The effect of ball characteristics on head acceleration during purposeful heading in male and female youth football players

Objective: The objective of this cross-sectional study was to explore the effects of different ball types and characteristics on head acceleration during purposeful heading in youth football players. Methods: Experienced male and female players (n = 61) aged between 12-17 years completed heading trials with 4 different balls (Ball 1 mass 192 grams (g), pressure 5.0 pounds per square inch (psi); Ball 2 432 g, 5.0 psi; Ball 3 255 g, 5.0 psi; Ball 4 430 g, 10.5 psi) whilst wearing a head-mounted accelerometer and gyroscope. Balls 1, 2 and 4 were size 5 balls; Ball 3 was a size 4 ball. Results: Multivariate analysis of variance and post-hoc univariate analyses revealed a statistically significant difference between ball type and head acceleration during heading for both linear acceleration (adjusted R-2 = 0.68; F = 140.90; p = <0.001) and angular velocity (adjusted R-2 = 0.28; F = 26.52; p = <0.001). Ball 1 (lightest size 5 ball) and Ball 3 (size 4 ball) demonstrated linear head accelerations up to 59% lower (p = <0.01) when compared with Ball 4 (size 5 regulated match ball). Discussion: Head acceleration during purposeful heading is influenced by changes to ball pressure, ball size and/or ball mass. Changing ball characteristics, particularly in youth football training when heading is being taught, should be an easy strategy to implement.

Automated summary

This cross-sectional study explored the effects of different ball types and characteristics on head acceleration during purposeful heading in youth football players. The results showed that ball characteristics, such as pressure, size, and mass, significantly influenced head acceleration during heading, with lighter and smaller balls resulting in lower head accelerations. Changing ball characteristics could be an effective strategy to reduce head acceleration during heading in youth football training.