Motion characteristics of directional ball-trapping techniques in soccer: A comparative study of advanced and intermediate players

Abstract

This study investigated the motion characteristics of ball-trapping techniques in soccer, focusing on directional changes in spaces between the defense and midfield lines by comparing advanced and intermediate university-level players. Effective ball-trapping techniques are critical for maintaining stability during play and for enabling offensive strategies. Although limited studies have been conducted on ball trapping, often using oversimplified and closed-skill environments, this study identified the technical factors that enhance these skills to improve performance in match settings. Motion-capture technology focuses on ball-to-foot contact control, pelvic orientation, and ankle-eversion angular speed. Ten advanced and eight intermediate soccer players participated in this study, and each performed multiple directional ball-trapping trials under standardized conditions. The advanced group demonstrated significantly shorter total trapping times than the intermediate group (p < 0.05). The vertical distance between the center of the ball and the ball-to-foot contact point was larger and the horizontal distance was smaller in the advanced group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the advanced players exhibited pelvic orientational angles that were more parallel to the ball trajectory and demonstrated higher ankle-eversion angular speeds during impact (p < 0.05). These results suggest that advanced players minimize trapping errors through precise ball-to-foot contact adjustment, proactive pelvic rotation, and effective utilization of ankle flexibility and strength. These technical elements enable smoother transitions and improved directional changes during play. The findings provide valuable insights for coaching, emphasizing drills to enhance ball-to-foot contact precision, pelvic rotation, and ankle flexibility, improving overall trapping performance.