Longitudinal Investigation of Lateral Asymmetry Reduction: Exploring the Impact of Bilateral Practice on Soccer Skill Development in Young Players

Background: The research on the role of bilateral practice is a topic examined by multiple studies to explore the connection between laterality and soccer performance. Objectives: The purpose of the current investigation was to explore the effects of longitudinal practice on (1) performance asymmetry, (2) age, and (3) the influence of bilateral practice on the lateral asymmetries of soccer skills in young players. Methods: Fifteen right-footed participants participated in three soccer skill tests: Lob pass with right (LPR) and left (LPL) foot; Shooting accuracy with right (SHR) and left (SHL) foot; Ball control with the body with right (BCR) and left (BCL) foot, and by alternate (BCAlt). These tests were repeated at 12 years old (U12) (Test 1: T1), 14 years old (U14) (Test 2: T2), and 15 years old (U15) (Test 3: T3), respectively.Results: The results indicated no impact of longitudinal practice on the reduction of lateral asymmetries concerning lob pass and shooting accuracy across U12, U14, and U15. However, a notable reduction in lateral asymmetries was observed exclusively in ball control with the body by alternance in U15 and U14 compared to U12 (P 0.01 and P 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: We showed improvement of performance with both sides. We suggest that extensive bilateral practice is essential to improve the podal performance of soccer skills.