ORIGINAL PAPER
Angular kinematics and asymmetries in young female soccer players: assessment of technical skills
1
State University of Maringá (UEM), Maringá (PR), Brasil
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2025-07-09
Acceptance date: 2026-01-27
Online publication date: 2026-05-21
Corresponding author
Bruna Felix Apoloni
Associate Post Graduate Program in Physical Education UEM/UEL, State University of Maringá (UEM), Av. Colombo 5790 – Maringá (PR), 87020-900 Brasil
Associate Post Graduate Program in Physical Education UEM/UEL, State University of Maringá (UEM), Av. Colombo 5790 – Maringá (PR), 87020-900 Brasil
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
Biomechanical characteristics and asymmetries are key factors in optimising performance among young female football players. This study aimed to characterise angular kinematics and asymmetries of the upper and lower limbs during the execution of four technical skills: heading, kicking, passing, and dribbling.
Methods:
Twenty-two female athletes from the U15 and U17 age groups participated in the study. Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected using the Vicon® system to analyse body angles, and inter-limb asymmetries were quantified using the normalised symmetry index (NSI).
Results:
Significant differences were observed in ankle range of motion during heading (p = 0.00; r = 0.63) and in pelvic movement during passing (p = 0.01; r = 0.52), both showing large effect sizes and greater amplitude in the non-dominant limb. Across all analysed skills, there was a general tendency to favour the dominant side, particularly in the ankle and pelvis joints. Asymmetry values stayed within the 10–15% range frequently documented in previous studies.
Conclusions:
These results emphasise measurable asymmetries in young female football players and enhance the current understanding of biomechanical performance. These findings further support the development of targeted interventions and specialised training strategies designed to correct imbalances and enhance technical skills.
Biomechanical characteristics and asymmetries are key factors in optimising performance among young female football players. This study aimed to characterise angular kinematics and asymmetries of the upper and lower limbs during the execution of four technical skills: heading, kicking, passing, and dribbling.
Methods:
Twenty-two female athletes from the U15 and U17 age groups participated in the study. Three-dimensional kinematic data were collected using the Vicon® system to analyse body angles, and inter-limb asymmetries were quantified using the normalised symmetry index (NSI).
Results:
Significant differences were observed in ankle range of motion during heading (p = 0.00; r = 0.63) and in pelvic movement during passing (p = 0.01; r = 0.52), both showing large effect sizes and greater amplitude in the non-dominant limb. Across all analysed skills, there was a general tendency to favour the dominant side, particularly in the ankle and pelvis joints. Asymmetry values stayed within the 10–15% range frequently documented in previous studies.
Conclusions:
These results emphasise measurable asymmetries in young female football players and enhance the current understanding of biomechanical performance. These findings further support the development of targeted interventions and specialised training strategies designed to correct imbalances and enhance technical skills.
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