact. Differences in the average linear acceleration of the head could not be tested statistically because of violations of assumptions. The FH group had a lower average linear acceleration of the head over the duration of contact. It was concluded that women who headed the ball frequently used a different technique than women who head the ball infrequently. This difference in technique was best manifested in a difference in ball velocity from pre-contact to post-contact. The variables responsible for this change in velocity are: (a) a large step into the ball, (b) increased ROM and angular velocity of the trunk, and (c) a short, powerful flexion of the neck beginning just prior to contact and continuing through contact.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Physical Education

Grantor

Texas Woman's University

Year dc:date.issued

1998

Author dc:creator

• Ludwig, Kathryn

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Wilkerson, Jerry

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Pyfer, Jean
• Hamilton, Basil

• Soccer heading differences
• Women collegiate soccer players
• Mechanics
• Recreation

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/11274/16588

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:twu-ir.tdl.org:11274/16588