RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HIP FLEXION RANGE OF MOTION, LEG STRENGTH, AND SHOOTING SPEED IN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the relationship between hip flexion range of motion, leg strength, and shooting speed in young soccer players. Twenty-three volunteer male soccer players actively competing in the Turkish U17 league participated in the study. Leg strength was determined by the Activforce 2 device, hip flexion range of motion by the MyRom application, and shooting velocity by radar device (Stalker Solo 2 Sports Radar). The Pearson Correlation Test was applied to determine the relationship between the parameters. Moderate and high positive correlations were found between 11m, 18m and 25m shooting speeds and right hip flexion ROM at moderate level and between left hip flexion ROM at moderate and high level; moderate and high positive correlations were found between 18m and 25m shooting speeds and non-dominant leg peak force and average force. It can be concluded that the correlations at different levels or no correlations will provide an effective result for coaches to prepare training programmes and will contribute to which parameters should be focused on to improve shooting performance and it can be said that the mobility and strength levels of the hip flexors in both dominant and non-dominant legs should be increased in order to improve the shooting speed performance of young soccer players.