Amir Haziq Azmi1, Mohd Syrinaz Azli1, Jorrye Jakiwa2, Siti Azilah Atan2
1Defence Fitness Academy, National Defence University of Malaysia, (NDUM) 57000 Kem Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2Faculty of Education and Sports Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
The Relationship between Dynamic Balance and Soccer Passing Ability among University Level Soccer Players
J. Anthr. Sport Phys. Educ. 2026, 10(1), Ahead of Print | DOI: 10.26773/jaspe.260103
Abstract
Dynamic balance is essential in soccer, aiding stability during movements like dribbling and passing. Since passing is critical for maintaining possession and facilitating team play, it may be influenced by a player's balance control. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between dynamic balance and soccer passing ability among soccer players and to assess performance across different playing positions. Thirty-four university-level soccer players (N=34, Age: 19.9 ± 1.2 years; Weight: 67.6 ± 6.7 kg; Height: 1.73 ± 5.1 m) volunteered to participate. Players were categorized into forward (N=11), defender (N=11), and midfielder (N=12). Dynamic balance was evaluated using the Johnson Modification Dynamic Balance Test (JMBT), while soccer passing ability was assessed using the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between dynamic balance and soccer passing ability (r = 0.77, P < 0.05) suggesting players with good balance demonstrated better passing accuracy. However, no significant differences in dynamic balance and passing performances were found across playing positions (P > 0.05). These findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating balance training into soccer conditioning programs to enhance technical skills such as passing. Further research is recommended to explore the effects of long-term balance training interventions on various soccer skills across different levels of play. At this point, it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between dynamic balance and soccer passing ability in soccer players.
Keywords
Football, youth, dynamic balance, balance test, performance, soccer skills

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