ABSTRACT
Muscular strength is one of the most important components of physical performance in soccer, in terms of both high-level performance and injury occurrence. As a factor contributing to success, the quadriceps muscle plays a role in sprinting, jumping and ball-kicking; and the hamstrings contribute to knee flexion, which is a major factor in stride power (Lehance et al., 2009). In soccer, the players are forced to switch between high demanding skills which require strength, power, coordination and agility, with these qualities being symmetrically distributed to the lower extremities for maximal body balance and skill efficiency (Fousekis et al., 2010). Measurements of isokinetic muscle strength provides an objective approach to diagnostics and simpler quantification of muscle strength and its parameters in soccer players. Nevertheless, there are many gaps in this area dealing with its manifestation in young players (Weir, 2000).
