Abstract:

Aim: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of functional balance training on static and dynamic balance performance, kicking velocity and to define the relationship between balance ability and kicking velocity of adolescent soccer players. Material and Methods: Sixteen male players randomly divided into 2 groups (Control Group: age 14,23±0,44; Training Group: age 14,31±0,48). While the control group (n=8) followed regular soccer training, the training group (n=8) performed a functional balance training program additively. The balance training was performed on both stable ground and unstable surface (BOSU ball). SportKat2000 system were used to elicit static and dynamic balance scores of right, left and both leg stance of the soccer players. Results: All static balance variables (dominant, non-dominant and both leg) of training group and one variable (non-dominant leg) of control group showed statistically significant differences (p<0,05) after training. Dynamic dominant leg scores of training group and dynamic non-dominant leg scores of control group were statistically significant as well. Ball velocity of training group improved %5.6 in training group and %3.7 in control group. Besides, dominant leg ball velocity correlated with dynamic dominant (p<0.05; r: -0,767) and both leg (p<0.05; r: -0,787) balance ability for training group. Non-dominant ball velocity also correlated with dynamic dominant (p<0.01; r: -0,844) and dynamic non-dominant leg (p<0.05; r: -0,778) balance ability in training group after training period. Conclusion: As a conclusion, functional balance training performed three times in a week positively affect the balance ability and kicking performance of adolescent soccer players.  

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