Diversity of scoring, ingenuity of striking, art of flying — conceptual and systematical identification of soccer scoring techniques

Abstract

The terms of soccer scoring techniques (SSTs) used in practice and research have been remaining confusing; even dramatic, we still do not know how many SSTs available for the game. This scenario hinders not only the scientific studies on some unique SSTs but also the development of novel coaching methods for learning these SSTs. The current paper aims to bridge the gap by establishing a SST terminology system. The system is built based on goal repeatability, selected anatomical & biomechanical parameters, and analyses of 579 attractive goals from international professional tournaments. The results have revealed that there are 43 SSTs existed in current soccer practice. Some SSTs can be identified by preliminary parameters (i.e. anatomical parameters, the ball vertical position at the shot and the hit-point on the ball), but most of them need additional biomechanical examination on the movement control in frontal & transverse planes, jumping control, and trunk orientation at shots in order to identify uniquely. Further, the new SST terminology has disclosed that soccer attractiveness is linked to the diversity, ingenuity and artistry of shots. The most attractive type of scoring awaited by millions of spectators is aerial shots. Lastly, the most important contribution of the new SST terminology system is to help researchers and practitioners launch target-orientated studies that would provide a practical and convincing scientific coach-method, clear definitions, and means to reevaluate and improve SSTs in practice.