The role of balance training in improving soccer-specific technical skills in young soccer players

Aims: Balance is very important in soccer players, due to a higher number of dynamic unilateral technical movements (e.g., shooting, passing), and the stability of the supporting foot is critical to shoot as accurately as possible (Hrysomallis, 2011). However, a lack of information on the relationship between balance training and technical ability still exists. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the role of balance training in learning and improving technical soccer skills in young soccer players. Methods: Forty-three young soccer players were randomly divided into a balance training (BT; age: 10±2 yrs; training experience: 4.3±0.8 yrs; body mass 32±8 kg; height: 1.42±0.07m; mean±SD) and a control group (Ctrl; age: 10±1 yrs; training experience: 3.7±1.2 yrs; body mass 34±4 kg; height: 1.40±0.15 m; mean±SD). Before (T0) and after (T1) balance training, BT and Ctrl underwent two soccer technical tests (Loughborough Soccer Passing Test, LSPT, and Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test, LSST) and balance assessments on a stabilometry-computerized equipment (balance on stable surface, balance on unstable surface, limits of stability). Each test was performed twice at T0 to assess the reliability of the measurements (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC). Only BT was involved in a progressive and specific balance-training program (static and dynamic balance on stable and unstable surfaces), for 12 weeks, three times per week, and 20 min per session. Results: ICC values ranged from 0.753 to 0.977 for all tests. Both groups improved their soccer skills and balance ability in T1 (P<0.05). However, BT showed a significantly larger improvement than Ctrl in balance for limits of stability in T1 (96±1 vs 99±2% of T0 for BT and Ctrl, respectively; P<0.05) as well as for LSPT (82±9 vs 90±7 % of T0 for BT and Ctrl, respectively; P<0.05) and for LSST (153±12 vs 131±12% of T0 for BG and CG, respectively; P<0.05). Conclusions: The improvements in the ability to use somatosensory information induced by a specific balance training program led to a marked improvement in passing (LSPT) and shooting accuracy (precision in LSST) in young soccer players.