Science of Summer Games: Soccer

As athletes worldwide compete on the grandest stage, a global spotlight has converged on Paris, France, as the home of the 2024 Summer Olympics. Amidst this worldwide celebration, the University of Delaware is showcasing expertise and resources in human performance and sports sciences, innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

One of the most popular Olympic sports is soccer, but it's called football just about everywhere else, including in Paris.

Thomas Kaminski, professor of kinesiology and applied physiology in the College of Health Sciences, is a leading expert on concussions in soccer and serves as the sole U.S. representative on the FIFA Heading Expert Group.

"FIFA is concerned about the disparity in concussions between men and women," Kaminski said. "Women are at a higher risk of concussion due to a variety of reasons, including neck strength and overall body strength."

Concussions often occur during aerial challenges.

"When players compete for the ball at the same time, they need to use their body to protect their head space, taking the strain off the head," Kaminski said.

Expect the ball to be in the air quite a bit in Olympic competition.

"Many international teams tend to play the ball in the air more, but the USA will be ready for that. They know what to do," Kaminski said.

What to keep an eye out for:

"Anytime a ball is scored from a header, it's a picture of beauty in the game," Kaminski said.