This study analyzed differences in pelvic and hip joint kinematics during maximal instep kicks from two different approach angles in football players with and without previous groin pain (Group C and PGP Group, respectively). Kinematic data were recorded at 500 Hz, from 22 semiprofessional, male football players (age 23 [19-26] years) performing 12 instep kicks from 45° and 60° approach angles. Two-way analysis of variance identified differences between groups, and Cohen`s d determined the magnitude of effect sizes. Foot velocity at impact did not differ significantly between the groups for kicks from the 45° approach angle (P = 0.458, d = 0.13), although both groups slowed significantly at 60° (Group C: P < 0.001, d = 0.87; PGP Group: P < 0.001, d = 0.65). For kicks from the 45° approach angle, numerous significant differences existed between groups in pelvic and hip joint orientations, range of motion and maximal velocities. When kicking from the more acute 60° approach angle, Group C modified multiple aspects of pelvis and hip kinematics, while the PGP Group failed to adapt their technique. During maximal instep, kicking football players with previous groin pain employed different hip and pelvis kinematics to uninjured controls. The kicking kinematics adopted by the PGP group were consistent with aberrant kinetic chain utilization. Practical Implications: Previous research has associated the football kicking action with groin pain. Simple outcome measures like instep kicking velocity and ability to play appear unable to identify footballers with a history of groin pain. Not only do footballers with a history of groin pain kick with aberrant hip and pelvis motion, they also demonstrate limited ability to adapt to a more challenging approach angle when instep kicking.
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