The Relationship of Kicking Ball Velocity with Anthropometric and Physiological Factors in Soccer

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship of kicking ball velocity with anthropometric and physiological parameters in soccer. Specifically, the researchers examined how the anthropometric variables such as body weight, body fat, body mass index, and body height, as well as the physiological variables such as running speed, lower body explosive strength, lower limb endurance, balance, and agility are related to ball velocity. Fifty eight U-12 male soccer players, sixty one U-14, forty three U-16, and thirty five adult male soccer players participated in this study. The results showed that ball velocity is related to both anthropometric and physiological factors differently according to the age of the players. It was also confirmed that ball velocity is an indicator of playing level. The key finding from this research was that ball velocity is related to the explosive strength parameters. Thus this relationship is an indicator that coaches and trainers have to take into account so as maximize the kicking potential of their players.