The influence of meteorological factors on the technical performance of football teams during matches.

This study explored the impact of the meteorological factors air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed on teams' technical performance during the Union of European Football Associations Champions League (UCL). Technical match statistics were collected for five seasons (2016/2017-2020/2021). Thirty-one technical actions and events were categorized into three groups (goal scoring, offense, and defence). Meteorological data were collected from the official UEFA website (air temperature (°C): 11.59 ± 6.87, relative humidity (%): 71.40 ± 17.82, wind speed (km/h): 11.52 ± 7.02). LASSO regression analysis was employed to identify important indicators that affect match outcomes, while separate Poisson regression models were used in generalized linear modelling to determine the effects of meteorological factors on key technical performance indicators. The results revealed that offensive variables were instrumental in distinguishing match outcomes (winning, drawing, and losing), with meteorological factors significantly influencing these variables. Notably, "shot from counter attack" was the most significantly affected variable, being exclusively influenced by air temperature (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.98). Two technical indicators, "dribbles won" and "shots from the 6-yard box," were both significantly influenced by two meteorological factors. "Cards per foul," an understudied variable, displayed a close association with all the three meteorological factors. These findings offer valuable insights for coaches and analysts in comprehending the influence of meteorological conditions on crucial technical variables during the performance evaluation of teams. Moreover, they provide valuable information to help coaches devise appropriate tactics for players before or during a match, considering the potential changes in meteorological conditions.

Influence of contextual factors on most demanding scenarios in under-19 professional soccer players.

This study aimed to compare the most demanding scenarios (MDS) of under-19 professional soccer players during official matches, controlling for contextual factors such as playing position, the level of opponent teams, playing venue, match status, playing surface, pitch size, and playing status of players. A total of 42 players were monitored across 27 games using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to collect the external loads, including total distance covered, high-speed running, sprint distance, accelerations, and decelerations. MDS were calculated across 1-minute, 5-minute, and 10-minute time windows for each variable. Significant differences were found based on the contextual factors. (i) Opponent level did not show significant differences; (ii) full-backs covered more distance at 1 minute in home games; (iii) midfielders in winning vs. drawing scenarios exhibited higher decelerations at 1 minute but less distance at 10 minutes; (iv) in drawing vs. losing scenarios, central defenders had greater distance at 5 minutes and accelerations at 5 minutes, while midfielders showed greater distances at 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes; (v) offensive midfielders and forwards displayed specific performance differences; (vi) no significant differences were found for the playing surface; (vii) regarding pitch size, full-backs covered more distance at 5 minutes on larger pitches, while midfielders covered more distance at 5 minutes and 10 minutes; and (viii) starters generally outperformed non-starter players across various variables depending on the playing positions. The findings suggest that contextual factors have a significant impact on soccer player performance across different playing positions.

Game schedule, travel demands and contextual factors influence key game-related statistics among the top European male basketball teams.

This study examined the effects of game schedule, travel demands and contextual factors on team game-related statistics during a full season. The top 10 teams competing in the 2020-2021 Euroleague basketball season were included where game-related statistics from their respective national competitions and the Euroleague competition were retrieved (761 games). Hierarchical linear regression models were computed to evaluate the effects of distance travelled, game schedule and contextual factors for the previous and current games (league, season phase, opponent level, game outcome, score differential) on key performance indicators (points, shooting, rebounds, assists, turnovers, fouls). Several significant models (p < 0.05) yielded R2 values ranging from 0.05 to 0.22 with small-to-medium effect magnitudes. Analyses revealed significant associations between longer durations separating games and less free-throws being made and between further distances travelled and worse 3-point shooting, more offensive rebounds and more fouls. Regarding contextual factors, favourable outcomes for shooting, assists, steals, fouling and turnovers were significantly associated with team success. Playing higher-level teams and competing in playoffs or finals was associated with several diminished outcomes. These results emphasize the multi-factorial nature of performance in elite European basketball, with game schedule, travel and various contextual factors requiring consideration in developing holistic operational plans for teams.

Impact of a Ball Regulation Change on Game Performance and Shooting Play in Japanese U-15 Girls' Handball.

We aimed to investigate how a ball regulation change, implemented in U15 girls' handball games, now affects game performance and shooting plays. Over 14 matches (28 observations), we included all the attacks (n = 813) and shooting plays (n = 589) with the conventional ball and all the attacks (n = 821) and shooting plays (n = 618) with the new ball performed by both teams. We used notational analysis to compare the game performance and shooting plays in these two conditions. Our main results were as follows: (i) the attack efficacy was higher with the new ball (41.9%) than with the conventional ball (36.1%); and (ii) the prevalence of the three-line defensive system was higher with the new ball (10.5%) than with the conventional ball (2.7%). It can be inferred that the new ball enabled backcourt players to execute more powerful middle- and long-range shots, leading to their adoption of deeper defensive tactics that were effective in halting advancing backcourt players. Moreover, implementing new ball regulations resulted in a significantly higher frequency of shots targeted at the upper third of the goal frame (44.4%) compared to those observed with the conventional ball (35.8%). This implies that the introduction of the new ball enhanced precision control over shot placements, resulting in an increased player preference for targeting the upper course. Lastly, goalkeepers' saving rates decreased under the new ball, highlighting the need for technical and tactical coaching, tailored to goalkeepers. In summary, implementing the new ball regulations had a positive impact on Japanese U15 girls' handball performance.

Female basketball game performance is influenced by menstrual cycle phase, age, perceived demands and game-related contextual factors.

This study evaluated the influence of physical and perceived game demands, menstrual cycle phase, perceived recovery, individual and game-related contextual factors on competitive performance in professional, female basketball players.11 professional female players (age: 20.6 ± 2.7 years) were monitored for game-related statistics (Performance Index Rating, PIR; rebounds, REB; effective field goal %, eFG%; turnovers, TO), objective (PlayerLoad per minute, PL·min-1) and subjective (RPE) game loads, pre-game perceived recovery (Total Quality Recovery, TQRpre), menstrual phase (follicular; luteal) and game-related contextual factors (game location; game outcome; score differential; opponent level) during 12 official games. Separate linear mixed models were used to evaluate the influence of RPE, PL·min-1, TQRpre, menstrual phase, contextual factors, and individual characteristics (age; playing position) on game-related statistics.Higher PIR and eFG% were found for older players and those who reported higher RPE (all p < 0.05). Higher age also led to less TO (p = 0.042). eFG% was higher when players reported higher TQRpre ;(p = 0.010). Better shooting (eFG%) and rebounding (REB) performances were found during the follicular menstrual phase (p < 0.05). More REB were collected in won games (p = 0.002).This study suggests that the co-influences of perceptual, menstrual-related, individual and game-related contextual factors should be considered to optimise female basketball players' performance.

Basketball talent identification: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the anthropometric, physiological and physical performance factors.

Background: The purpose of this study was to do a systematic review and meta-analysis about the anthropometric, physiological, and physical performance that discriminate the physical talent in basketball. Methods: The search was conducted using the most relevant databases as Web of Science, PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Scopus, according to the PRISMA (2020) guideline. Keywords such as "basketball", "talented identification", "anthropometric", "physiology" and "physical performance" were used for the search, in English and following the "PICOS" question model. Eighteen articles' overall methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Review Forms. Results: The study found in basketball, height, body mass, Yo-Yo test, T-test, 20 m sprint, and jump performance had statistical significance between elite and non-elite groups, including different positions and levels. Conclusions: The reviewed literature highlighted a complicated relationship between anthropometric, physiological, and physical performance. Based on the results of the study, it's possible that height, body mass, agility, speed, endurance capacity, and lower lamb power could affect the early development of basketball.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Interventions in Female Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Athletes are almost 3 times more at risk of experiencing urinary incontinence (UI) than sedentary women, with prevalence rates varying from 10.9% in low-impact sports such as cycling to 80% when engaging in high-impact sports such as trampoline gymnastics. To treat UI, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training (PFMT) is recommended as a first line of treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis of the available literature on the efficacy of PFMT interventions in young, nulliparous female athletes. DATA SOURCES: A literature research was conducted using PubMed, Sport Discus, and Web of Science. STUDY SELECTION: The inclusion criteria were studies with PFMT intervention in female athletes or recreationally active women. Interventions could be carried out for treatment or prevention of pelvic floor dysfunctions. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. DATA EXTRACTION: A descriptive analysis of the articles included in the systematic review was carried out. Meta-analyses could be performed on 6 of the included articles, evaluating the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the PFMs, the amount of urinary leakage (AUL), and the vaginal resting pressure (VRP). Random-effects model and standardized mean differences (SMD) ± 95% CI were reported. RESULTS: The meta-analysis showed that PFMT produced a significant increase in MVC (SMD, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.11 to 1.08; P = 0.02) and a significant reduction of AUL (SMD, -1.13; 95% CI, -1.84 to -0.41; P < 0.01) in female athletes. No effects were shown in VRP (SMD, -0.05; 95% CI, -1.27 to 1.17; P = 0.93). CONCLUSION: PFMT is shown to be effective in increasing PFM strength and reducing urine leakage in female athletes, being a powerful tool to prevent and treat pelvic floor dysfunction in this population.

Importance of Maintaining Net Position in Men's and Women's Professional Padel.

The objective of this research was to analyze the importance of maintaining the net position in men's and women's professional padel. The data sample was drawn from 2,756 padel rallies (n = 1,434 men's and n = 1,322 women's) in matches played during the 2021 season of the World Padel Tour circuit. The results showed that there was no net exchange in 50.7% of the women's rallies, while in 65.9% of men's rallies, the servers kept the net. Due to their physical advantages, men servers had more opportunities to finish the rally at the net than women servers, giving them more opportunities to win the rally. However, when either men or women receivers finished the rally at the net, they had more opportunities to win the rally. In addition, both men and women tended to end the rallies with a winner when they were in the net zone and with an error when they were at the back of the court. These findings suggest that wins in padel are closely related to time spent at the net.

An ecological investigation of average and peak external load intensities of basketball skills and game-based training drills.

This study quantified average and peak external intensities of various basketball training drills. Thirteen youth male basketball players (age: 15.2 ± 0.3 years) were monitored (BioHarness-3 devices) to obtain average and peak external load per minute (EL · min-1; peak EL · min-1) during team-based training sessions. Researchers coded the training sessions by analysing the drill type (skills, 1vs1, 2vs2, 3vs0, 3vs3, 4vs0, 4vs4, 5vs5, 5vs5-scrimmage), court area per player, player's involvement in the drill (in percentage), playing positions (backcourt; frontcourt) and competition rotation status (starter; rotation; bench). Separate linear mixed models were run to assess the influence of training and individual constraints on average and peak EL · min-1. Drill type influenced average and peak EL · min-1 (p < 0.05), but with different directions of effects. EL · min-1 was higher in skills and 4vs0 drills, while higher peak EL · min-1 values were obtained in 5vs5 and 5vs5-scrimmage. Similarly, EL · min-1 was higher when involvement % increased (p = 0.001), while there was an opposite trend for peak EL · min-1 (lower with higher involvement %). Court area per player influenced peak (p = 0.025) but not average demands. No effects were found for playing position or competition rotation status (all p > 0.05), except for a moderately higher EL · min-1 in starters compared to bench players. The external load intensities of basketball training drills substantially vary depending on the load indicator chosen, the training content, and task and individual constraints. Practitioners should not interchangeably use average and peak external intensity indicators to design training but considering them as separate constructs could help to gain a better understanding of basketball training and competition demands.

How the 12th Man Influences Football Matches: The Role of Fans and Referees in the Home Advantage Phenomenon.

Home advantage and referee bias are two sport factors that have been widely studied in the football (i.e., soccer) context. However, the mediating effect of spectators on these factors is not well understood, especially in the Turkish Super League. We examined (a) how variables of home advantage, referee bias, and spectator presence interacted to affect the outcome of past football matches; (b) how these variables have changed over time in the Turkish Super League; (c) and whether home advantage and referee bias differ in matches with spectators and ghost matches (without spectators). We analyzed regular season matches played in the Turkish Super League between the 2014-2015 and 2021-2022 seasons. We found that home teams had a significant advantage over away teams in matches with spectators (p < .001) and in ghost matches (p < .05 and p < .001), with small to medium effect sizes (d = .09 and .34, respectively). Regarding referee bias, away teams received more yellow cards and fewer penalties than home teams in matches with spectators (p < .001; d = -.10), and away teams received fewer yellow cards than home teams in ghost matches (p > .05; d = .05). There was no statistically significant difference between home and away teams on number of red cards in either type of match (p > .05). Thus, our data reveal that home teams have an edge over away teams with and without spectators, but this advantage is reduced during ghost matches (without spectators). We also revealed weak evidence of referee bias in favor of home teams, but only for some variables and only when spectators were present.

Effects of plyometric training on kicking performance in soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled effect size (ES) of plyometric training (PT) on kicking performance (kicking speed and distance) in soccer players depending upon some related factors (i.e., age, gender, skill level, and intervention duration). This study was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. Four electronic databases-EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science-were searched for relevant studies. A total of n = 16 studies yielding 17 ES with n = 553 participants were finally included in the meta-analysis. A random-effects model was used to calculate Hedge's g with a 95% confidence interval (CI), which showed that plyometric training had a large-sized positive effect on soccer kicking performance (g = 0.979, 95% CI [0.606, 1.353], p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses were performed according to participants' characteristics (i.e., age, gender, skill level) and intervention duration, demonstrating no significant differences between these subgroups. The study pointed out that plyometric training is a generally effective method to improve soccer players' kicking performance, which plays a crucial role in passing and shooting actions during games. As for soccer players and strength and conditioning coaches, the plyometric training aiming to enhance kicking performance has valuable implications in practice. Therefore, besides well-known training methods like power training in the weight room, plyometric training could be incorporated into the overall strength and conditioning programs for soccer players to reach high standards of kicking performance.

Corrigendum: Pre-shot combinations and game-related statistics discriminating between winners and losers depending on the game location during the NBA COVID-19 season.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.949445.].

Effect of Kegel Exercises on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Young Gymnasts: A Prospective Cohort Study.

IMPORTANCE: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have been shown to exist in young athletes. The use of pelvic floor muscle training as a preventive strategy at an early age may be useful to avoid possible pelvic floor dysfunction in the future. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe LUTS in underaged gymnasts. We also aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week Kegel exercise intervention for LUTS and urinary incontinence (UI) and their relationship to bother. STUDY DESIGN: A quasi-experimental (nonrandomized, noncontrolled) pre-post study was conducted. Nineteen gymnasts with a mean age of 13.21 ± 1.84 were selected from a gymnastics club in Madrid, Spain. Outcomes of LUTS and quality of life were measured using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms validated questionnaire at baseline and at the end of the 12-week intervention. RESULTS: The participants presented with certain LUTS such as urgency UI (57.7%) or stress UI (47.4%), which negatively affect their daily lives by feeling annoyed in various aspects (when practicing gymnastics, getting up during the night to urinate or feeling bladder pain among others). No significant differences in LUTS and quality of life variables were observed after the exercise intervention ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of LUTS was observed in a sample of underaged high-level gymnasts. The 12-week Kegel exercise intervention did not significantly reduce the presence of pelvic floor problems and even intensified some of them, probably because of an increased awareness. Pelvic floor muscle training as a preventive strategy at an early age seems to be necessary to avoid possible pelvic floor dysfunction in the future.

Modelling women's team line-ups based on effectiveness and quality.

Understanding how different player rotations may impact team performance allows basketball coaches to select effective line-ups for specific tactical scenarios. The study aimed to i) assess how different line-ups or player combinations impact a team's game performance; ii) explore the variations in line-up utilization among different national women's basketball teams; and iii) examine how the offensive efficiency of each line-up evolves during the game. Data from 3,387 ball possessions in 23 international women's basketball games were collected across four major competitions over six years. Offensive and defensive ratings, along with other features, were calculated. Then, a Markov chain model distinguished overperforming and underperforming line-ups of Chinese women's basketball team, determining long-term probabilities for each rating level. The results indicated that i) the most dominant offensive line-up of the Chinese women's basketball team, is PG-G-SF-PF-C, while G-G-F-PF-PF had the highest defensive rating; and ii) US and Australian women's basketball teams favour using line-ups with three guards, while the Chinese women's basketball team heavily relies on centre players. These results offer valuable insights for coaches regarding the performance of different line-ups in FIBA Female Basketball Competitions, optimizing line-up performance and aiding talent selection and recruitment at the international level.

Pre-shot combinations and game-related statistics discriminating between winners and losers depending on the game location during the NBA COVID-19 season.

Basketball in performance depends on numerous factors, where a stable trend was identified by winning teams with better performances in shooting effectiveness and rebounding. However, there is a need for a better understanding of pre-shot combinations that lead to these performance trends. This study aimed to analyze NBA teams' game-related statistics, pre-shooting combinations, and pick-and-roll differences between winning and losing teams (considering the context: playing at home, away, or in a neutral court) during the COVID-19 season. A retrospective cross-sectional study on the 2019-2020 NBA season (906 games) was carried out. Game-related statistics were gathered from the private company InStat (https://basketball.instatscout.com/). The discriminant analysis and binary logistic regression models were run in order to discriminate the most important features of winning teams depending on the game location. The results showed that defensive rebounds and three-point shooting percentage remained the most important variables that best discriminated winners and losers independently of the game location context. The main results showed that winning teams had a better shooting percentage based on three-pointers, catch-and-shot actions, cuts, pick-and-roll efficacy, and uncontested shots based on a better collective behavior after a successful space creation dynamic through a tactical functional unit. At the same time, teams would need players with the ability to clear those possessions in which the opponents force to an isolation or a contested shot. From a practical application perspective, coaches should focus on composing a team with good shooters, skilled players in isolations, and a good game-time pick-and-roll strategy.

The effect of the video assistant referee (VAR) on referees' decisions at FIFA Women's World Cups.

Video assistant referee (VAR) has been implemented in women's football, aiming to improve referees' decision-making, but its impact has not yet been analyzed. This study intended to explore how the VAR affects refereeing decisions at Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women's World Cup competitions. The sample includes all 52 matches played in the 2015 tournament before VAR was introduced and all 52 matches played in the 2019 competition where VAR was deployed. For each match, data on ten variables were collected: first half playing time, second half playing time, total playing time, penalties, offsides, fouls, goals, corner kicks, yellow cards, and red cards. The match variables were compared before and after VAR implementation using a Mann-Whitney U test, a Bayesian analysis, a generalized linear model, and a non-clinical magnitude-based inference. The results demonstrated that after VAR was introduced, playing time during the first half [p < 0.001, BF 10 = 547.05, Cohen's d = 1.06, 90%CI (0.71, 1.40)], the second half [p < 0.001, BF 10 = 57.09, Cohen's d = 0.91, 90%CI (0.57, 1.25)], and the entire match [p < 0.001, BF 10 = 1,120.39, Cohen's d = 1.33, 90%CI (0.97, 1.69)] increased significantly with moderate to large effect sizes, while the number of penalties, offsides, and fouls did not vary significantly neither did the number of goals, corner kicks, yellow cards, and red cards. This study has practical implications for professionals in terms of a better understanding of VAR's impact on elite women's football.

Physical Persistency across Game Quarters and during Consecutive Games in Elite Junior Basketball Players.

Given the intermittent nature of basketball and the different demands that occur during playing time that are specific to every level of competition, the ratio of accelerations/decelerations and the intensity level across quarters were evaluated in female elite junior basketball players (n = 48; age: 16.8 ± 0.7 years; height: 1.76 ± 0.07 cm; body mass: 67.2 ± 6.2 kg). The following variables were analyzed to determine physical persistency across game quarters:(a) total distance covered (m), (b) high-intensity running (HIR) (14-21 km·h-1) distance covered (m), (c) sprint (21-30 km·h-1) distance covered (m), (d) total accelerations (n), (e) total decelerations (n), (f) relative accelerations (n·min-1), (g) relative decelerations (n·min-1), (h) ratio of acceleration/deceleration (A/D), (i) total jumps (j) relative jumps (n·min-1) (k) player load (AU). using the WIMU PRO® system. Higher but shorter acceleration intensity occurred during the last quarters due to the tight results of the matches. The results suggest that high-intensity efforts such as sprints and HIR seem to increase the A/D ratio (guard and forward positions). Therefore, specific conditioning, as well as eccentric strength training, could be included by practitioners in training programs to improve the performance of these positions during competition, especially as a prior preparation to a game-congested event. Centers seem to have a more variable performance through quarters than do other positions, perhaps highlighting the need for specific conditioning strategies.

Interactive Effects of Situational Variables Regarding Teams' Technical Performance in the UEFA Champions League.

The aim of this study was to examine the interactive effects of situational variables (competition stage, match location, and match outcome) on teams' technical performance in the UEFA Champion League. Match data of 19 technical actions and events were collected and classified into three groups (variables related to goal scoring, offense, and defense) during eight seasons (2009/2010-2016/2017). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) was used to identify the differences in the technical performances among teams. Results showed that the significant differences in the technical performance between the group stage and the knockout stage were only found in dribble and yellow card. However, differences in the variables related to goal scoring and offense were more significant than in the variables related to defense under the comparisons across competition situations, and the differences in the variables related to defense were mainly detected in the yellow card. The number of variables that showed significant differences among match location and match outcome in the group stage were less than in the knockout stage. Therefore, the identified key performance indicators by considering the interactive effects of situational variables may provide detailed and practical insights for coaches to develop useful training interventions and match strategies for upcoming match playing in specific competition situations.

Analysis of the Different Scenarios of Coach's Anger on the Performance of Youth Basketball Teams.

In spite of the negative effects of anger, coaches are often seen becoming angry during games. This is especially worrying in U18 categories. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the influence that the coach's anger has on the performance of a basketball team in competition. For this, an ad hoc observation tool was designed, in which 587 moments of anger from the coaching staff (64 coaches) were recorded in the 24 semi-final and final matches of the Spanish Autonomous Region Team Championships in 2019 and 2020 in the infantil (M = 14 years old) and cadete (M = 16 years old) categories. The results show that, in response to most incidents of coach anger, the performance of the team did not change. Significant differences were identified in some scenarios, with low- or medium-intensity anger targeted at the defence, where the team performance improved. However, anger towards the referee in the last quarter with scores level had a negative influence on the team's performance.