3D-Biomechanical Analysis
of the Soccer Kick
Introduction
• We chose to look at the biomechanics of
the soccer kick
• Two different kicks were looked at:
–
–
The straight kick
The sweep kick
Purpose & Objectives
• We sought to look at the angular
velocities, moments and powers at the hip
and knee joints
• The different contributions of the specific
muscle groups for each of the kicks
Literature reviewed
• Majority of previous studies have focused
on the kinematics
• Very few studies have performed 3-D
analysis, those that have did kinematics
only
• Previous studies found:
– hip flexion followed by hip extension moment produces knee
extension, not the knee extensors
– Knee flexors are active during knee extension to prevent
hyperextension
(study by D.G.E. Robertson, C. Fernando, M. Hart & F. Beaulieu)
Methods
• The motion was captured
using the Vicon® motion
capture system
• 5 infrared cameras were
used at a sampling rate of
100Hz. The data was
filtered using a Woltring
GCV filter
• A 28-marker set was
used as illustrated left
Methods
• The different kicking styles were analyzed for
moment forces and power.
• The first style looked at was the straight kickwhere the athlete approaches the ball straight
on.
• The next style was the sweep kick- where the
athlete approaches the ball from the side.
• Subject was a male 22 year old experienced
soccer player
• Performed 4 trials of each kick, and we
attempted to analyze the best trials
Straight Kick
• Approaching the ball
straight on
• Mostly a
flexion/extension
action
• Minimal
abduction/adduction
Sweep Kick
• Approaching the ball
at an angle
• Substantial
abduction/adduction
components
Joint Power Analysis (Flexion/ Extension)
Straight Kick
• Hip:
Extension is negative
Flexion is positive
• Knee:
Extension is positive
Flexion is negative
 Moment power(W)
Positive = concentric
Negative = eccentric
Joint Power Analysis (Flexion/ Extension)
Sweep Kick
• Hip:
Extension is negative
Flexion is positive
• Knee:
Extension is positive
Flexion is negative
 Moment power(W)
Positive = concentric
Negative = eccentric
Joint Power Analysis (Abduction/ Adduction)
Sweep Kick
• Hip:
Extension is negative
Flexion is positive
• Knee:
Extension is positive
Flexion is negative
 Moment power(W)
Positive = concentric
Negative = eccentric
Analysis Summary
• The hip flexors and extensors are
responsible for producing the majority of
the kicking force
• During knee extension, the flexors are
active just before strike preventing
hyperextension
• Hip extensor action just prior to contact is
what initiates knee extension
Analysis Summary
• The abduction/ adduction curves follow a
similar path to the flexion/ extension
graphs.
• The magnitudes of the abduction/
adduction are substantial for the velocities
and moments, but much smaller for the
powers.
• Anatomical structures resist moments thus
reducing powers
Conclusions and
Recommendations
• Our results supported the previous studies concerning
the powers and forces for flexion/ extension
• Our abduction/ adduction results were what we expected
based on anatomical predicions
• Some studies have shown that the sweep kick produces
higher ball velocities, possibly due to the added
abduction/ adduction forces of the limb.
• Now that more 3D capture technology is available more
kinetic studies should be done.