Lower-limb kinematics during instep kicking between adolescent and college rugby players

Instep kicking is a vital rugby skill used for place kicking and territorial play, relying on a coordinated sequence of force transfer from the hip down to the foot to generate ball speed and precision. Although similar mechanics have been thoroughly researched in soccer, lower limb biomechanics in rugby remain less explored, particularly regarding how skill level and maturity affect technique. Younger adolescent players often differ from college athletes in strength, physical development, and training experience, which can alter joint movement, segment coordination, and overall kicking control. To address the lack of direct comparative evidence, this study investigated lower limb kinematics during instep kicking between adolescent and college rugby players to clarify how growth and technical exposure influence kicking performance.