The effect of special exercises using the smart ball according to some biomechanical variables on the accuracy of performing the direct free kick in football for ages (17-19) years

Abstract
The research aims to prepare special exercises to teach the skill of direct free kick from a standstill using a smart ball, as well as to identify the values of some biomechanical variables associated with this skill And the accuracy of the players’ performance in executing the joint kick from stability. The research also seeks to demonstrate the effect of special exercises based on the use of the smart ball in improving some biomechanical variables, and the impact of this on the accuracy of the players’ performance of the direct free kick skill.
To achieve the research objectives, the researchers used the experimental method by designing a pre- and post-test, due to its suitability to the nature of the research proble, The research community was represented by players from Baghdad clubs for the youth category (under 20 years old) in the Iraqi league, which numbered (16) clubs, with a total number of players amounting to (430) players, which represents (100%) of the original community. The research sample was represented by Al-Hodood Sports Club players for the youth category, who numbered (26) players, i.e. (6.05%) of the total research population, The basic research sample, which numbered (6) players, was chosen intentionally, through the team coach nominating players who possess the physical and technical qualities that qualify them to perform the scoring skill from a direct free kick. The researcher conducted pre- and post-tests on the sample members, and extracted bio-kinematic variables using appropriate tools, The necessary statistical treatments were also carried out to analyze the results, and the researchers concluded that the exercises using the smart ball contributed to introducing an element of suspense and novelty into the training unit, which helped motivate the players and improve their performance, Although the differences in some biokinematic variables were not statistically significant and appeared randomly, there was a noticeable development in the raw data, which can be seen by comparing the arithmetic means of the pre- and post-tests.
The researchers recommend the necessity of adopting modern technology, especially the smart ball, as an effective means of teaching and training fixed free kick skills of various types, because of its role in raising the level of accuracy and technical performance. It is also recommended to provide smart balls in sports clubs And at the National Center for Nurturing Sports Talent in Football, as well as the sports forums affiliated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the specialized schools concerned with training and developing football players.