Jumps and Lower Limb Strength Asymmetry in Young Soccer Players: Differences Between Sand and Conventional Surfaces

Italo Sannicandro; Giacomo Cofano; Rosario D’Onofrio; Andrea Piccinno

doi:10.17309/tmfv.2023.4.20

Authors

Italo Sannicandro University of Foggia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1284-2136
Giacomo Cofano University of Foggia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9973-1740
Rosario D’Onofrio Italian Football Doctors Association - L.A.M.I.C.A. Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8995-3072
Andrea Piccinno University of Salento https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4687-6652

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2023.4.20

Keywords:

sand, jump, inter-limb asymmetry, young soccer player, soccer

Abstract

Study purpose. The aim of the study was to evaluate jumping performance and lower limbs strength asymmetry in young soccer players by comparing this movement performed on both a conventional surface and a sand surface.

Materials and methods. 20 young soccer players under 17 years old randomly performed a standing long jump, a single hop jump in the sagittal plane (Hop Jump Test) and a single side hop jump in the frontal plane (Side Hop Jump Test), first on a conventional surface (natural grass) and then on sand. The jump distance and strength asymmetry was calculated using the formula: (NDL / DL) x 100.

Results. The values from the two different jumping conditions showed a statistically significant decrease in the Broad Jump Test (p<0.001, ES: 3.56), Hop Jump Test left limb (p<0.001, ES: 4.99), Hop Jump Test right limb (p<0.001, ES: 3.95), Side Hop Jump Test left limb (p<0.001, ES: 4.67) and Side Hop Jump Test right limb (p<0.001, ES: 2.98) in the sand condition.

The asymmetry values in the Hop Jump Test and the Side Hop Jump Test showed a statistically significant increase (+21.5%, p<0.001, ES: 3.66 and +41.1%, p<0.001, ES: 1.99, respectively) when comparing the performance on grass and sand.

Conclusions. This different performance response in the two different jumping modes leads to the hypothesis that young soccer players who want to stress their explosive strength ability and joint stability should favor the use of one-leg rather than two-leg jumps.

The values described in the study lead to the hypothesis that training on sand should be suggested when the young soccer player presents modest values of inter-limb asymmetry measured on a conventional surface.

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Author Biographies

Italo Sannicandro, University of Foggia

Department of Humanities, Literature, Cultural Heritage, Education Sciences
Via A. Gramsci 89/91, 71122 Foggia, Italy
italo.sannicandro@unifg.it

Giacomo Cofano, University of Foggia

Sciences and techniques of preventive and adapted motor activities, Professional soccer strength and conditioning coach
Via A. Gramsci 89/91, 71122 Foggia, Italy
giacomo.cofano@unifg.it

Rosario D’Onofrio, Italian Football Doctors Association - L.A.M.I.C.A. Italy

Medical-Scientific Multidisciplinary Commission
Largo E. Berlinguer, 18, 04023 Formia (LT), Italy
donofrio.rosario@virgilio.it

Andrea Piccinno, University of Salento

Piazza Tancredi, 7, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy
andrea.piccinno@unifg.it

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