Sport
Science
Review,
vol. XXIV,
Sport Science Review, vol.
XXIV,
No.
1-2, April
2015 no. 1-2, 2015, 71 - 88
DOI: 10.1515/ssr-2015-0009
The Relationship of Kicking Ball Velocity
with Anthropometric and Physiological
Factors in Soccer
Evangelos BEKRIS1 • Aristotelis GIOLDASIS1 • Vasilis BEKRIS2
Ioannis GISSIS3 • Stergios KOMSIS3 • Ioannis MITROUSIS1
T
he 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.
Keywords: soccer, velocity, coaching, anthropometric factors,
physiological factors, explosive strength
Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens,
Greece
2
Department of Business Administration, University of Piraeus, Greece
3
Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
1
ISSN: (print) 2066-8732/(online) 2069-7244
© 2015 • National Institute for Sport Research • Bucharest, Romania
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Kicking Ball Velocity and Anthropometric/Physiological Factors in Soccer
Introduction
Team performance in soccer is the outcome of interactions among
physiological, social, tactical, technical and psychological factors (Bangsbo, 1994;
Little & Williams, 2006) as well as chronological age, maturity status and playing
experience (Malina et al., 2005; Rosch et al., 2000; Vänttinen, Blomqvist, &
Häkkinen, 2010). Specifically, in a soccer game, players have to perform several
technical and tactical tasks. Technical skills which determine players’ individual
ability are classified as on-the-ball-performance actions. Ball control, long and
short passes, dribbles, crosses, tackles, headers, shots, corners, free-kicks and
throw-ins are considered as the basic technical skills (Huijgen 2013; Rampinini,
Impellizzeri, Castagna, Coutts, & Wisloff, 2007; Taylor, Mellalieu, James, &
Shearer, 2008). On target shooting is a high-value skill as it determines the final
result of the soccer game. Success of soccer kick depends on several factors
including the distance (short or long shots), the type of kick used (internal or
external foot), the environment (air resistance), and the technique of the kick
which is best described by biomechanical analysis (Kellis & Katis, 2007). The
best biomechanical indicators of kicking success are the ball velocity and contact
surface with the ball (Isokawa & Lees, 1988; Kellis, Katis, & Gissis, 2004), the
kicking type and accuracy (Kermond & Konz, 1978; Nunome, Asai, Ikegami, &
Sakurai, 2002; Wang & Griffin, 1997), as well as the optimum energy transfer
between the kicking segments (Plagenhoef & Curtis, 1971). Recently studies on
kicking ability have mainly used electromyography (EMG) method (Bollens, De
Proft, & Clarys, 1987; De Proft, Clarys, Bollens, Cabri, & Dufour, 1988; Dorge,
Bull-Andersen, Sorensen, Simonsen, Aagaard, Dyhre Poulsen, & Klausen, 1999;
Kellis et al., 2004; McCrudden & Reilly, 1993; McDonald, 2002; Orchard, Walt,
McIntosh, & Garlick, 2002; Kellis & Katis 2007).
Although it is undeniable that players’ kicking ability affects the game result,
it is the ball velocity that is executed which is of the highest importance as it
determines the outcome. Previous research has shown that the combination
of muscle and motion-dependent moments configures kicking ability (Kellis
& Katis, 2007). Several muscles’ activation such as vastus medialis’, vastus
lateralis’, and iliopsoas’, configure muscle moments, as well as muscle activity
stabilize the involved joints and segments so as to achieve a well-coordinated
movement. Furthermore, the higher the speed of foot before the contact with
the ball because of muscle coordination the better the ball velocity is. However,
an aspect that affects the ball velocity of the kicks is the accuracy of the shoot.
Past research revealed that the higher power of the kicks the less accuracy
is. Thus the combination of ball velocity and kicking accuracy determine the
kicking effectiveness. In addition, successful teams perform higher number and
percentage of shoot on target (Bekris, Gioldasis, Gissis, Komsis, & Alipasali,
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Sport Science Review, vol. XXIV, No. 1-2, April 2015
2014; Castellano, Casamichana, & Lago, 2012). That finding indicates that the
improvement of soccer instep kicks effectiveness is a very important target of
training sessions (Weineck, 1997).
The main question of the current study was how does kicking ability evolve
in several developmental ages, and which performance and anthropometric
factors affect it? Therefore the aim of the study was to examine the physiological
parameters that affect the ball velocity of succeed kicks (on target shoots) of a
non-moving ball. Furthermore the researchers looked out the anthropometric
characteristics that affect ball velocity during the developmental as well as the
adult age stages. Finally, they examined which indicators greater predict the
ability of achieving high ball velocity during kicking.
Methods
Participants
One hundred ninety seven male soccer players from Greek amateur teams
took part in the current study, and performed all the tests described below. The
researchers divided players according to their age in the following age groups:
Under-12 years old, Under-14, Under-16 years old and adult players. The players
studied trained at least 3 times per week apart from the weekly league games.
Consent forms approved by the university Research Ethics Committee were
completed for each participant by a parent or guardian because some of the
players were under the legal age of consent.
Measurements
Anthropometrical parameters. All the anthropometric measurements were
obtained using standardized laboratory procedures. A calibrated precision
weighing scale (BC1000, Tanita) was used to obtain body weight (in kilograms),
body fat (%) and body mass index (in kilograms), as well as a cursor was placed on
each participant’s head to measure height (in centimeters).
Physiological parameters. The running speed of players was evaluated on a synthetic
field from a standing start over distances of 10 and 30m, respectively, using two
pairs of photocells (Microgate, RACETIME 2), placed on the beginning and in
the end of the distance. Two trials for each distance, separated by a five minute
rest interval, were undertaken with data from the fastest trial being recorded.
Soccer research (Katis & Kellis, 2009; Mirkov, Nedeljkovic, Kukolj, Ugarkovic,
& Jaric, 2008; Scott & Docherty, 2004; Wong, Chamari,
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Kicking Ball Velocity and Anthropometric/Physiological Factors in Soccer
Dellal, &Wisløff, 2009) has confirmed the reliability and validity of running
speed tests in young players (ICC > 0.90).
Lower body explosive strength was determined by a vertical jump on an optical
device called OptoJump System (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy). OptoJump System
is an optical measurement system consisting of two bars, the transmitter and the
receiver. These bars contain photocells, in a distance of 2 mm from the ground
which are constantly communicating. The device detects any interruptions in
communication between the bars and calculates their duration. Thus it is possible
to assess the vertical jump by recording the highest jump of three maximal
voluntary repetitions. Based on Markovic and colleauges (2004) suggestions,
who also confirmed the validity and the reliability of the test, the participants
kept the hands on their hips throughout the tests while they were jumping from
a semi-squatting position (Markovic, Dizdar, Jukic, & Cardinale, 2004).
Lower limb endurance was also estimated by the specialized software of the
Optojump System. Specifically, the mean height of 15 continuous jumps was
used to estimate the lower limb endurance (Wong et al., 2009) with satisfactory
reliability and validity rates for young soccer players (ICC= 0.96).
The balance was assessed with the shark skill test (Gatz, 2009). A box that
was consisted of 9 squares 30cm each of these was used. The participants had
to stand on the center square on one foot, and hop inside each of the boxes in
a row. Before each advancing they had to return to the center box. Participants
practiced one time before the two trials for each foot. The researchers indicated
the starting and finishing time. Furthermore, 0.10 seconds were added for every
time the participants touching the lines of each box, not returning to the starting
box and touching the ground with the non-hopping foot.
Agility was assessed using the Illinois agility run (Hastad & Lacy, 1994;
Svensson & Drust, 2005). The test started with a player standing with one foot
in front of the other behind the starting line. Then the subjects sprinted 9m
straight, and turned back to the starting line of the cones. Then they swerved
in and out of four cones, completing two 9m sprints go and return. Finally to
finish the test they had to run 9m go and return to the finishing line. Two trials,
separated by a five minute rest interval, were undertaken with data from the best
trial being recorded. Time was measured by gates using photocells (Microgate,
RACETIME 2) positioned at the starting and the finishing line. Past literature
(Katis &Kellis, 2009) also confirmed its reliability and validity for young soccer
players (ICC= 0.94).
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Technical parameters. The players performed long distance shoots (16.5 m)
without a goalkeeper so as to examine the ball velocity of their kicking ability
with a non-moving ball. They performed 4 kicks and the researchers recorded
the best performance. Instructions as far as the movement toward the ball and
the contact surface with the ball were given to the participants. The participants
used their dominant foot to kick the ball. A limitation of the study was that only
on target shoots were evaluated by the researchers. The used ball was size 4
and 5 according to the age of the kids with pressure (0.9 atmospheres). A radar
speed gun (Speedster III Bushnell) with satisfactory reliability and validity index
in athletes (ICC= 0.90) was used to examine the ball velocity (English & Howe,
2007).
Procedure
Researchers specialized in sport ergophysiology and sport psychology
evaluated the characteristics of the players in the beginning of the preparation
period. Specifically they measured the adults on August, before the first training
session and the younger players on September. They informed both participants
and their parents or guardians about the aims, the benefits, the risks and the
ethics of the study before completing consent forms for each participant. Indoor
(anthropometric, balance, vertical jump, lower limb endurance) and field tests
(running speed, agility, kicking ball) were used. The breaks between the tests
as well as the trials were around 5 minutes. The measurements were scheduled
under similar conditions of time, light, temperature, motivation and a 20 minute
standardized warm-up.
Statistical analysis
All the values of anthropometric, physiological and technical parameters are
expressed as means and standard deviations. Principally, Kolmogorov-Smirnov
and Levene’s tests were used to examine the homogeneity and the normality in
distribution of the variables. Analyses of variance (ANOVA) followed by post
hoc comparisons (Tukey) were performed to find out the significant differences
in selected parameters according to the kicking ability of the players.
Results
Data controls. The researchers examined differences in ball velocity of the
players according to their anthropometric and physiological characteristics. The
Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical tests indicated normality in distribution for
all the variables (p> .05). Similarly, Levene’s test showed homogeneity as the
variances of the variables were not significantly different (p> .05).
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Descriptive statistics. The following table shows the descriptive statistics for
all the anthropometric and physiological characteristics according to the age of
the players (Table 1).
Table 1
Means and standard deviations of anthropometric and physiological characteristics
Age group
U-12
Height
Weight
Body Fat
BMI
Left leg balance
Right leg balance
Lower limb endurance
10m running speed
30m running speed
Lower body explosive strength
Agility
Ball velocity
N
U-14
U-16
Adults
M (SD)
M (SD)
M (SD)
M (SD)
150.80 (80.05)
43.52 (9.29)
15.26 (4.70)
18.70 (2.33)
8.37 (2.55)
7.59 (1.56)
17.80 (3.21)
2.14 (.15)
3.77 (.23)
21.45 (4.78)
17.98 (.85)
72.72 (6.69)
58
164.66 (8.02)
55.12 (7.92)
12.98 (3.12)
20.25 (1.81)
7.17 (1.24)
7.08 (1.22)
21.08 (3.28)
2.04 (.11)
4.24 (.71)
25.62 (4.16)
17.00 (.63)
85.18 (7.11)
61
174.57 (6.44)
67.14 (9.14)
12.11 (2.46)
21.71 (1.59)
5.92 (.83)
5.85 (.90)
25.29 (2.91)
1.94 (.09)
4.58 (.15)
29.03 (3.25)
16.05 (.45)
93.81 (8.29)
43
177.10 (6.98)
71.02 (10.30)
10.77 (4.39)
22.61 (2.38)
6.36 (1.71)
6.19 (1.51)
26.09 (4.55)
1.98 (.13)
4.58 (.29)
30.50 (4.81)
16.16 (1.10)
95.94 (8.98)
35
ANOVA analyses. The following table shows descriptive statistics of the
significant differences among U-12 players with different ball velocity regarding
their anthropometric and physiological characteristics (Table 2).
Table 2
Ball velocity differences according to U-12 players’ anthropometric and physiological
characteristics
U-12
Ball velocity
Very low1
Low2
High3
Very high4
F
Tukey
Height
Weight
M (SD)
148.33 (7.15)
148.75 (8.47)
149.82 (5.13)
156.68 (8.86)
3.885***
1<4; 2<4; 3<4
M (SD)
40.69 (7.85)
39.85 (5.72)
44.56 (6.00)
49.33 (13.23)
3.490**
1<4; 2<4
Lower limb
endurance
M (SD)
16.03 (2.54)
18.17 (2.21)
18.46 (3.98)
18.94 (3.31)
2.802**
1<4
10m running
speed
M (SD)
2.20 (.16)
2.12 (.12)
2.14 (.13)
2.08 (.14)
2.020
1<4
30m running
speed
M (SD)
3.89 (.25)
3.75 (.22)
3.71 (.23)
3.69 (.20)
2.413*
1<4
Agility
M (SD)
18.58 (.90)
17.81 (.42)
17.65 (.75)
17.74 (.88)
4.881***
1<4; 2<4; 3<4
Note: * p<.10; ** p<.05; *** p<.01; **** p<.001
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Table 3 shows descriptive statistics of the significant differences among
U-14 players with different ball velocity regarding their anthropometric and
physiological characteristics.
Table 3
Ball velocity differences according to U-14 players’ anthropometric and physiological
characteristics
U-14
Ball velocity
Very low1
Low2
High3
Very high4
F
Tukey
Height
Weight
BMI
Agility
M (SD)
158.80 (9.08)
163.77 (6.75)
167.40 (6.47)
170.36 (6.52)
7.203****
1<3; 1<4; 2<4
M (SD)
49.29 (6.31)
53.13 (6.03)
57.22 (6.39)
62.97 (6.63)
12.638****
1<3; 1<4; 2<4
M (SD)
19.33 (1.53)
19.79 (1.40)
20.65 (2.44)
21.69 (1.30)
6.068****
1<4; 2<4
M (SD)
17.36 (.52)
17.08 (.72)
16.82 (.51)
16.62 (.45)
4.222***
1<4
Note: * p<.10; ** p<.05; *** p<.01; **** p<.001
Table 4 shows descriptive statistics of the significant differences among
U-16 players with different ball velocity regarding their anthropometric and
physiological characteristics.
Table 4
Ball velocity differences according to U-16 players’ anthropometric and physiological
characteristics
U-16
Ball velocity
Very low1
Low2
High3
Very high4
F
Tukey
10m running speed
30m running speed
Lower body explosive strength
M (SD)
1.96 (.07)
1.99 (.10)
1.90 (.09)
1.91 (.07)
2.462*
2<3
M (SD)
4.64 (.10)
4.66 (.17)
4.51 (.12)
4.50 (.14)
4.023***
1<4; 2<3; 2<4
M (SD)
27.75 (3.77)
27.97 (3.23)
29.98 (2.06)
30.50 (3.14)
2.150*
1<4
Note: * p<.10; ** p<.05; *** p<.01; **** p<.001
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Finally, the following tables show descriptive statistics of the significant
differences among adult players with different ball velocity regarding their
anthropometric (Table 5) and physiological (Table 6) characteristics.
Table 5
Ball velocity differences according to adults’ anthropometric characteristics
Adults
Ball velocity
Very low1
Low2
High3
Very high4
F
Height
Weight
BMI
Left leg balance
Right leg balance
M (SD)
172.38 (7.86)
175.80 (7.55)
180.07 (4.83)
179.38 (5.29)
2.221*
M (SD)
59.85 (9.15)
71.83 (10.41)
74.00 (6.32)
77.43 (7.05)
6.267***
M (SD)
20.58 (3.06)
22.97 (2.17)
22.83 (1.51)
24.01 (1.51)
3.551**
M (SD)
8.32 (1.93)
6.08 (1.19)
6.15 (1.57)
5.28 (.27)
7.352****
M (SD)
7.72 (1.81)
6.08 (1.32)
5.74 (1.29)
5.38 (.53)
4.848***
1<2; 1<3; 1<4
1<4
1<2; 1<3; 1<4
1<2; 1<3; 1<4
Tukey
Note: * p<.10; ** p<.05; *** p<.01; **** p<.001
Table 6
Ball velocity differences according to adults’ physiological characteristics
Adults
Ball velocity
Very low1
Low2
High3
Very high4
F
Tukey
Lower limb
endurance
M (SD)
22.99 (3.36)
24.55 (2.34)
25.09 (3.85)
30.64 (4.56)
7.185****
1<4; 2<4; 3<4
10m running
speed
M (SD)
2.07 (.13)
1.98 (.12)
1.98 (.13)
1.90 (.09)
2.978**
1<4
30m running
speed
M (SD)
4.83 (.27)
4.55 (.24)
4.60 (.32)
4.37 (.17)
4.577***
1<4
Lower body
explosive strength
M (SD)
26.63 (2.73)
29.77 (3.09)
29.07 (4.58)
34.60 (4.04)
6.830****
1<4; 2<4; 3<4
Agility
M (SD)
17.28 (1.04)
16.11 (.84)
15.97 (1.22)
15.37 (.39)
6.219***
1<2; 1<3; 1<4
Note: * p<.10; ** p<.05; *** p<.01; **** p<.001
Further ANOVA analyses showed that players’ kicking ability differed significantly
regarding their age (F(3, 191)= 92.335, p= .000) and their competitive level (F(3, 191)=
46.617, p= .000). Specifically older players performed higher levels of kicking
ability as well as players of higher league teams.
Discussion
Age differences. The present study concludes that age and ball velocity are
moderately correlated. It has been already reported that age positively affects
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ball velocity and knee angular velocity (Capranica, Cama, Fanton, Tessitore, &
Figura,1992; Luhtanen, 1988; Narici, Sirtori, & Mognoni, 1988). In this context,
past research investigating this relationship concluded that players’ muscle
mass and kicking technique are improved as they become older (Poulmedis,
Rondoyannis, Mitsou, & Tsarouchas, 1988; Rodano & Tavana, 1993; Taiana,
Grehaigne, & Cometti,1993; Tol, Slim, van Soest, & van Dijk, 2002; Trolle,
Aagaard, Simonsen, Bangsbo, & Klaysen, 1993). Furthermore, the development
of neural coordination through training sessions focused on strength and
technique training also improves the ball velocity (Manolopoulos, Papadopoulos,
& Kellis, 2006; Manolopoulos, Katis, Manolopoulos, K., Kalapotharakos, &
Kellis, 2013).
Under-12. Apart from the biomechanical parameters which affect ball
velocity, the results of the current study revealed that anthropometric and
physiological characteristics are related to ball velocity. In U-12 players, ball
velocity is affected by anthropometric characteristics such as height and weight.
Players with higher rates of height and weight perform higher ball velocity. This
finding is probably explained by the fact that body height involves longer lower
body (legs) which positively affects the knee angular velocity. Similarly, a greater
rate of weight which is probably connected with early maturation characteristics
(Augste & Lames, 2011) improves the total strength as well as the ball velocity
(Kellis & Katis, 2007). Thus it is clear that anthropometric factors affect the
success of kicking through its velocity. Talent detection systems have to include
measurements of kicking ability. Physiological characteristics are also related to
ball velocity. Specifically, players with higher rate of ball velocity perform better in
the following factors: running speed, agility, and lower limb endurance. Running
speed and agility performance are very important indicators of successful kicking
and ball velocity. Fast-twitch muscle fibers (running speed indicators) as well
as the concentric and eccentric muscle strength (agility indicators) determine
kicking performance. Literature review confirms this conclusion because it
suggests that kicking force is an explosive strength parameter (Weineck 1997).
Furthermore, performance in consecutive squat jumps which is related to lower
limb endurance and balance determines the ball velocity of kicking ability.
Under-14. Regarding U-14 players the study showed that the ones with
higher rate of height, weight and BMI succeed significantly higher ball velocity.
This finding confirms the suggestion that maturation is related to ball velocity.
Moreover, it was found that agility is a significant moderator of ball velocity.
Under-16. The present study revealed that in U-16 age, running speed and
vertical jump performance tend to be related with ball velocity. It is suggested
that high running speed and explosive strength performance might predict
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the ball velocity. The study confirms that muscle strength and power of the
players are factors that affect the ball velocity of kicking even in developmental
ages (Cabri, De Proft, Dufour, & Clarys, 1988; De Proft et al., 1988; Dutta &
Subramanium, 2002; Manolopoulos et al., 2006; Trolle et al., 1993). Therefore
improvement of anthropometric as well as physiological factors such as running
speed and agility benefit the kicking ability even if the training is not focused on
kicking skill.
Adults. In adults it is obvious that anthropometric factors such as weight
and BMI are related to ball velocity. Regarding balance ability, players with high
rates of dynamic balance perform higher ball velocity. Balance clearly benefits
players’ technical skills as most of them such as kicking include one-leg stance
balance. Literature review in soccer indicates the importance of balance and
proprioception training for the improvement of technical skills (Bekris et al.,
2012). Moreover several studies have reported that strength training increases
balance (Heitkamp, Horstmann, Mayer, Weller, & Dickhuth, 2001; Pintsaar,
Brynhildsen, & Tropp, 1996) while other studies have shown that balance training
improves strength (Heitkamp et al., 2001). Consequently this relationship
probably moderates kicking ability of the players. Therefore improvement of
balance leads to higher ball velocity. Finally, the study concludes that greater
rates of running speed, agility, vertical jump, and lower limb endurance are
positively related with ball velocity.
Skill level. Regarding the ball velocity and playing level relationship the
results of the study revealed its significance. Specifically it was found that higher
level players performed greater rate of ball velocity than lower level players.
Thus ball velocity of kicking ability is considered as a significant predictor
of performance. Several studies reported differences between amateur and
professional players (Asami & Nolte, 1983), whereas others concluded the
opposite (Commetti, Maffiuletti, Pousson, Chatard, & Maffulli, 2001).
Conclusions
Based on the results in this study, ball velocity of on-target shoot is related
to anthropometric factors such as weight, height, and BMI. The data also suggest
that players’ age differentiate their kicking ability. Therefore, talent detection
experts have to take into account the role of anthropometric factors as well as
early maturation characteristics on the evaluation of youngsters. Ball velocity
is also related to physiological factors such as running speed, vertical jump,
agility and lower limb endurance. It thus seems to be fairly clear that training
sessions focused on these physiological factors also improve the kicking ability.
A factor that we have to highlight is the significance of balance on kicking ability
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and specifically on ball velocity. Soccer trainers and coaches have to focus on
balance training in order to improve technical skills of the players. Regardless
of past research findings concerning kicking ability biomechanics, the current
study indicates the physiological factors that affect this technical skill. Finally the
study confirms the positive relationship between playing level and ball velocity.
Soccer coaches have to develop training programs that include improvements
in ball velocity and kicking accuracy ability. To conclude the study shows that
the development of a better physiological profile improves also players’ kicking
ability. Further research is needed to determine specific training programs
that improve kicking ability of the players. Finally, the key finding from this
research is that ball velocity is related to the explosive strength parameters
(vertical jump, running speed). When players perform high explosive strength
but low ball velocity they probably have to improve their shooting technique
(i.e. biomechanics). Thus ball velocity and explosive strength relationship is an
indicator that coaches and trainers are able to use so as to maximize the kicking
potential of their players.
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Kicking Ball Velocity and Anthropometric/Physiological Factors in Soccer
Evangelos BEKRIS, Dr., Msc. is currently an associate professor of soccer coaching
at the Kapodistrian University of Athens. He earned his PhD in Biochemistry at the
Kapodistrian University of Athens. He began his research career examining the effect
of exercise on health of youth. His research interests include soccer coaching, match
analysis, biomechanics, fatigue and talent identification. He publishes regularly books
and papers about soccer and medical issues. He can be contacted: [email protected]
Aristotelis GIOLDASIS is currently a PhD student at the Faculty of Human Movement
and Quality of Life Sciences, University of Peloponnese in Sparta. He earned his Master
of Science degree in Sport Psychology at the Kapodistrian University of Athens. He began
his research career examining psychological factors that influence soccer performance.
His current research interests include physiological, biochemical and psychological
effects on performance. He publishes regularly in international sport sciences journals.
Vasilis E BEKRIS is currently a student at University of Piraeus. There, he is at the
Department of Business Administration since October of 2014. He is also a member
of a research team as he takes part in some ergometric measurements of young athletes
as a user of the measurement devices. He also concerns himself with football matches’
statistics mostly because he elaborates them when taking part in a research on football.
He can be contacted at: [email protected]
Ioannis GISSIS, PhD is currently an assistant professor in soccer coaching/training
at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. He earned his PhD in Social Sciences
(Sports Science) at Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Germany. His research
interests include analysis and training of soccer technique, evaluation and training of
soccer physical fitness, evaluation and training of soccer physical fitness in childhood
and adolescence, evaluation and training of physical fitness. He can be contacted at:
[email protected]
Stergios KOMSIS is a Ph.D candidate of Kinesiology (Human Kinetics) at the
Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences of Aristotle University of
Thessaloniki, Serres. He earned his Master degree M.Sc. in Kinesiology / Sports
Biomechanics at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences of Aristotle
University of Thessaloniki, Serres. He began his research career examining the effects
of various training programs especially using eccentric isokinetic loads in amateur and
professional soccer players. His current research include training programs in different
training seasons for soccer players, and specifically the transition period in soccer. He
publishes regularly in training and sports journals.
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Sport Science Review, vol. XXIV, No. 1-2, April 2015
Corresponding address:
Stergios Komsis
Aigaiou Street 08
Evosmos Thessaloniki - 56224
Greece
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
Phone: 2310654521
Mobile: +306947929092
Ioannis MITROUSIS has earned his degree Department of Physical Education and
Sport Science in National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.He began his research
career by examining the “effects of far infrared clothes on dynamic balance and agility”.
Now he is a teacher of physical education and he works as a fitness coach in soccer teams.
He is also responsible for the development of physical condition in soccer academies.
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