Reliability and Validity of the Strain Gauge "GSTRENGTH" for Measuring Peak Force in the Isometric Belt Squat at Different Joint Angles.

Since isometric training is gaining popularity, some devices are being developed to test isometric force as an alternative to the more expensive force plates (FPs); thus, the aim of this study was to test the reliability and validity of "GSTRENGTH" for measuring PF in the isometric belt squat exercise. Five subjects performed 24 contractions at three different knee angles (90°, 105° and 120°) on two occasions (120 total cases). Peak force data were measured using FPs and a strain gauge (SG) and analyzed by Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient, ICCs, Cronbach's alpha, a paired sample t-test and Bland-Altman plots. Perfect or almost perfect relationships (r: 0.999-1) were found with an almost perfect or perfect level of agreement (ICCs: 0.992-1; α: 0.998-1). The t-test showed significant differences for the raw data but not for the predictions by the equations obtained with the SG values. The Bland-Altman plots, when significant, showed trivial to moderate values for systematic bias in general. In conclusion, "GSTRENGTH" was shown to be a valid alternative to FPs for measuring PF.

Effects of knowing the task duration on players' pacing patterns during soccer small-sided games.

The aim of this study was to identify the influence of prior knowledge of exercise duration on players' pacing patterns during soccer small-sided games. Twenty semi-professional male soccer players participated in this study. In the first game scenario, players were not informed how long they would be required to play the small-sided game and the activity was terminated after 20 min (Unknown Condition). In the second game scenario, players were told that they would play the small-sided game for 10 min, but immediately after completing the 10-min game, they were asked to complete another 10 min (Partially Condition). In the third game scenario, players were instructed that they would play the small-sided game for 20 min and then they completed the 20-min game (Known Condition). The results presented a tendency of higher values in all performance variables in the [0'-10'] min compared with the [10'-20'] min. As the players' previous knowledge about the tasks duration increased, the performance between two moments tended to be similar. Considering the entire 20-min game duration, the Partially Condition of the exercise was the most demanding condition. In conclusion, the knowledge of shorter durations of the exercise seems to lead to an increase of exercise duration demand, and longer exercise durations possibly tend to decrease differences between full knowledge and not knowing the exercise duration.

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.].

A Narrative Review of the Most Demanding Scenarios in Basketball: Current Trends and Future Directions.

Since the analysis of most demanding scenarios (MDS) in basketball has improved the practical knowledge about match demands and possible impacts for the training process, it seems important to summarize the scientific evidence providing useful information and future directions related to MDS. This review assesses the results reflected in the available literature about the MDS in basketball, synthesizing and discussing data from scientific papers, and then providing relevant insights about terminology, sex and sample size, competition category, workload variables recorded, technology used, method of calculation, time windows analyzed, and activities evaluated related to MDS. Therefore, the present narrative review would be of practical use for coaches, scientists, athletes as well as strength and conditioning trainers exploring the current trends and future directions related to MDS in basketball.

Special Issue "Talent Identification and Development in Youth Sports".

We are delighted to share our Special Issue on Talent Identification and Development in Youth Sports [...].

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.

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.

Relative Age Effects in Basketball: Exploring the Selection into and Successful Transition Out of a National Talent Pathway.

Relative age effects (RAEs) appear consistently prevalent throughout the youth basketball literature. However, the selection into and successful transition out of a national talent pathway in basketball is yet to be explored. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to explore the influence of relative age, gender, and playing time based on the selection into the Regional Talent Hubs and Basketball England youth teams (U16, U18, and U20) and the successful transition into the England National Senior Teams. Participants who were selected into the male (n = 450) and female (n = 314) Basketball England Talent Pathway were allocated into one of three cohorts: (a) Regional Talent Hubs (U12 to U15; n = 183), (b) England National Youth Teams (U16, U18, and U20; n = 537), and (c) England National Senior Teams (n = 44). A chi-square test was used to compare the birth quarter (BQ) distributions of each cohort against the expected distributions, with a Cramer's V (Vc) used to interpret effect sizes. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated to compare the likelihood of each BQ being represented. Males revealed significant RAEs across both the Regional Talent Hubs (p < 0.001, Vc > 0.29, OR = 10) and England National Youth Teams (p < 0.001, Vc > 0.17, OR = 3.1). In comparison, females only had significant RAEs in the Regional Talent Hubs (p < 0.001, Vc > 0.29, OR = 2.3). Despite RAEs being prevalent throughout youth levels, there were no significant differences in the BQ distribution based on playing time and those who made the successful transition to the England National Senior Teams. These findings demonstrate the potential mechanisms of RAEs in basketball, as well as the impetus to explore more equitable competition structures within the England Basketball Talent Pathway.

Exploring Game Performance in the National Basketball Association Using Player Tracking Data.

Recent player tracking technology provides new information about basketball game performance. The aim of this study was to (i) compare the game performances of all-star and non all-star basketball players from the National Basketball Association (NBA), and (ii) describe the different basketball game performance profiles based on the different game roles. Archival data were obtained from all 2013-2014 regular season games (n = 1230). The variables analyzed included the points per game, minutes played and the game actions recorded by the player tracking system. To accomplish the first aim, the performance per minute of play was analyzed using a descriptive discriminant analysis to identify which variables best predict the all-star and non all-star playing categories. The all-star players showed slower velocities in defense and performed better in elbow touches, defensive rebounds, close touches, close points and pull-up points, possibly due to optimized attention processes that are key for perceiving the required appropriate environmental information. The second aim was addressed using a k-means cluster analysis, with the aim of creating maximal different performance profile groupings. Afterwards, a descriptive discriminant analysis identified which variables best predict the different playing clusters. The results identified different playing profile of performers, particularly related to the game roles of scoring, passing, defensive and all-round game behavior. Coaching staffs may apply this information to different players, while accounting for individual differences and functional variability, to optimize practice planning and, consequently, the game performances of individuals and teams.

El entrenador como mentor de jugadores en formación: un estudio de relaciones entrenador-deportista positivas / The coach as youth player´s mentor: study of positivy coach-athlete relationships

El presente trabajo busca analizar el rol del entrenador como mentor de deportistas en etapas de formación en baloncesto. Para ello se ha realizado un estudio cualitativo de 12 díadas entrenador deportista (N=24) seleccionadas deliberadamente, discriminando variables establecidas por la literatura específica como criterios determinantes para la mejora de la relación (nivel deportivo del equipo, características del entrenador, duración de la relación y calidad de la misma). Los resultados muestran cómo diferentes componentes de la relación inciden en el crecimiento personal por parte de los jugadores, fruto de una relación cercana y basada en el apoyo y cuidado de aspectos de carácter extradeportivo (AU)

The aim of this paper is to analyse the role of the coach as mentor of basketball youth players. A qualitative study was conducted. The sample (12 dyads coach-athlete, N=24) was deliberately selected, discriminating variables set by the specific literature as determining criteria for improving the relationship (sports team level, characteristics of the coach, duration of the relationship, and quality of the relationship). Results revealed the influence of the different components of the relationship in players’ personal growth, as a result of a close relationship based on support and personal care (AU)

Choking under pressure en los tiros libres de la Liga ACB / Chocking under pressure in the ACB free throws

El rendimiento en los tiros libres bajo condiciones de presión puede estar relacionada con múltiples variables. En este sentido, el objetivo principal de este trabajo será conocer si existe una disminución de rendimiento durante el último minuto de los partidos ajustados, y con cuáles de esas variables está más relacionada. Para alcanzar este objetivo, se analizaron 124 partidos ajustados (diferencias iguales o inferiores a dos puntos) de todas las competiciones (fase regular, playoff y copa del Rey) de la liga ACB durante las temporadas 2011-2012 a 2014-2015, registrando el porcentaje de acierto en los tiros libres del lanzador en la liga regular, partido completo, y último minuto del mismo. Los resultados principales del estudio mostraron que existe una disminución del rendimiento en el porcentaje de acierto en los tiros libres durante el último minuto del partido, y que está relacionada significativamente con la edad, experiencia profesional, puesto de juego del jugador, y diferencia parcial en el marcador (AU)

Performance on free throws under pressure conditions may be related to multiple variables. In this sense, the main aim of this work will be to know if there is a decrease in performance during the last minute of tight games, and which of those variables is more related with it. To achieve this aim, 124 tight games (less or equal than two points differences) of every competition (regular season, playoff, and cup) of the ACB league during 2011-2012 to 2014-2015 seasons were analyzed to record the percentage in free throws of the player in the regular season, complete game, and last minute of the game. The main results of the study showed there is a decrease in performance about the percentage in free throws in the last minute of the game, and it is significantly associated with age, professional experience, player position, and scoreline (AU)

Scientific advances in science bibliometric data Basketball: 1990-2015

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Impacto del efecto relativo de la edad y el género en la evaluación de la condición física en alumnos de secundaria / The relative effect of age and gender in secondary school fitness testing

El Efecto Relativo de la Edad (RAE) se refiere a la variabilidad en el potencial cognitivo y biológico, que aparece entre individuos agrupados por su edad cronológica, que provoca desigualdades en su rendimiento. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar si la distribución de los nacimientos en el año y el género, afectan a la nota en Educación Física (EF) obtenida a través de test físicos. La nota de 252 alumnos (124 hombres y 128 mujeres) en los test físicos obtenidos en la asignatura de Educación Física, fue analizada formando 5 grupos de acuerdo al curso, divididos en cuatro cuartiles de nacimiento: a) Primer cuartil (Enero-Marzo); b) Segundo cuartil (Abril-Junio); c) Tercer cuartil (Julio-Septiembre); y d) Cuarto cuartil (Octubre-Diciembre) en cada una de las edades comprendidas entre 13 y 17 años. Aparecieron diferencias al comparar la nota en relación al cuartil de nacimiento (F(3, 24) = 5.39; p < .01; ŋ² = .06 Potencia observada ß = .93) y respecto al género (F(1, 24) = 13.20; p < .01; ŋ² = .05 Potencia observada ß = .95). Los resultados sugieren que existen diferencias en el rendimiento en las pruebas físicas en la asignatura de EF respecto al cuartil de nacimiento y al género. Basándose en la evidencia se podría sugerir la consideración por parte de los profesores de EF de estos resultados ya que las evaluaciones en Educación Física a través de test físicos podrían representar una desventaja a los alumnos nacidos en los meses finales del año. Al mismo tiempo diferencias de género aparecen al utilizar este tipo de evaluaciones (AU)

Physical fitness testing is commonplace in schools and in the physical education (PE) curriculum. Despite this, much controversy surrounds the issue of student fitness testing. The Relative Effect of Age (REA) is the potential cognitive and biological variability among individuals of an agegrouped cohort, and its presence within cohorts has previously been identified as affecting an individual’s ability to demonstrate relative proficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether birth-date distributions and gender affect physical education (PE) fitness testing results. 252 (124 male and 128 female) pupils’ PE fitness testing marks were recorded at a large secondary school. 5 groups were formed from the students for that academic year, dividing them into 4 birth quartiles: a) first quartile (January-March); b) second quartile (April-June); c) third quartile (July-September); and d) fourth quartile (October-December). Significant differences were found when the fitness testing marks were compared with the birth-date distribution (F(3, 24) = 5.39; p < .01; ŋ² = .06; ß = .93) and gender (F(1, 24) = 13.20; p < .01; ŋ² = .05; ß = .95). The results of the study suggest that there is a difference in fitness testing performance, depending on the birth quartile and gender. Based on the evidence, the paper concludes that much of the fitness testing carried out in PE (AU)

Basketball retirement: process and outcomes

La retirada deportiva representa un momento crucial en la vida de un deportista. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido conocer como es el proceso de retirada de los jugadores de baloncesto profesional y los factores que influyen en él. Utilizando una metodología cualitativa, se han realizado entrevistas semiestructuradas a 6 jugadores profesionales sobre sus vivencias durante el proceso. El análisis de las entrevistas revela la necesidad de tratar dicho proceso desde una perspectiva multidimensional, ya que son varios los factores que interactúan entre si. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que los jugadores consideran como prioritarios los aspectos económicos, la formación académica y las dificultades de adaptación. Consecuencia de ello, se discute sobre la necesidad de crear programas de ayuda específicos para jugadores profesionales, independientemente del nivel alcanzado (AU)

Retirement from a sport career represents a turning point in the life of a sportsman. The aim of this study was to determine how the process of withdrawal of professional basketball players and the factors that influence it. Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 professional players focusing on their experiences during the process. Analysis of the interviews revealed the need to treat this process from a multidimensional perspective, as several factors interact. The results obtained show that the players assign great importance to the economic, academic and adjustment difficulties. Consequently, we discuss the need for specific assistance programs for these athletes, regardless of their previous professional level (AU)

El conocimiento profesional adquirido por el entrenador de balonmano: experiencias y formación / Professional knowledge acquired by handball coaches: trainign and experience

El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la procedencia del conocimiento que utilizan los entrenadores de balonmano en su ejercicio profesional. En el estudio participaron 333 entrenadores españoles, 86.8% hombres y 13.2% mujeres. Se diseñó y validó un cuestionario que permitió conocer la influencia del conocimiento profesional en su intervención como entrenador: experiencia como jugador, formación académica o experiencia como entrenador. El análisis estadístico reflejó que los factores de la escala tenían una validez y fiabilidad adecuadas (α > .70), acreditando a este cuestionario como una herramienta válida y fiable. Los entrenadores utilizan las tres fuentes de conocimiento (académica, experiencia como jugador y autoformación), existiendo una mayor utilización del conocimiento académico. Los entrenadores con mayor formación utilizan menos las experiencias y conocimientos adquiridos como jugador y utilizan más los conocimientos adquiridos en su vida profesional (AU)

This study aimed to ascertain the source of the knowledge used by the handball coaches in their professional tasks. A total of 333 handball coaches participated in this study: 86.8% men and 13.2% women. A questionnaire allowed us to find out whether the coaches used their experiences as players, academic training or experience garnered as coaches. The statistical analysis reflected the adequate validity and reliability (α > .70) of the factors of the scale, which verified this questionnaire as a useful tool. The coaches used three sources of knowledge (academic, experience as players and selftraining), with academic knowledge being used the most by coaches. The most highly trained coaches used experiences and knowledge gained as players less; the knowledge acquired in their professional lives were used the most (AU)

El buen entrenador como experto adaptativo que lidera al grupo1 / good coach as an adaptable expert and group leader

El objetivo de esta investigación es valorar la adaptabilidad del experto en entrenadores de baloncesto,conocer qué tipo de repercusión tiene dicha adaptabilidad en el proceso de entrenamiento, y si es así, que tipo deadaptaciones se producen para alcanzar el éxito como entrenador. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se ha utilizado lametodología cualitativa y la técnica de la entrevista semiestructurada. Los entrevistados han sido dieciséis entrenadoresexpertos en baloncesto, siguiendo los criterios de la literatura específica. Los resultados reflejan que los entrenadoresdestacan la capacidad de adaptación al contexto que les rodea, como algo prioritario para alcanzar el éxito comoentrenadores. Los entrevistados subrayan que no abandonan su modelo de entrenamiento cuando cambian de contexto,sino que lo adaptan a una situación distinta (AU)

This paper aims to evaluate the adaptability of expert basketball coaches and ascertain the type of impact thisadaptability has on the coaching process, and in the event, the kinds of adjustments that take place to succeed as a coach.A qualitative methodology and the semi-structured interview technique were used to develop the research. Theinterviewees were sixteen expert basketball coaches, as defined in specific literature. The results indicate that the coacheshighlighted the capacity to adapt to their contexts, which is a priority in achieving professional success. These coachesstressed that they do not give up their coaching models when they change context, but rather adapt them to differentsituations (AU)