The purpose of this study was investigated the effect of thigh muscle growth on ball kicking performance during pre and post adolescence in Japanese male soccer players. Methods: Participants of this study were 303 Japanese male soccer players. The participants were classified into 4 chronological groups (10-12G, 13-15G, 16-18G, 19-22G). The height, weight, and body composition parameters such as fat-free mass (FFM) were measured using the body impedance analysis method. Muscle thickness of the thigh was measured using the B-mode ultrasonic method in dominant leg. The ball distance (BD) was measured with a tape. The ball velocity (BV) was measured using a radar gun. Results: Muscle thickness of thigh anterior was obtained significantly difference among the age groups. And also, FFM such as whole body muscle growth was significantly increased with chronological age. However, Relative muscle thickness (muscle thickness of anterior / FFM1/3) was obtained significantly difference between 13-15G and 19-22G. Ball kicking performances were observed significant difference in each year. Relative muscle thickness of thigh anterior was significantly correlated to BV and BD in 13-15G. And also, these relationships did not show a significant correlation in the 16-18G and 19-22G. Discussion: In specific soccer training, repetition of the ball kicking movement, sprint and jump might be occurring muscle growth. However, There is no denying the natural growth in adolescence. Especially, muscle thickness of thigh was affected on ball kicking performance during adolescence. However, muscle thickness of thigh was not correlated to the ball kicking performances after post adolescence. Therefore, the ball kicking performance may vary depending on differences in skill level after the post adolescence. From these results, it was suggested that the ball kicking performance is probably affected by not only the thigh muscle growth but also the individual`s ball kicking skills after post adolescence.
© Copyright 2012 17th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Bruges, 4. -7. July 2012. Veröffentlicht von Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.