Leg dominance influences side-specific directional movement demands during change-of-direction movements in elite youth soccer players
Bibliographic Data
Introduction: Monitoring training load in youth soccer is a key component of athlete development. However, limited evidence exists regarding the influence of leg dominance on side-specific directional movement demands during change-of-direction movements. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal, side-specific change-of-direction (COD) behavior and directional movement demands in Under-15 elite male soccer players, with particular emphasis on the interaction between leg dominance and movement direction during training sessions and matches. Methods: Inertial measurement unit data were collected throughout a competitive season, including direction-specific change-of-direction counts and inertial movement analysis-derived directional movement variables. Direction-specific change-of-direction frequency and inertial movement analysis-derived movement demand variables were quantified separately for dominant and non-dominant sides. Player-level mean values were analysed using mixed-design ANOVAs to examine differences between dominant and non-dominant sides and between left- and right-footed players. Results: = 0.003), indicating that side-specific directional load differed according to footedness rather than showing a uniform non-dominant side effect. Discussion: Consequently, side-specific directional movement demands appear to depend on the interaction between movement side and footedness, while no corresponding effects were observed for COD frequency. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring side-specific directional movement exposure and considering limb asymmetries when designing training programs in youth soccer
Dominance (genetics) · Elite · Elite Athletes · Inertial measurement unit · Movement (music) · Hemispheric Asymmetry in Neuroscience · Motor Control and Adaptation · Sports Performance and Training
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