Heat-related risk at Paris 2024: a proposal for classification and review of International Federations policies.

Several International Federations (IFs) employ specific policies to protect athletes' health from the danger of heat. Most policies rely on the measurement of thermal indices such as the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to estimate the risk of heat-related illness. This review summarises the policies implemented by the 32 IFs of the 45 sports included in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It provides details into the venue type, measured parameters, used thermal indices, measurement procedures, mitigation strategies and specifies whether the policy is a recommendation or a requirement. Additionally, a categorisation of sports' heat stress risk is proposed. Among the 15 sports identified as high, very high or extreme risk, one did not have a heat policy, three did not specify any parameter measurement, one relied on water temperature, two on air temperature and relative humidity, seven on WBGT (six measured on-site and one estimated) and one on the Heat Stress Index. However, indices currently used in sports have been developed for soldiers or workers and may not adequately reflect the thermal strain endured by athletes. Notably, they do not account for the athletes' high metabolic heat production and their level of acclimation. It is, therefore, worthwhile listing the relevance of the thermal indices used by IFs to quantify the risk of heat stress, and in the near future, develop an index adapted to the specific needs of athletes.

A new approach to comparing the demands of small-sided games and soccer matches.

To improve soccer performance, coaches should be able to replicate the match's physical efforts during the training sessions. For this goal, small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used. The main purpose of the current study was to develop similarity and overload scores to quantify the degree of similarity and the extent to which the SSG was able to replicate match intensity. GPSs were employed to collect external load and were grouped in three vectors (kinematic, metabolic, and mechanical). Euclidean distance was used to calculate the distance between training and match vectors, which was subsequently converted into a similarity score. The average of the pairwise difference between vectors was used to develop the overload scores. Three similarity (Simkin, Simmet, Simmec) and three overload scores (OVERkin, OVERmet, OVERmec) were defined for kinematic, metabolic, and mechanical vectors. Simmet and OVERmet were excluded from further analysis, showing a very large correlation (r > 0.7, p < 0.01) with Simkin and OVERkin. The scores were subsequently analysed considering teams' level (First team vs. U19 team) and SSGs' characteristics in the various playing roles. The independent-sample t-test showed (p < 0.01) that the First team presented greater Simkin (d = 0.91), OVERkin (d = 0.47), and OVERmec (d = 0.35) scores. Moreover, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was employed to evaluate differences according to SSG characteristics. The results suggest that a specific SSG format could lead to different similarity and overload scores according to the playing position. This process could simplify data interpretation and categorize SSGs based on their scores.

Injury incidence and risk factors in youth soccer players: a systematic literature review. Part I: epidemiological analysis.

The analysis of the epidemiological data and the risk factors underlying injuries is crucial to promote prevention strategies in young soccer players. The objective of the present study was to perform a systematic literature review on the epidemiological data, described in the first part, and injury risk factors, presented in the second part. After electronic database searching, articles in line with the inclusion criteria were selected for the systematic review. Epidemiological data were extracted and discussed in this first part of the review. Data were grouped as follows: injury incidence, injury severity, and re-injury, injury types, injury mechanisms, and anatomical location. The principal findings of this first part of the review are as follows: (1) injury incidence is higher in older players and during matches than during training; (2) sex and maturity status may increase risk of injury; (3) male soccer players are more prone to muscle strains and ligament sprains while female players suffer more ligament sprains; (4) most injuries are located in the ankle and thigh in young male soccer players, and in the ankle and knee in female players; (5) severe injuries are less frequent but the incidence increases in older players. Re-injuries represent only a small percentage. Although soccer is considered a safe sport, many injuries are recorded in young soccer players every year. Injury predisposition changes in relation to age, sex, and biological age. Coaches and physical trainers should be aware of individual differences in order to promote prevention strategies and personalised training.

Injury incidence and risk factors in youth soccer players: a systematic literature review. Part II: Intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors.

Injury is defined as a complex phenomenon determined by the non-linear interaction of several intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The objective of the present study was to perform a systematic literature review on the injury risk factors in young soccer players. After electronic database searching, articles in line with the inclusion criteria were selected for the systematic review. Injury risk factor data were extracted and grouped in intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. The main findings of the current review are as follows: (1) alteration in neuromuscular control such as limb asymmetry and dynamic knee valgus are important intrinsic risk factors; (2) maturation status may impair neuromuscular control and increase the risk of injury; (3) fatigue and poor recovery contribute to the onset of overuse injuries; (4) the impact of anthropometric factors is still unclear; (5) previous injuries increase the risk of re-injuries; (6) highly skilled players are more exposed to risk of injuries; (7) high external workloads increase the risk of injuries; (8) playing position, as well as sport specialization, exposes young soccer players to greater injury risk. Many factors (e.g., neuromuscular control, training load, maturity status) can modify the susceptibility to injury in young soccer players. Being aware of the complex interaction between these factors is essential to identify players at higher risk of injury, develop adequate prevention strategies, and from a scientific point of view move from a reductionist to a complex system approach.

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.

The influence of maturity on recovery and perceived exertion, and its relationship with illnesses and non-contact injuries in young soccer players.

A high training load could increase the risk of injury in soccer players. However, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the effect on young athletes, in whom a different maturity status could lead to different physiological responses to training. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of internal load markers and recovery status with risk of illnesses and non-contact injuries in young soccer players characterised by different maturity status. Twenty-three U14 soccer players were monitored during a full season and categorised according to years from peak height velocity (PHV). Based on the estimated values, athletes were divided into three different groups: Pre-PHV, Circa-PHV and Post-PHV players. The following internal load markers were monitored: rating of perceived exertion (RPE), session rating of perceived exertion (S-RPE), weekly load (WL), cumulative loads for 2, 3, and 4 weeks (WL2, WL3, WL4), acute to chronic workload ratio for 2, 3 and 4 weeks (A:C2, A:C3, A:C4) and week-to-week percentage variation (%WL). Recovery status was quantified using the total quality recovery (TQR) scale. Z-score transformation was adopted for TQR and RPE values and the difference between the parameters was calculated (Z-TQR-RPE). The Kruskal-Wallis test was adopted to evaluate differences in TQR and RPE with respect to maturity offset. A multinomial regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between internal load markers and risk of illness and non-contact injuries. The variables that showed a significant association were included in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The results revealed that RPE was significantly higher (p < 0.01) and TQR significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Post-PHV compared to Pre- and Circa-PHV. Moreover, RPE, A:C4, TQR and Z-TQR-RPE showed a significant (p < 0.01) association with non-contact injuries. The internal load markers included in ROC curve analysis showed poor predictive ability (AUC ≤ 0.6). A rapid increase in training load together with a decrease in recovery status may produce higher susceptibility to illnesses and non-contact injuries. The contrasting physiological responses found in relation to maturity status could explain the different injury predisposition in young soccer players.

Analysis of an injuries database in Italian ski resorts.

BACKGROUND: Italy is one of the main destinations for winter tourism. Specifically, the country can currently count on more than 5.700 km of ski runs, served by more than 1.700 lift facilities Objective. The purpose of this study has been the analysis of injuries in ski resorts in a continuous period spanning over several seasons (17 years). In addition, the possible effect of safety law enforcements, introduced in the selected period, were considered. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A ski injuries database, prepared as a duty of policemen involved in rescue activity and consisting of 246616 records of injuries for the period from 7th December 2002 to 31st December 2019, has been analysed for qualitative and quantitative variables. RESULTS: The majority of injuries (58%) occurred on slopes with medium difficulties. After the introduction of national ski safety law (Law 363/2003), a strong diffusion of protective helmet has been noticed. The adoption of the helmet has significantly reduced cranio-facial injuries both in children and in adults. Moreover, no death events were recorded in the database after the introduction of Law 363/2003. The diffusion of ski accident insurance programs is slowly increasing, even if in the year 2019 approximately 38% of skiers still didn't have an insurance program. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to speculate that the introduction of a national ski safety law had a positive effect on injuries reduction. At the same time, collected data underlined several critical points that seem, at least in part, addressed by the law revision performed in 2021.

Parents about parenting dual career athletes: A systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVES: To establish the scientific literature on the parents' view as supporters of dual career (DC) athletes, and to highlight practical implications for the development of education programmes to empower parents in this role. METHOD: ology: The systematic literature review included four electronic databases, from which 438 articles published in English between 1999 and 2019 were retrieved. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies achieved the eligibility criteria (i.e., focus on DC, involving parents as participants) for inclusion. Results show that the 14 studies included in the review were characterised by sample sizes <15 to >50 parents of individual and/or team sports athletes, involving data collection based on interviews, semi-structured interviews focus groups, questionnaires and a survey. A thematic synthesis highlighted a two primary constructs: the individual level and the inter-individual level, respectively. The individual level comprised two main themes: Approach to both Sport and Education, and Stressors and Coping, which included five aspects of parenting. The inter-individual level presented three themes: Relationship with the Athlete; Relationship with the Sport Environment and Relationship with the Academic Environment. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlighted a relevant parental role in supporting DC athletes and partial information on parental support strategies. In conclusions, the limited sample size and typology of sports, and the partial representativeness of countries have impacted the global application of the main findings. Furthermore, the need of an educational programme for parents and the need of regular parents-athlete-teacher/coach engagement were considered crucial to facilitate successful parental interventions at academic and/or sports levels and to limit the potential negative effects of DC parenting.

Activity Profile of International Female Lacrosse Players.

ABSTRACT: Hauer, R, Tessitore, A, Hauer, K, and Tschan, H. Activity profile of international female lacrosse players. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3207-3212, 2021-This study was designed to investigate the activity profile in international women's lacrosse match-play. Data were collected of 10 female Austrian lacrosse national team players (29.1 ± 6.1 years; 64.2 ± 5.0 kg; and 165.3 ± 4.1 cm) during 4 games of an international tournament using global positioning system and heart rate monitor devices. The mean average heart rate was 75.3 ± 5.0% of maximum heart rate (HRmax) with 23 ± 6.1% of total playing time spent in HRzone 4 (80-90% of HRmax). The mean distance covered during match-play was 3,791.6 ± 554.5 m, of which 38 ± 6.5% were performed in speed zone 1 (<7.0 km·h-1). Ten ±4 sprints per game were conducted with 55 ± 3.8% of accelerations and 59 ± 3.1% of decelerations in zone 1, respectively. Defenders showed greater total distance covered compared with other positions (attack: p = 0.035; d = 0.87; confidence interval [CI] = 0.18-1.56 and midfield: p = 0.006; d = 1.66; CI = 0.93-2.40). Midfielders covered less distance in speed zone 1 (p = 0.032; d = 1.91; CI = 0.53-3.28) compared with attackers, and lower numbers of accelerations (p = 0.042; d = 0.96; CI = 0.20-1.72) and decelerations (p = 0.021; d = 1.79; CI = 0.61-2.97) in zone 3 compared with defenders. Furthermore, attackers showed less distance covered in speed zone 1 (p = 0.09; d = 1.62; CI = 0.86-2.38) compared with defenders. The provided activity data could help coaches and practitioners in designing competition-specific programs for athletes. In addition, positional differences should be taken into account for tactical and physiological aspects.

Training load, recovery and game performance in semiprofessional male basketball: influence of individual characteristics and contextual factors.

This study examined the effects of individual characteristics and contextual factors on training load, pre-game recovery and game performance in adult male semi-professional basketball. Fourteen players were monitored, across a whole competitive season, with the session-RPE method to calculate weekly training load, and the Total Quality Recovery Scale to obtain pre-game recovery scores. Additionally, game-related statistics were gathered during official games to calculate the Performance Index Rating (PIR). Individual characteristics and contextual factors were grouped using k-means cluster analyses. Separate mixed linear models for repeated measures were performed to evaluate the single and combined (interaction) effects of individual characteristics (playing experience; playing position; playing time) and contextual factors (season phase; recovery cycle; previous game outcome; previous and upcoming opponent level) on weekly training load, pre-game recovery and PIR. Weekly load was higher in guards and medium minute-per-game (MPG) players, and lower for medium-experienced players, before facing high-level opponents, during later season phases and short recovery cycles (all p < 0.05). Pre-game recovery was lower in centers and high-experience players (p < 0.05). Game performance was better in high-MPG players (p < 0.05) and when facing low and medium-level opponents (p < 0.001). Interestingly, players performed better in games when the previous week's training load was low (p = 0.042). This study suggests that several individual characteristics and contextual factors need to be considered when monitoring training load (playing experience, playing position, playing time, recovery cycle, upcoming opponent level), recovery (playing experience, playing position) and game performance (opponent level, weekly training load, pre-game recovery) in basketball players during the competitive season.

How does mental fatigue affect soccer performance during small-sided games? A cognitive, tactical and physical approach.

OBJECTIVES: We examine how mental fatigue (MF) influences peripheral perception, tactical behaviour, and physical performance of soccer players during a standardized small-sided game. METHODS: Eighteen male university first-team soccer players participated. A modified Stroop task and the Vienna Test System were employed to induce MF and to evaluate players' peripheral perception, respectively. The FUT-SAT test was used to assess participants' tactical behaviour and physical performance was quantified using GPS technology. RESULTS: MF decreased players' visual field (pre-test = 189.9° and post-test = 181.6°). Additionally, MF constrained players to more frequently perform actions related to the tactical principles of penetration, depth mobility, and defensive unity, and less frequently perform actions of defensive coverage and balance. During MF, players showed decreased accuracy in actions related to the principles of offensive coverage, width and length, offensive unity, delay, balance, concentration, and defensive unity. Finally, under MF players covered higher total distance and at more moderate speed. CONCLUSIONS: MF decreased players' peripheral perception, making them prioritize actions towards the opposing goal and protecting their own goal, while displaying more errors for most tactical actions. In summary, MF impaired several aspects of players' cognitive and tactical behaviours, causing a compensatory increase in physical performance.

Monitoring Training Load and Perceived Recovery in Female Basketball: Implications for Training Design.

Sansone, P, Tschan, H, Foster, C, and Tessitore, A. Monitoring training load and perceived recovery in female basketball: Implications for training design. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2929-2936, 2020-This study investigated the relationship between internal training load and perceived recovery of semi-professional female basketball players during the competitive season. Eleven female players were monitored for 14 weeks during the in-season phase. For each event (training and game), data were collected as follows: (a) Total Quality Recovery (TQR) score before the event (TQRpre); (b) session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) 20 minutes after completion of the event, to calculate training load (s-TL) of the event; and (c) TQR scores 12 (TQRpost12) and 24 hours (TQRpost24) after the event. Data were analyzed for daily, weekly, and mesocycle (regular season; regional play-off; and national play-off) time frames. Daily analysis showed that: TQRpost12 was lower than TQRpre (p < 0.001) and TQRpost24 (p < 0.001); s-TL had a moderate negative correlation with TQRpost12 (r = -0.48, p = 0.002); the difference between TQRpre and RPE (TS-Δ) had a very large positive correlation with TQRpost12 (r = 0.70, p < 0.001); and TQRpost24 was not significantly correlated with training parameters. Weekly analysis highlighted a very large negative correlation between the acute:chronic workload ratio and TQR collected at the start of the following week (TQRfw) (r = -0.86, p < 0.001). Finally, although weekly TL and TQRfw did not differ between mesocycles, their correlation increased in the later seasonal phases. This study demonstrated negative relationships between training load and recovery of semi-professional female basketball players at daily, weekly, and mesocycle levels. Therefore, concurrently monitoring training and recovery with the sRPE method and TQR scale is recommended for designing training schedules in basketball.

Technical-tactical profile, perceived exertion, mental demands and enjoyment of different tactical tasks and training regimes in basketball small-sided games.

This study aimed to evaluate the technical-tactical, perceptual and mental demands of basketball small-sided games (SSGs). Twelve male semi-professional players participated in four half-court 3vs3 SSGs characterized by different tactical tasks (offensive; defensive) and training regimes (long-intermittent; short-intermittent). The SSGs were video-recorded to perform notational analysis of technical-tactical parameters. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE, CR-100 scale), mental effort (ME) and e njoyment were collected after completion of each SSG. Before and after the SSGs, players reported their perceived mental fatigue (MF); for this indicator, the difference between post- and pre-SSG values was calculated (ΔMF). Notational analysis evidenced a higher volume of play (ball possessions, ball possessions per minute) [large effect size (ES)], dribbles and shot attempts (moderate ES) in short-intermittent regimes compared to long-intermittent. Two-way (tactical task; training regime) repeated-measures ANOVA showed an interaction effect for RPE (moderate ES). Players reported that playing the offensive task required higher mental effort compared to playing defence (moderate ES), while no differences for mental effort were found between regimes. Enjoyment did not differ between tasks or regimes. No effects were found for ΔMF, while this indicator was significantly correlated with RPE scores (r= 0.50, large). This study suggests that, in basketball SSGs, shorter regimes induce higher technical demands, while tactical tasks influence perceived exertion responses and mental effort. Furthermore, perceived exertion appears significantly associated with variations of mental fatigue induced by training drills.

Reliability, usefulness and construct validity of the Combined Basketball Skill Test (CBST).

This study aimed to assess the reliability, usefulness and construct validity of the newly developed Combined Basketball Skill Test (CBST). Fifteen recreational (age = 22.8 ± 4.2 y, stature = 184.8 ± 6.5 cm, body mass = 81.6 ± 9.6 kg, training experience = 9.8 ± 5.3 y) and fifteen semiprofessional (age = 18.9 ± 3.3 y, stature = 190.5 ± 8.1 cm, body mass = 84.2 ± 11.2 kg, training experience = 11.1 ± 3.5 y) players volunteered to participate in this study. Test-retest reliability and usefulness were examined for recreational players, while construct validity was evaluated comparing the two player groups. The CBST is composed of 12 trials and its outcome measures include: completion time (sum of the 12 trial times); penalty time (sum of the times from the 12 trials); performance time (completion time + penalty time) and total number of errors. Relative reliability analysis showed acceptable ICC values (i.e. ≥0.70) in all the studied variables. Absolute reliability analysis showed a CV < 5% for completion (1.6%) and performance (2.0%) time, while a CV >5% is reported for the remaining variables. The usefulness of the test was considered "Marginal" and "Good" when comparing TE values with SWC02 and SWC05, respectively for all the studied variables. Likely and very likely differences were shown between recreational and semiprofessional players in all investigated variables. Results showed that the CBST is reliable, useful to detect moderate changes and valid to assess basketball skills.

Performance profile and game-related statistics of FIBA 3x3 Basketball World Cup 2017.

The study aimed to characterize the performance profile of 3x3 basketball and particularly to assess: a) the differences between games in live time (LT) and stoppage time (ST) phases and their ratio, and b) the game-related statistics and derived game indicators differentiating between winning and losing teams. Eight games [quarterfinals, semifinals and finals (1st and 3rd place)] of the FIBA 3x3 basketball world cup (Serbia, 17th-21st June 2017) were analysed. The LT and ST phases were categorized into three phase durations: 1-20 s, 21-40 s, >40 s. The LT/ST ratio was calculated. The game-related statistics and derived parameters were assessed through video-based notational analysis methods, and differences between winning and losing teams were calculated using a mixed linear model. The results revealed no statistically significant differences in the distribution of LT and ST phases between games, with an LT/ST ratio of 0.92±0.13. Moreover, winning teams showed a significantly higher (p<0.05) number of free throws made and attempted, team offensive ratings, and recovered balls per possession compared to losing teams. Conversely, winning teams revealed significantly lower (p<0.05) values for turnover, rebound (offensive, defensive and total), offensive rebound percentage and team defensive rating compared to losing teams. These results provide coaches and practitioners with novel and applied information regarding the performance profile of 3x3 basketball to optimize training sessions, which should be characterized by short live time phases and a work-to-rest ratio ~1 and focused on developing the ability to avoid turnovers and increase the recovered balls per possession, minimizing the scoring possibilities for the opponent team.

Investigating the game-related statistics and tactical profile in NCAA division I men's basketball games.

The aim of this study was to analyze the game-related statistics and tactical profile in winning and losing teams in NCAA division I men's basketball games. Twenty NCAA division I men's basketball close (score difference: 1-9 points) games were analyzed during the 2013/14 season. For each game, the game-related statistics were collected from the official teams' box scores. Number of ball possessions, offensive and defensive ratings and the Four Factors (effective field goal percentage; offensive rebounding percentage, recovered balls per ball possession, free throw rate) were also calculated. The tactical parameters evaluated were: ball reversal, dribble in key area, post entry, on-ball screen, off-ball screen, and hand off. Differences between winning and losing teams were calculated using a magnitude-based approach. Winning teams showed a likely higher percentage of 3-point goals made, number of defensive rebounds and steals and a very likely higher number of free throws made and free throws attempted. Furthermore, winning teams showed a likely higher team offensive rating and effective field goal percentage and a very likely higher free throw rate compared to losing teams. Finally, the results revealed a likely higher number of ball reversals and post entries in winning teams compared to losing teams. This study highlighted the game-related statistics and the tactical actions differentiating between winning and losing teams in NCAA Division I men's basketball close games. Coaches should use these results to optimize their training sessions, focusing on those variables that might increase the possibility to win close games.

Analysis of the intraseasonal stability of field test performances in young academy soccer players.

This study aimed to observe the intraseasonal stability of anthropometric, technical and functional test results in academy soccer players of different age categories. In total, 103 participants (age range: 7.7-13.4 years) by 5 age categories of the same academy were recruited for this study. Players were submitted to a field-test battery comprising 3 anthropometric measurements (body mass, stature and body mass index), 6 soccer technical tests (to assess the ability of ball control, ball control with the head, pass accuracy, shooting accuracy, dribbling and dribbling with pass) and 3 functional tests (countermovement jump with the hands on the hip, countermovement jump with free hands and 15-m linear sprint) that was administered in 4 test sessions during the same season. Though anthropometric results showed a clear increment in each age category across the season, the fluctuation of technical test results depended on age category and test session. Moreover, a significant increase in the results of functional tests was observed in most of the age categories, in particular, for the assessment of lower power limb. In conclusion, collecting repeated intraseason measurements permits the identification of players' fluctuations of performance across the season and allows coaches to make frequent adjustments of their programmes.

Effect of different number of players and training regimes on physiological and technical demands of ball-drills in basketball.

This study aimed to analyse the effects of two factors (number of players and training regimes) on players' physiological and technical demands in basketball ball-drills. Twenty-one young basketball players performed four different ball-drills (two levels for each factor). The number of players involved was 2vs2 and 4vs4, while ball-drill regimes were continuous and intermittent. Physiological demand was assessed using the percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax), Edwards' training load and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Furthermore, the following technical actions were collected: dribbles, steals, rebounds, turnovers, passes (total, correct, wrong and % of correct pass) and shots (total, scored, missed and % of made shot). A 2 × 2 (number of players × regime) two-way ANOVA with repeated measures was applied for physiological parameters and technical actions. The 2vs2 condition showed higher %HRmax (P < 0.001), Edwards' training load (P < 0.001), RPE (P < 0.001), number of dribbles (P < 0.001), rebounds (P < 0.001), passes [total (P = 0.005) and correct (P = 0.005)] and shots [total (P < 0.001) scored (P < 0.001) and missed (P < 0.001)] than 4vs4. Moreover, the continuous regime revealed higher %HRmax (P < 0.001), Edwards' training load (P < 0.001), RPE (P = 0.006) and dribbles (P < 0.001) than the intermittent regime. This study showed that both number of players and regime are useful variables able to modify basketball ball-drills workload.

Assessment of Technical Skills in Young Soccer Goalkeepers: Reliability and Validity of Two Goalkeeper-Specific Tests.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reproducibility and validity of two new tests designed to examine goalkeeper-specific technique. Twenty-six goalkeepers (14.49 ± 2.52 years old) completed two trial sessions, each separated by one week, to evaluate the reproducibility of the Sprint-Keeper Test (S-Keeper) and the Lateral Shuffle-Keeper Test (LS-Keeper). Construct validity was assessed among forty goalkeepers (14.49 ± 1.71 years old) by competitive level (elite versus non-elite), after controlling for chronological age. All participants were examined in vertical jump (CMJ and CMJ-free arms), acceleration (5-m and 10-m sprint) and goalkeeper-specific technique. The S-Keeper requires the goalkeeper to accelerate during 3 m and dive over a stationary ball after performing a change of direction in a total distance of 10 m. The LS-Keeper involves three changes of direction and a diving save over a stationary ball, in a total distance of 12.55 m. Performance was respectively measured as total time for the right and left sides in each protocol. Bivariate correlations between repeated measures were high and significant (r = 0.835 - 0.912). Test-retest results for the S-Keeper and LS-Keeper showed good reliability (reliability coefficients > 0.88, intra-class correlation coefficient > 0.908 and coefficients of variation < 4.37%), even though participants tended to improve performance when diving to their right side (p < 0.05). Both tests were able to detect significant differences between elite and non-elite goalkeepers, particularly to the left side (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the S-Keeper and LS-Keeper are reliable and valid tests for assessing goalkeeper-specific technique. Both protocols can be used as a practical tool to provide relevant information about the influence of several components of performance in the overall execution of a diving save, particularly movement patterns, take-off movements and possible asymmetries.

Physiological and Technical Demands of No Dribble Game Drill in Young Basketball Players.

This study assessed the physiological and technical demands of no dribble game drill (NDGD) in comparison with a regular drill (RD). Twenty-three young basketball players performed RDs and NDGDs in a random order. All basketball rules were followed for RDs, whereas dribbling was not permitted for NDGDs. The independent variable was the drill condition, and the dependent variables were percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), Edwards training load (TL), and the following technical actions (TAs): pass (total, correct, wrong, and percent of correct passes), shot (total, scored, missed, and percent of made shots), interception, steal, turnover, and rebound. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied to assess differences between NDGD and RD conditions for each dependent variable, and the level of statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results showed higher values for %HRmax (p = 0.007), Edwards TL (p = 0.006), and RPE (p = 0.027) in NDGD compared with RD condition. Technical action analysis revealed higher values in NDGD than RD for total (p = 0.000), correct (p = 0.000), and wrong pass (p = 0.005), and interception (p = 0.001), whereas no significant differences were found for the other TAs. The main finding of this study was that NDGD condition elicited a greater physiological demand and a higher number of passes and interceptions than the RD one. Basketball coaches should consider the NDGD as a viable method to increase the physiological load of their training sessions and to teach passing skills in a game-based situation.