Biomechanical analysis of a soccer penalty kick

Introduction
Soccer matches are usually characterised with low scores, where the winning team is the one that scored the most goals. Penalty kicks can play a crucial rule in determining the winning team in major soccer events such as World Cup finals. Given the important role of this core skill, there is high value in improving athletes' performance. When a penalty kick is given the only line of defense is the goalkeeper. The aim of the player is to score the penalty kick by kicking the ball past the goalkeeper and into the goal. Kicking a football requires a complex motor movement, which is dependent on many factors to determine success (Barfield 1998). According to Lees and Nolan (1998), most soccer players use an instep kick during penalties due to the combination of ball speed and accuracy that can be attained. The skill can be expressed in six stages: preparation, the approach, plant-foot forces, swing-limb loading, foot contact and the follow-through.

Pre-season: Improving on strength and conditioning (Soccer-specific strength)

Muscle strength, power, speed.

Tests:
- Leg strength (e.g. leg press until failure)
- Power (vertical jump)
- Mobility (leg swing - follow through) - how do you measure this?
- Flexibility - (sit and reach) greater flexibility can allow an athlete to kick with more power, distance and accuracy. (hamstring flexibility)
- Speed - sprints

Exercises:
- Leg press
- Calf raises
- Plyometric exercises
- Abdominal exercises
- Sprints

Attachment:- PHTY-Assignment.rar