The following tests are suggested as many studies suggest that these are areas where soccer players may need supplemental training to minimize the risk of muscle strain injuries. These methods are standard and most trainers and therapists are familiar and experienced with the techniques, so these will not be demonstrated.

Straight leg raise

How it is done -The player lies on their back and the therapist raises the extended leg of the player off the table until resistance is felt. The angle of the leg to the hip is recorded.

Hip flexion

How it is done -The player lays on their back and pulls their knee to their chest with the opposite arm. The back and other leg need to be flat on the table. The angle of the thigh to the table is measured.

Hip Extension

How it is done -The player is lays on his chest and his straight leg is lifted off the table. The angle of the thigh to the trunk is measured.

Hip Abduction

How it is done -The player lays on their back and a leg is spread outward (abducted). The angle of the leg to the trunk is measured. Frequently 90? is subtracted to get ROM of abduction from the midline.

Knee Flexion

How it is done -The player lays on their back. The trainer/therapist flexes the knee and the angle is then recorded.

Dorsiflexion-Gastrocnemius

How it is done -The player lays on their stomach with their leg extended over the end of the table. The foot is dorsiflexed (making a right angle at the ankle) and the angle of the foot to the lower leg determined.

Dorsiflexion-Soleus

How it is done -The player lays on their stomach with the knee bent. The foot is dorsiflexed and the angle between the foot and lower leg is measured.