The Analysis of physical performance and anthropometric characteristic of preferred and non-preferred legs in professional soccer players

2. ABSTRACT The Analysis of Physical Performance and Anthropometric Characteristic of Preferred and Non- Preferred Legs in Professional Soccer Players The purpose of this study is to determine and compare some selected physical performances and anthropometrics characteristics of preferred and non-preferred legs of professional sportsmen playing soccer in Elaag. Fifteen male soccer players (age: 22.93 ± 2.43 years, sports age: 8.33 ±1.80 years) were participated to this study as voluntary subject. 15 different parameters (body weight, height, body fat, circumference measurements, flexibility, standing long jump, vertical jump, 20 m. sprint, leg string and reaction times for light and voice) were determined by related measurement and tests. Statistical analysis was performed using, Mann Whitney U test. 0.05 confidence level was selected to determine the significant difference. The important findings of preferred and non preferred leg for physical characteristics and performance of subjects are: body weight 71.70± 4.69 kg, height; 1.75 ± 0.05 m, body fat 10.8 ± 0.7 %, vertical jump; preferred leg 42.07 ± 6.41 cm, other leg 45.53 ± 7.69 cm, flexibility; preferred leg 28.41± 4.22 cm, other leg, 27.89 ± 2.76cm, 20 m sprint; preferred leg, 4.29 ± 0.25 sec. other leg,4.27 ± 0.31 sec, squat; preferred leg 42.97 ± 4.54 kg, other leg,41.90 ± 2.74 kg, isometric leg strength; preferred leg 90.23 ± 13.70 kg, other leg 92. 37± 13.62 kg. The important antropometric findings belongs to preferred and non preferred legs of subjects are: thigh skinfold; preferred leg 9.91± 2.54 mm, other leg 9.68 ± 2.44 mm, calf skinfold; preferred leg 6.01± 1.46 mm, other leg 6.27 ± 1.50 mm, thigh ckcumfirence; preferred leg 54.69 ± 2.33 cm, other leg 54.67 ± 2.19 cm, calf cicumfirence; preferred leg 37.07 ± 1.52 cm, other leg 36.50 ± 1.60 cm. XIIn all variables, there were no significant differences between preferred and non preferred legs (p>0,05). The findings about soccer players for both legs were showed lower values than those of elite level sportsmen when compared to the literature, but showed similar properties for the same age and categories. It was concluded that to compare the physical performances and skills of preferred and non preferred legs in soccer players, more subjects in different level and control groups should be used. Key words: Soccer, Preferred and Non Preferred Legs, Physical Performance Anthropometric Characteristics