Designing a device to measure movement time and its relation to some biomechanical variables for the goalkeepers of the Iraq U-20 football team.

Abstract

The importance of the research lies in finding a test to measure the reaction time of youth football goalkeepers. The research problem was that most goalkeepers suffer from a deficiency in their reaction speed, and thus it was necessary to investigate the causes behind this deficiency. The research objectives were as follows:

1. Designing a device to measure the reaction time of youth football goalkeepers.

2. Identifying the differences in some biomechanical variables of youth football goalkeepers.

3. Identifying the correlation between the measured variables and the reaction time of youth football goalkeepers. The research fields were as follows:

1. Human field: Youth football goalkeepers.

2. Temporal field: From 2021/3/20 to 2021/8/1. 3. Spatial field: The training fields of the youth football team.As for the research methodology, the researchers used the descriptive method, and the research sample included 4 goalkeepers representing the youth football team. The most important conclusions were as follows:

1. The device designed by the researchers proved its validity in measuring the movement time of youth football goalkeepers.

2. The measurement process using devices is more accurate and realistic than self-tests.

3. Segmenting response times during measurement provides more accurate results regarding the source of error, thereby reducing effort, time, and money to address it.

4. It is not necessarily the case that using the maximum amount of force leads to reduced response time; sometimes, this amount negatively affects body positions and balance, and consequently, response time. Therefore, the study showed that consistently using appropriate amounts and achieving the mechanism in performance enable the goalkeeper to deliver the best results. As for the recommendations, they were:1. The reliance on the designed device to assist coaches and researchers in testing and evaluating the level of football goalkeepers. 
2. The maximum force exerted by the goalkeeper occurs in the shortest time, but this requires physical attributes and correct technique in terms of kinematic variables, such as the maximum knee angle drop and the height of the body's center of gravity during preparation and the step. 
3. The importance of horizontal strength training due to its significant role in transferring the body's center of gravity from one direction to another.