The role of dynamic equilibrium in instep kicking performance of young soccer players

Frequency analysis of body oscillations during dynamic monopodal stance on a force platform was performed in order to examine whether dynamic balance is associated with kicking performance in soccer. Fifty young soccer players (ages 11-13 years) performed balance exercises and an instep kicking action while standing on a force platform. Rapid hip flexion/extension and abduction/adduction of the swinging leg during monopodal stance induced a destabilization effect in the anterior/posterior and medio/lateral plane of motion respectively. The analysis revealed that dynamic balance, as expressed by the total energy of the power spectrum of the force platform signals, significantly influences the impulse developed on the support leg during instep kicking. Balance was significantly associated with all forms of force developed in the medio/lateral plane of motion while kicking a ball. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that balance training with emphasis on exercises performed in the medio/lateral plane can improve kicking performance in soccer. Frequency analysis of the force platform signals recorded during performance of balance exercises can be used as a reliable and sensitive tool to assess balance ability during performance of other lower limb motor tasks.