Biomechanical Profile of Danish Elite and Sub-elite Soccer Goalkeepers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to defi ne a biomechanical profile of the soccer goalkeeper. We tested whether the skill level of 6 goalkeepers correlated with a number of biomechanical tests. The skill level of each goalkeeper was defi ned as the league he played in. The biomechanical tests were designed as standardized measurements of typical goalkeeper actions; they comprised various jumps, a short sprint and a leg strength measurement. The results showed no correlation between the goalkeepers’ skill level and their score in any of the tests. Thus, with reservation for the limited number of subjects, we conclude that the measured biomechanical parameters are of minor importance for assessment of the goalkeeper’s skill level. We suggest that other skills as for example tactical understanding, positioning, perception and anticipation might be more important for the goalkeeper.