Scheduled for Biomechanics/Sports Medicine Free Communications, Friday, April 12, 2002, 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM, San Diego Convention Center: Room 7A


Uncovering a Need for Neck Strength in Female Soccer Players: A Case Study

Jennifer Beck1, Mark Maneval1, John Vincent2, George White3, Dewayne Massey4 and John Mollaghan5, (1)University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, (2)University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, (3)Montana State University, Montana, MT, (4)University of West Alabama, AL, (5)Spring Hill college, Mobile, AL

The purpose of this study was three-fold: First, to track the average number of times a soccer ball comes into contact with the head by female team members during the course of a Division I NCAA soccer game. Secondly, to survey ten regional college strength coaches to ascertain if they incorporate neck strength exercises into their female soccer strength programs. Any finally, if warranted, to recommend the need for strength exercises with this population to facilitate the biomechanical heading process. Heading data was tracked an entire soccer season for one NCAA, Division I female soccer program. Ten Southeastern colleges were randomly chosen for strength program comparison data. Results of the study indicate the average number of headers per game between the teams was reported as M=104.6 contacts. This would mean that during the course of a soccer game, the average number of times a female team member’s head came into contact with the soccer ball during the heading process was M=4.2 contacts. When the ten randomly chosen southeastern institutions were surveyed as to whether or not they incorporated a specific neck and shoulder strengthening regimen into their strength program for their female soccer players, no school was currently doing so. In conclusion, although controversy exists in the literature as to the dangers of the heading process in the sport of soccer, heading is an integral component of the game, which is likely not to disappear in the near future. It is the findings of this study to recommend the immediate incorporation of neck and shoulder strength exercises in the training regimens of female soccer players.
Keyword(s): athletics/sports, coaching, safety/injury prevention

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