Difference in the contribution of the support leg to generating interaction torque in soccer instep kicking between female and male players.

Abstract

The study aimed to clarify the difference in the support leg dynamics and its mechanical role in producing the interaction torque acting on the kicking leg knee between female and male soccer players. Three-dimensional motion (500 Hz) and the ground reaction force (1000 Hz) were captured during the instep kicking of twenty female and twenty male players. Powers due to the support leg knee joint torque and the interaction torque were computed. A significantly smaller positive power of the interaction torque due to the support leg action seen in female players concurred with a significantly smaller positive knee joint power in the support leg. In contrast, female players exhibited a comparable positive power of the interaction torque due to the kicking leg action. Female players had a unique, more inclined lower leg posture of the kicking leg to compensate for their lesser power of the interaction torque due to the support leg action, thereby achieving a comparable magnitude of the power of the total interaction torque. Based on the dynamic background, they maintain a comparable lower leg angular velocity to that of male players immediately before ball impact.