Optimizing long passing: a study on the relationship between waist flexibility in soccer players

Introduction. Starting from the shortcomings found from previous studies regarding the relationship between physical factors and technical abilities in football, so the background for us to make this research. Purpose. This study aims to determine the relationship between waist flexibility and long passing ability in Tunas Putra Payakumbuh Football School (SSB) players. Research Methodology. By choosing a research subject from SSB Tunas Putra Payakumbuh, we hope to contribute to the understanding of the aspects of physical fitness that affect players' technical abilities. This study is a correlational research. The population in this study consisted of all SSB Tunas Putra Payakumbuh players totaling 64 people. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, resulting in a sample of 20 players. The instruments in this study include: 1) sit and reach test, and 2) long passing ability test. Data analysis was carried out using simple correlation statistical analysis or product moment, followed by multiple correlation analysis. Research Result. It shows that waist flexibility correlates with the long passing ability of Tunas Putra Payakumbuh Youth Soccer Club players by 72.60%. An in-depth understanding of this relationship is expected to improve the approach to coaching football players, with a focus on aspects of physical flexibility that can have a positive impact on technical ability, especially on long passing ability.