Contribution of Leg Muscle Strength and Eye-Foot Coordination to Shooting Accuracy of Football Players in Bengkulu

Abstract

Shooting accuracy is a key determinant of goal-scoring success in football, yet observations across several inter-school football tournaments in Bengkulu City show a low goal-to-attempt ratio despite adequate training frequency. This study aimed to examine the contribution of leg muscle strength and eye-foot coordination, both individually and jointly, to the shooting accuracy of football players. A quantitative correlational ex post facto design was employed and conducted in mid-2023. The population comprised all players aged 14-16 years registered at football schools (Sekolah Sepakbola/SSB) in Bengkulu City, with a sample of 32 players selected through purposive sampling. Leg muscle strength was measured using a leg dynamometer, eye-foot coordination was assessed with the soccer wall volley test, and shooting accuracy was measured using a weighted-target shooting test toward the goal. Data were analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple regression at a 5% significance level. Results revealed significant positive relationships between leg muscle strength and shooting accuracy (r = .620, p = .000), between eye-foot coordination and shooting accuracy (r = .580, p = .000), and a joint contribution of both variables amounting to 50.4% (R = .710, R2 = .504, p = .000). These findings confirm that improving specific physical conditioning, particularly leg muscle strength and eye-foot coordination, should be prioritized in football school coaches' training programs to enhance players' shooting accuracy.