The perceptual motor regulation of kicking in soccer

This paper gives an overview of the coordination of soccer kicking, emphasizing implications for understanding movement control, learning and development. While research shows that, at a prepubescent/pubescent age, the level of development is the most important consideration for the performance of a soccer kick, a number of factors are related to a more mature kicking coordination pattern acquired over time. Evidence suggests that the limb used for kicking a ball (dominant or non-dominant), the accuracy required for a successful kick and the velocity of the kicking leg at ball contact are all major considerations for successful performance. This paper attempts to provide some clarity to specific issues related to the segmental interaction of the kicking leg and the degree to which strength of the lower limb influences kicking performance. Finally, our review of coordination in soccer kicking allows us to propose the utilization of a novel pedagogical framework (nonlinear pedagogy) as a basis for interpreting motor system variability during kicking performance.