Understanding the visual search strategies of expert and novice coaches in futsal set pieces.

Introduction: This study aimed to describe the fixation location and the time of the longer fixation of expert and novice futsal coaches before the ball was in play in futsal set pieces. Methods: A total of 10 experts (ages 48 ± 5) and 10 novice coaches (ages 40 ± 7) participated in the study. They observed that 38 video clips were created to mimic the attack and defensive set-piece moments of the game. Data were collected in a standardized video analysis task using the pupil invisible eye tracker and processed through the pupil cloud platform. The Mann-Whitney test was conducted to evaluate differences in gaze duration between game moments (attack and defense set pieces) and groups (expert vs. novice). Gaze duration was also compared for gaze location between groups. For further comparisons, the game moments (attack and defense set pieces) and the gaze location were summarized in two-dimensional graphics using correspondence analysis. Results and discussion: The results revealed higher values of gaze duration for attack and defense set pieces for the group of experts than for novices. When considering gaze duration, expert coaches had higher values than novices for the attacker 3, defender 3, barrier 1st, and barrier 2nd gaze locations. The correspondence analysis showed different strategies of visual search and, consequently, gaze locations for attack and defense set pieces. In particular, there was different correspondence for free kicks between the level of expertise and gaze location, while corner and sideline kicks revealed some correspondence between the groups and the gaze location. In free kicks, coaches should be particularly concerned about the relationship between attacker and defender three and the barrier 1st and 2nd line positions. In corner and sideline kicks, coaches should be particularly aware of the relationship between attackers' and defenders' positions.

Inclusion of Game-Based Stimulus During Flywheel Resistance Training Positively Influences Physical Performance in Handball Players.

Handball is a body-contact Olympic ball sport that is characterized by fast-paced defensive and offensive actions. Players must coordinate explosive movements (e.g. changing of direction) and handball-specific skills (e.g. passing). Maximizing performance requires a systematic approach to training that includes physical, psychological, technical, and tactical preparation. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of movement-based (MOV; unspecific sport stimulus) or game-based (GAM; sport-specific stimulus) flywheel resistance training intervention in highly trained youth handball players. Method:Twenty-five highly trained youth male handball players completed two sessions per week of flywheel resistance training (MOV, n = 12; GAM, n = 13) over the 7-week intervention period. Change-of-direction tests (180º change-of-direction speed test of both legs and test) and handball-throwing test were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved V-cut, and 180º Change-of-direction speed test performance (p < .05; d = 0.79-2.05). Notwithstanding, the GAM group demonstrated greater improvements in V-cut and COD180ASY compared with the MOV group (p < .05) with small effect. Handball throwing speed performance remained unchanged independently of training condition (p > .05). Conclusions: These findings provide further support for the training principle of "specificity" and highlight the importance of including a game-based training stimulus during resistance training. This is a key consideration for coaches wanting to enhance physical performance in youth handball players.

Chronological age-based vs. Bio-banded friendly football tournament: Effects on physical performance and spatial exploration behaviour in 7v7 match play.

Biological age-based competitions have been suggested to mitigate maturation bias among youth football players. This study analysed the physical demands and spatial exploration behaviour when playing football matches against biological or chronological age-based opposition. One-hundred and sixteen U-13 and U-14 male regional-level football players were recruited from five Portuguese football academies. Each player completed eight games, four per condition (chronological and biological-based), on the same day. Games were played in 7 vs. 7 formats, with 20-min duration, and conformed to standard officiating and rule procedures. The following variables were considered from GPS-data in each game: distance covered, high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, body impacts, and average and peak speeds. Furthermore, average, and peak heart rates (HRpeak) and spatial exploration index were collected. Players covered significantly less distance (ES = 1.11), performed fewer decelerations (ES = 0.82), achieved lower average speeds (ES = 1.15), had fewer body impacts (ES = 0.94), and recorded lower HRpeak (ES = 0.56) in the biological age-based competition compared to the chronological-age-based. No significant differences were found between the two formats in spatial exploration. Both game formats offer distinct physical demands at the external and internal levels. Finally, practitioners can manipulate the type of opposition to get distinct physical demands to mitigate the effect of maturation bias during development.

Biological maturation, contextual factors, and future career in basketball: A possible interrelationship?

This study aimed to analyse the relationship between the maturational state and contextual factors with future basketball career success in Under-16 (U16) Portuguese youth preparing for the U16 European Basketball Championships. Eighty-five Under-15 (U15) and U16 male basketball players (height: 189.7 ± 6.53 cm; body mass: 81.1 ± 9.96 kg; the age of peak height velocity: 13.3 ± 0.7 y) were selected by the Portuguese national coaching staff to participate in a national team training camp in 2016, 2017, and 2018 years. A binary logistic regression was employed to identify the influence of maturation, born quartile, demographic, geographic and economic characteristics, and sport career (i.e., drop out during first season and chance of playing professionally). Early maturing players were typically classified as inside players. Training experience and predicted adult height, and type of first club were able to predict players who dropped out during their first season at senior level (both p < 0.01). No variables were able to predict who played in a professional league during their first season at senior level. Practitioners should use these data to consider how national level basketball players are identified and developed, but also keep in mind of their specific contextual factors.

Differential Repeated Sprinting Training in Youth Basketball Players: An Analysis of Effects According to Maturity Status.

The differential learning approach, which includes fluctuations that occur without movement repetitions and without corrections has received growing interest in the skill acquisition field. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 9-week training intervention involving differential repeated sprint training on a series of physical tests in youth basketball players. A total of 29 participants with different maturity statuses (pre-peak height velocity (PHV), n = 7; mid-PHV, n = 6; post-PHV, n = 16) completed 2 sessions per week of differential repeated sprint training for a period of 9 weeks. Sessions consisted of 2 × 10 repetitions sprints of 20-m whereby participants were instructed to perform various additional fluctuations for each repetition. Before and after the training intervention, participants completed jumping tests (countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg CMJs, the modified 505 agility test, and straight sprinting tests (0-10 splits time), and maturity status was evaluated as well. Within-group analysis showed improvement in CMJ asymmetries and changes in direction asymmetries and 10-m sprint performance for the pre-, mid-, and post-PHV groups, respectively (p < 0.05), with large to very large effects. Analysis of covariance demonstrated that changes in sprint time in post-PHV players were greater than in the pre- and mid-PHV groups (p < 0.05), with moderate effect. Adding random fluctuations during repeated sprint training appear to be a suitable and feasible training strategy for maintaining and enhancing physical performance in youth basketball players, irrespective of maturity status. Furthermore, the present findings encourage practitioners to implement the present approach in youth athletes to improve their physical performance, but they should be aware that training response can vary according to maturity status.

Performance indicators and functional adaptive windows in competitive cyclists: effect of one-year strength and conditioning training programme.

Changes and relationships between cycling performance indicators following a one-year strength and conditioning training have not been totally clarified. The aims of this study are to investigate (i) the effect of a combined one-year strength and conditioning training programme on performance indicators and the possible relationships between these indicators, and (ii) the existence of possible endurance-functional-adaptive windows (EFAWs) linked to changes in muscular strength and body composition markers. Functional and lactate threshold power (FTP and LTP), maximal strength (1RM) and body composition (body mass index [BMI], body cell mass [BCM] and phase angle [PA]) were measured at the beginning and the end of a one-year strength and conditioning training programme of thirty cyclists. Correlations, differences, and predictive analysis were performed among parameters. Significant differences were found between pre- and post-conditioning programme results for FTP, LTP, 1RM (p < 0.0001) and BCM (p = 0.038). When expressed as power output (W), FTP and LTP were significantly correlated with 1RM (r = 0.36, p = 0.005 and r = 0.37, p = 0.004, respectively), body mass (r = 0.30 and p = 0.02), BCM (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and PA (r = 0.42 and 0.39, respectively and p < 0.001). When expressed as W·kg-¹, these power thresholds were strongly correlated with body mass (r = -0.56 and -0.61, respectively) and BMI (r = -0.57 and -0.61 respectively) with p < 0.001. Predictive polynomial regressions revealed possible endurance and strength adaptation zones. The present findings indicated beneficial impacts of one-year strength and conditioning training on cycling performance indicators, confirmed the correlation between performance indicators, and suggested the existence of different EFAWs. Strategies aiming to improve performance should consider cyclist characteristics and performance goals to achieve EFAWs and thereby enhance cycling performance.

Training Load, Maturity Timing and Future National Team Selection in National Youth Basketball Players.

Despite its importance to the management of training stress, monotony and recovery from exercise, training load has not been quantified during periods of intensity training in youths. This study aimed to (1) examine and quantify the training load (TL) in youth national team basketball players during a 2-week training camp according to maturity timing and (2) determine which parameters were related to under-18 (U18) national team selection. Twenty-nine U-16 national team basketball players underwent an anthropometric assessment to determine maturity timing. Players were categorised by maturity timing (early vs. average), whilst TL parameters during a 2-week training camp (i.e., 21 sessions) prior to FIBA U16 European Championship were used for group comparison and to predict future U-18 national team selection. The early-maturing players, who were taller and heavier (p < 0.05), experienced greater training strain in week 1 (p < 0.05) only. Irrespective of maturity timing, training loads in week 2 were predictive of onward selection for the U-18 national team. Conclusion: Based on present findings, practitioners are encouraged to develop their athletes' ability to tolerate high weekly loads, but also to be mindful that athletes' perceived exertion during national team training may be influenced by maturity timing.

Always Pay Attention to Which Model of Motor Learning You Are Using.

This critical review considers the epistemological and historical background of the theoretical construct of motor learning for a more differentiated understanding. More than simply reflecting critically on the models that are used to solve problems-whether they are applied in therapy, physical education, or training practice-this review seeks to respond constructively to the recent discussion caused by the replication crisis in life sciences. To this end, an in-depth review of contemporary motor learning approaches is provided, with a pragmatism-oriented clarification of the researcher's intentions on fundamentals (what?), subjects (for whom?), time intervals (when?), and purpose (for what?). The complexity in which the processes of movement acquisition, learning, and refinement take place removes their predictable and linear character and therefore, from an applied point of view, invites a great deal of caution when trying to make generalization claims. Particularly when we attempt to understand and study these phenomena in unpredictable and dynamic contexts, it is recommended that scientists and practitioners seek to better understand the central role that the individual and their situatedness plays in the system. In this way, we will be closer to making a meaningful and authentic contribution to the advancement of knowledge, and not merely for the sake of renaming inventions.

Transition from Youth categories to Elite cycling: relationships between early career performance and UCI World Tour success.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to describe the possible roles of cyclists' early career performance, on the transition process to elite cycling categories. METHODS: Data from national and international databases, and results achieved during the UCI World Championships, were retrospectively analyzed considering the Italian national Youth-U16, Junior-U18, and U23 categories, and international Junior-U18 and UCI World-Tour categories. RESULTS: The 15% of Youth-U16, the 38.8% of Junior-U18 and the 60% of U23 athletes who ranked top-10 between 2007 and 2013, scored points in UCI World Tour competitions between 2012 and 2018. The 1.6% of Youth-U16, the 8.3% of Junior-U18 and 25% of U23 athletes who ranked top-10 between 2007 and 2013, ranked among the Italian Top-10 in the UCI World-Tour individual classification between 2012 and 2018. Performance level in Youth-U16 category displayed a low correlation with UCI World Tour performance while the performance level in Junior-U18 category displayed a moderate correlation. The 34% of the Junior World Championship TOP-25 cyclists, participated in the elite competition. Trivial to small correlations emerged between Junior and elite World Championship performance levels. CONCLUSIONS: Early performance seems not to represent a good predictor of elite performance, while the Junior-U18 and the U23 performance level, emerged as potential indicators of future success in the elite categories.

Enhancing High-Intensity Actions During a Basketball Game After a Strength Training Program With Random Recovery Times Between Sets.

ABSTRACT: Arede, J, Leite, N, Tous-Fajardo, J, Bishop, C, and Gonzalo-Skok, O. Enhancing high-intensity actions during a basketball game after a strength training program with random recovery times between sets. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1989-1997, 2022-To examine the effects of a strength training program with random recovery times between sets in consideration of several physical parameters, high-intensity actions, and spatial exploration index during a simulated basketball game. Twenty male basketball players (age: 19.45 ± 4.36 years) were assigned randomly to either strength training group (n = 10) or control group (n = 10). The strength training included parallel back squat and bench press exercises, twice a week for the duration of 10 weeks, with 2 blocks of 5 sets × 5 repetitions interspersed with variable passive recovery (range = 15-35 seconds) between sets, and constant passive recovery (3 minutes) between blocks with the load that maximized propulsive power output. The pre- and posttest assessments included jumping (bilateral and unilateral), change of direction, straight sprinting, and a 5-on-5 full-court situation. The external training load was assessed using the local positioning system, and the internal load was recorded with the use of individual heart rate monitors. A significant interaction effect (group × time) was observed on countermovement jump, unilateral right hops, high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, and peak accelerations and decelerations in the 5-on-5 full-court situation. Relative improvements observed and recorded in the training group on unilateral right hops, accelerations, and decelerations were correlated. Similar results were observed on 0- to 25-m sprints, high-intensity decelerations, peak accelerations, and decelerations. Strength training paired with random recovery times enhanced physical and game-related aspects in the observed basketball players.

The Effect of Differential Repeated Sprint Training on Physical Performance in Female Basketball Players: A Pilot Study.

This pilot study aimed to determine the effects of differential learning in sprint running with and without changes of direction (COD) on physical performance parameters in female basketball players and to determine the feasibility of the training protocol. Nine female basketball players completed 4 weeks of repeated sprint training (RST) with (COD, n = 4) or without (NCOD, n = 5) changes of direction. A battery of sprints (0-10 and 0-25 m), vertical jumps (counter movement jump (CMJ), drop jump, and single-leg CMJs), and COD tests were conducted before and after intervention. NCOD completed two sets of ten sprints of 20 m, whereas COD performed 20 m sprints with a 180 degree turn at 10 m, returning to the starting line. Before each sprint, participants were instructed to provide different fluctuations (i.e., differential learning) in terms of varying the sprint. Both groups had 30 s of passive recovery between two sprints and 3 min between sets. A significant effect of time for the 0-10 m sprint, CMJ, and single leg-CMJ asymmetries were observed. Adding "erroneous" fluctuation during RST seems to be a suitable and feasible strategy for coaches to enhance physical performance in young female basketball players. However, further studies including larger samples and controlled designs are recommended to strengthen present findings.

The Influence of Contextual Aspects in Talent Development: Interaction Between Relative Age and Birthplace Effects in NBA-Drafted Players.

The aims of this study were two-fold: (1) to inspect separately for the relative age and birthplace effects for players selected in the National Basketball Association (NBA) draft; (2) to explore the interaction among these factors and analyse this interaction in players' career performance. The database was obtained from the official records of the players (n = 1,738), who were selected during the annual editions of the NBA Draft from 1990 to 2019. The participants' date of birth was analyzed according to the month of birth and divided into four quartiles. The place of birth was compared to the distribution of the general population' places of birth based on different communities' sizes. Chi-square analysis were used to determine if the relative age and birthplace of the players drafted differed in any systematic way from official census population distributions. Cluster analysis and standardized residuals were calculated to analyse the interaction among the contextual factors and the players' career performance. The data revealed that early-born players (Q1 and Q2) were over-represented. Moreover, players born in smaller cities (<100,000) were over-represented. The interaction analysis revealed that the players born in the bigger communities relate mainly with relatively younger players, and clusters that correspond to players born in smaller communities integrated the relatively older players. No differences were found in the players' career performance. Researchers, coaches and practitioners should be aware of the interaction between contextual factors to help nurture the development of sport talent regardless of age-related issues or communities' size.

The effects of maturity matched and un-matched opposition on physical performance and spatial exploration behavior during youth basketball matches.

The aim of this study was analyze the effect of playing against biological matched and un-matched opposition, on physical performance and spatial exploration behavior of youth basketball players. Thirty under-14 to 16 basketball players were assigned to different teams according to maturity status (Pre-, Mid-, and Post-Peak Height Velocity [PHV]), and participated in basketball matches against matched (same maturity status), and un-matched (different maturity status) opposition. Maturity status was estimated considering the percentage of predicted adult height. Workload data was collected via inertial devices (IMUs) and Ultra-Wide Band (UWB)-based system. Heart rate was recorded with individual HR monitors. The Pre-PHV performed significantly more accelerations and decelerations and explored more space against matched opposition. Against un-matched opposition, the Pre-PHV presented higher average speed, body impacts, and Player Load. Both Mid- and Post-PHV covered more distance against matched opposition than against Pre-PHV. Games against Pre-PHV involved lower distance covered, average speed, Player Load, and higher accelerations and decelerations, than against Mid- and Post-PHV. The Pre-PHV athletes performed a higher number of accelerations and decelerations comparing to the Mid and Post-PHV players. Also, a significant interaction effect (group x time) was found in distance covered, average speed, body impacts, and Player Load. The type of opposition influenced physical performance and spatial exploration behavior during basketball matches, particularly of less-mature players. Based on present findings, practitioners can select the most suitable game format, considering the physical, technical, tactical, and psychological development needs, individualizing training stimulus.

A Multi-Block Multivariate Analysis to Explore the Influence of the Somatic Maturation in Youth Basketball.

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of somatic maturation in anthropometric, physical, and game-related variables in youth basketball age groups under-13 (U-13) and under-15 (U-15). One-hundred and eighty-five basketball players performed anthropometrical and physical tests during a non-official youth basketball tournament. Predicted maturity offset (MO) and game-related variables were also analyzed. Cluster analysis was used to analyze the between-maturation status differences in all parameters in each age group. Also, regularized generalized canonical correlation analysis (RGCCA) was used to assess relative contributions of maturational, physical, and game-related variables within each age group. Based on MO, two different clusters were identified within each age category. Greater differences in MO were identified among U-13 clusters than among U-15 clusters. No significant differences were observed between clusters in terms of physical and game-related variables. High correlations between maturational, physical, and game-related variables (i.e., points scored, field goals attempted, and rebounds) were found for boys. In girls, different trends in terms of correlations were observed. The strongest association between blocks was observed between physical tests and game-related variables in all age categories, except for U-15 girls. Knowing and identifying performance profiles according to biological age is of upmost importance since it allows the coach to create challenging situations adjusted to the individual's needs.

Developmental pathway routes to achieve expert performance in portuguese track and field athletes

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to characterize the developmental pathway undertaken by Portuguese expert track and field athletes considering the quantity and type of structured and unstructured activities. Methods: The sample was composed of 24 experts and 35 non-expert athletes who completed a questionnaire designed to gather information about their previous experiences in sports. Results: Results reveal key factors which distinguished expert from non-expert athletes' developmental pathway were related to a greater commitment within track and field in relation to years (U = 251.000, p < 0.01) and hours (U = 212.500, p < .01), as well as with the number of years spent in unstructured activities (U = 284.500, p < .05). Furthermore, a significant association (χ2 = 27.131, p < 0.01) was found between the number of unstructured activities practiced and an expert performance attainment. Conclusions: These findings revealed that more successfully track and field athletes had an early diversified pathway with greater involvement in structured and unstructured activities. Overall, the study provides an insight into the developmental pathway of Portuguese track and field athletes.

Effect of Training and Match Loads on Hamstring Passive Stiffness in Professional Soccer Players.

OBJECTIVE: the purpose of this study was to identify differences in hamstring passive stiffness between the pre-season and in-season periods. METHODS: Hamstring strength and passive stiffness were measured in professional male soccer players before and after the pre-season (4 weeks), and after the in-season (6 weeks) periods using an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle passive stiffness was determined from the slope of the passive torque-angle relationship. External loads (acceleration and jumps) were monitored by GPS and internal loads by questionnaire. RESULTS: Hamstring passive stiffness increased after 10 weeks of training and matches, without changes in passive peak torque and range of motion. The hamstring passive stiffness modifications were associated with the volume and intensity of accelerations and jumps. The individual data analysis also provided some support for the suppression of the biomechanical adaptation in the subjects with relatively large external load. CONCLUSIONS: Regular training and match workouts increase hamstring passive stiffness in professional soccer players but the adaptation of muscle-tendon unit passive elements might not occur if players experience excessive mechanical stress.

Want to Impact Physical, Technical, and Tactical Performance during Basketball Small-Sided Games in Youth Athletes? Try Differential Learning Beforehand.

This study aimed to analyze the acute effect of small-sided games, based on differential learning, on the physical, technical, and positioning performance of young basketball players. Eight basketball players under 13 (U13) participated in this study. A total of eight sessions involving half-court small-sided games (4 sets × 3 min + 1 min of passive recovery) under randomly different numerical relations were performed. Before each trial, players were verbally instructed to perform the drill in one of the conditions, in random order. Pre- and post-tests were performed in the 4v4 half-court format, in each session. External load and positional data were collected via a WIMU PRO local positioning system. Individual heart rate monitoring was used to assess the internal load. Game videos also collected notational data. The results revealed that, after the intervention, the players significantly decreased the total distance covered, the peak acceleration, average speed, training impulse, and the spatial exploration index; conversely, the results confirmed an increase in the number of dribbles. Small-sided games under randomly different numerical relations imposed acute effects in distinct variables during 4v4 half-court games. However, further studies are warranted, including longer interventions and parallel-group designs, to confirm if the training-induced effects of this method are significantly better compared to other approaches.

Mechanical, Physiological, and Perceptual Demands of Repeated Power Ability Lower-Body and Upper-Body Tests in Youth Athletes: Somatic Maturation as a Factor on the Performance.

This study aims (a) to assess and compare the acute mechanical, physiological, and perceptual demands induced by a lower and upper body repeated power ability (RPA) protocols, and (b) to examine how the somatic maturation could predict training response in RPA. Thirteen young male basketball players (chronological age = 15.2 ± 1.1 years; height = 173.8 ± 9.5 cm; body mass = 71.7 ± 18.3 kg) were selected to perform the parallel Back Squat (BS), and Bench Press (BP) RPA protocols (3 blocks of 5 sets of 5 repetitions with 30 s and 3 min of passive recovery between sets and blocks, respectively). Mean propulsive power (MPP), accelerometer-based data, cardio-respiratory data, blood lactate, rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and muscle soreness were recorded. Somatic maturation was estimated according to the Khamis and Roche method. On the BS protocol, the mean oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), and RPE were 1006.33 ± 481.85 ml/min., 133.8 ± 12.5 bpm, and 6.14 ± 0.98 A.U., while on the BP protocol, were 684.6 ± 246.3 ml/min., 96.1 ± 10.4 bpm, and 5.08 ± 1.44 A.U., respectively. Significant between-blocks differences were found for MPP, RPE, and blood lactate for both exercises. The BS implies higher cardio-respiratory and perceptual demands, though lower power production fluctuation and movement variability than the BP. The somatic maturation was a strong predictor of RPA-derived variables in BS. The MPP during all protocol, and the MPP during the Best Set were significant predictable by somatic maturation in both exercises. Mechanical, physiological and perceptual training demands are exercise and maturation dependent.

Rotational flywheel training in youth female team sport athletes: could inter-repetition movement variability be beneficial?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of an inter-repetition variable rotational flywheel training program (variable) over standard rotational flywheel training (Standard). METHODS: Twenty-four youth female team-sports players were randomly assigned to both training groups (variable, N.=12; standard, N.=12), which consisted of 1 set of 3 rotational flywheel exercises ×10-12 repetitions, biweekly for a period of 6-weeks. The participants included in variable group were instructed to perform the movement randomly in one of the three directions (0°, 45° right, and 45° left). Measurements included reactive strength, jumping, change of direction, and sprinting tests; patellar tendon condition was also assessed. RESULTS: Substantial improvements were found in vertical jump with left leg (16.9%), lateral jump with right leg (13.6%), and patellar condition in left leg (4.1%) for standard group, but also in reactive strength index in right leg landing (33.9%), vertical jump with right (10.1%) and left leg (12.0%) for variable group. A significant interaction effect (group × time) was observed on patellar condition in right leg (F=10.02, P<0.01, η2=0.37), favoring variable group. CONCLUSIONS: Rotational flywheel training programs were beneficial for youth-female team-sports athletes, although the movement variability may play a key role to develop different and specific physical adaptations.