Soccer, like most team sports, is played while moving off one leg onto the other (sprinting, heading, kicking, changing direction). The ability to control single-leg movements and combine them with explosive power will be an advantage during game play. This screening quickly offers feedback on limitations of the left or right leg.
Objective: Evaluate total-body control, dynamic balance, and core strength.
Equipment: Clear, open space on a field or floor, tape or chalk
Procedure: Make a 2- to 3-foot (60 to 90 cm) line (with tape or chalk) on the floor to use as a starting mark. Start by standing and balancing on one leg on the line, with both hands on your hips. You should be able to hold this position without falling or touching the opposite foot to the ground. Bend the test leg at the ankle, knee, and hip to get down to the lowest possible position. The opposite leg rotates out in front while keeping the knee locked (figure 2.5). Perform the movement without touching this leg to the ground.
Evaluation: Notice whether the balancing leg's heel maintains contact with the ground during the movement or pops up to reveal limited range of motion in the ankle. Also, consider the depth of the
squat and compare differences in balance between the right and left legs. If deviations occur during the squat, introduce both ankle and hamstring stretches and perform single-leg squats with the nonstanding leg either reachinq forward or backward.
Objective: Evaluate total-body control, dynamic balance, and core strength.
Equipment: Clear, open space on a field or floor, tape or chalk
Procedure: Make a 2- to 3-foot (60 to 90 cm) line (with tape or chalk) on the floor to use as a starting mark. Start by standing and balancing on one leg on the line, with both hands on your hips. You should be able to hold this position without falling or touching the opposite foot to the ground. Bend the test leg at the ankle, knee, and hip to get down to the lowest possible position. The opposite leg rotates out in front while keeping the knee locked (figure 2.5). Perform the movement without touching this leg to the ground.Evaluation: Notice whether the balancing leg's heel maintains contact with the ground during the movement or pops up to reveal limited range of motion in the ankle. Also, consider the depth of the
squat and compare differences in balance between the right and left legs. If deviations occur during the squat, introduce both ankle and hamstring stretches and perform single-leg squats with the nonstanding leg either reachinq forward or backward.
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