Relationship between Upper Limb Muscle Power and Shooting Velocity in Elite Male Youth Rink Hockey Players

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between upper limb muscle power and shooting velocity in elite male youth rink hockey players. Seventeen participants (age: 18.2 ± 1.44 years) underwent assessments of upper limb power and shooting velocity. Upper limb power was evaluated through bench press exercises, including indirect 1RM, mean power, and peak power. Shooting velocity was measured using a shooting test, including static drive shot, static slap shot, dynamic drive shot, and dynamic slap shot techniques. Results showed significant positive correlations between upper limb power and shooting velocity in static slap shot (r = 0.62, p = 0.04) and dynamic slap shot (r = 0.86; p < 0.01). Dynamic slap shot also correlated significantly with peak power (r = 0.63; p = 0.03). Differences in shooting velocity were observed among the techniques (F(3,64) = 23.7; p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.56), with dynamic slap shot displaying the highest velocity and static drive shot the lowest. These findings highlight the positive association between upper limb muscle power and shooting velocity in elite youth rink hockey players. Developing upper limb power can enhance shooting performance. The choice of shooting technique significantly affects shooting velocity, underscoring the importance of optimizing technique for maximizing performance. These findings provide practical insights for coaches and practitioners, informing the design of targeted training programmes aimed at improving shooting velocity in rink hockey players.