Kinematic Analysis of Lower Limb during Inside Penalty Kick toward Different Targets in Soccer

The purpose of this study was to provide data to increase the success rate of penalty kicks through quantifying the shape of skilled kicks by performing a kinematic analysis on the change of movement during the kicking phase which the goalkeeper uses as a vital clue. Three high definition video cameras(GR-HD1KR, JVC, Japan) were used for the study and 18 reflective markers were attached to the body joints. Corners of the goal, difficult for goalkeepers to block, were set as aims and 1 m by 1.2 m targets were installed. Each subject had five sets of kicks at random, and the analysis was done on the movements that hit the target. Time, speed of the right lower limb`s center of mass, joint angle, and angular velocity were chosen as factors and the results of the analysis showed statistical significance. The player taking a penalty kick should train to avoid leaning one`s body towards the kicking direction and change the angle of the right foot right before the impact to decide the direction of the ball. The goalkeeper can increase the save success rate by studying the angle of the kicker`s body and the right foot as well as the timing of the kick.