Biomechanical and motor performance differences between female and male soccer players

There are many anatomical and physiological, psychological, and constitutional differences between adult women and men: on average women are 10 to 15 cm shorter and 10 to 20 kg lighter than men. The biological differences directly affect match performance of female and male soccer players in general and soccer specific movements and ball handling skills. Biological differences lead to different playing behaviours of female and male soccer players. Moreover, the level of professionalization is lower in women soccer. The match analysis showed differences between female and male players regarding their kicking techniques used in a soccer match. Several studies were performed to analyse kicking accuracy as well as kicking techniques and velocity while kicking as accurately as possible under controlled conditions. The different use of kicking techniques characterizes gender specific playing behaviour. Furthermore, playing performance is influenced by the speed of movement.