Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Biomechanical Quantification of Effective Offensive Range and Ball Speed Enhancement of the Diving Header in Soccer: Insights for Skill Advancement and Application Strategy

Version 1 : Received: 12 December 2023 / Approved: 13 December 2023 / Online: 13 December 2023 (12:19:06 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Shan, G.; Liu, Y.; Gorges, T.; Zhang, X.; Witte, K. Pilot Study on the Biomechanical Quantification of Effective Offensive Range and Ball Speed Enhancement of the Diving Header in Soccer: Insights for Skill Advancement and Application Strategy. Appl. Sci. 2024, 14, 946. Shan, G.; Liu, Y.; Gorges, T.; Zhang, X.; Witte, K. Pilot Study on the Biomechanical Quantification of Effective Offensive Range and Ball Speed Enhancement of the Diving Header in Soccer: Insights for Skill Advancement and Application Strategy. Appl. Sci. 2024, 14, 946.

Abstract

This pioneering study presents an in-depth biomechanical examination of soccer's diving header, aiming to quantify its impact on ball speed enhancement (BSE) and effective offensive range (EOR). Despite the diving header's widespread acclaim and historical significance, there remains a dearth of scientific scrutiny into its biomechanical intricacies. Employing an innovative research design featuring a static hanging ball at varied offensive distances and heights, the study replicates diverse header scenarios. The results of 3D motion quantification have shown that a physically excellent player (identified through the maximal standing long jump test) could reach an EOR around 2.64 times his body height. Furthermore, the study unveils that proficient players could attain BSE surpassing 9 m/s, signifying the diving header's heightened efficacy compared to traditional heading techniques, which could only result in 4.5 m/s. Correlation analyses unveil noteworthy relationships, highlighting the pivotal role of head speed at impact and the influence of minimizing speed-drop and temporal disparities for amplified effectiveness. Considerations for optimizing diving header execution are introduced, emphasizing the necessity for targeted training programs. Despite acknowledged limitations inherent to its pilot nature, this exploration furnishes foundational knowledge to guide subsequent research and practical applications, providing valuable insights into soccer training and skill development through a biomechanical lens.

Keywords

3D motion capture; biomechanical modeling; speed-drop; time offset

Subject

Engineering, Bioengineering

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