What did I do?

Here I provide a brief overview of six research articles1–6 that were developed to offer data and interpretations into strengths/weaknesses of current soccer kicking biomechanics testing paradigms,1 4 observation2 3 and intervention.5 6 The overall aims of the summarised articles were to investigate, in young academy soccer players, whether interindividual’s characteristics are related to ball kicking performance2 3 and common practice prescriptions and their possible effects5 6 on the movement mechanics and outcome metrics derived from shooting aiming at a far target. Proposing a real-world paradigm for data collection across various studies collectively would allow providing innovative data/evidence about ball kicking skill.

Why did I do it?

Winning in soccer is often associated with shooting effectiveness. Investigating internal individual’s constraints and practical interventions that may have some impact on ball kicking performance may help inform practitioners about which internal and external factors should be taken into account when working with developing athletes. This information is pertinent for day-to-day monitoring by coaching staff (physical and/or strength and conditioning trainers) and physiotherapy department prescriptions.

The rationale supporting each of the articles is presented in a critical appraisal of current literature, which …