The Most Utilized Rotation and Translation Movement While in Ball-Possession among Futsal Players

The objective of this study was to identify the most utilized rotation and traction related movements among international futsal players when they are in a ball possession situation. A total of 4 matches from The AFF Futsal Championship 2014 were analyzed. The analyzed matches consist of two semifinal matches, 3rd-4th placing match and the final match. There are four indicators for rotation movement (half-trunk rotation, half-body rotation, quick-half trunk rotation, and quick-body rotation) and four indicators for traction movement (front traction, back traction, side traction, and sudden stop) that are selected to be observed in this study. Each indicator was divided into two categories, which are attacking and defensive mode. All matches were recorded using a full high definition video camera and analyzed using SportCode Elite (v. 10) and Dartfish EasyTag (v. 1.0.8) software. Two trained and experienced analysts were assigned to analyze all 4 matches. Inter- and Intra- analyst reliability studies were also performed in order to examine the content validity of the data obtained. Overall results indicated that the front traction during the defensive mode is the most utilized movement, among others, while back traction during the attacking mode is the least utilized movement. Front traction during attacking mode was found to be the highest number of usage during attacking mode while sudden stop traction during defensive mode is the least utilized movement among other defensive movements. Regardless of attacking or defensive mode, results show that front traction is the most utilized movement, followed by half-trunk rotation and side traction. This study also show that the rotation (47%) and traction movements (53%) utilized during competitive games are quite balanced. A similar result was also obtained when comparing between attacking (46%) and defensive mode distribution (54%) from overall data. Further study on futsal games should focus on the most utilized movement during competitive matches to understand more about the nature of the games.