Whole-body energy transfer strategies during football instep kicking: implications for training practices

Knowledge of whole-body energy transfer strategies during football instep kicking can help inform empirically grounded training practices. The aim this study was thus to investigate 15 semi-professional players performing kicks for speed and accuracy. Three-dimensional kinematics GRFs (both 1000 Hz) were incorporated into segment power analyses derive transfers between the support leg, torso, pelvis kick leg throughout kick. Energy transferred from (r = 0.62, P 0.013) torso 0.54, 0.016) tension arc formation cocking redistributed downswing 0.76, < 0.001) associated with faster foot velocities at ball contact. This highlights function kicking. Of particular importance were: (a) regulating absorption, (b) eccentric concentric release a ‘tension arc’ hip, (c) coordinated proximal distal sequencing leg. Resistance exercises that replicate demands these interactions may develop more powerful motions varying task and/or environmental constraints might facilitate development adaptable strategies.