Investigate Kick Speed Through to Compare the Biomechanical Characteristics of the Knee Joint in Low Drive and High Drive Soccer Instep Kick

The aims of this study were to examine the release speed of the ball in low drive and high drive soccer instep kick and investigated in relationship between ball speed and biomechanical difference observed during the kicking action. Six skilled soccer players performed low drive and high drive kick with preferred leg. In order to calculate the knee joints kinematic parameters and kicks velocity, five markers attached to anatomical points of the foot and their movements were filmed at 240 Hz.  In addition, during subject performance, by surface electrodes, Electromyography variables of the quadriceps muscles were calculated. The results indicate that there was a significant difference in ball speed between low drive and high drive instep kick. Also in angular velocity of the knee joint, we have seen a significant difference in two types of kick. But there were no significant difference between two kicks in quadriceps muscles electromyography (p = 0/11). In a nutshell there are several factors that influence ball speed, including sequence of movement, joints range of motion and muscles activation. In this study sequence of motion and range of the motion are most effective parameters to create difference between two kicks.