Sport-related concussion return-to-play practices of medical team staff in elite football in the United Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION: This study explored sport-related concussion (SRC) return-to-play (RTP) behaviours and attitudes of medical team staff working in elite football in the United Kingdom. Usage and awareness of The Football Association (FA) guidelines, concussion education rates of players and coaching staff, and collection of baseline concussion assessments. Additionally, confidence in managing RTP post-SRC, perceived player under-reporting of symptoms, use of enhanced RTP pathways, and coaching pressure on RTP were investigated. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was distributed online by organisations including or representing medical staff working in elite football in the United Kingdom. RESULTS: A total of 112 responses were gathered. High awareness rates of the FA guidelines were found (96%) with variable rates of player and coaching staff concussion education. Baseline concussion assessments were collected by 80% of respondents with 93% feeling very confident or confident in managing the RTP of a player with a SRC. 60% rarely or never experienced coaching pressure around player RTP, and 24% felt players always or very often under-reported symptoms to expedite their return. 90% had a moderate to high confidence in the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5 (SCAT-5) as a RTP decision tool, and 66% always or very often used an enhanced RTP pathway. CONCLUSION: Confidence in managing player RTP post SRC and use of enhanced RTP pathways were high, as was confidence in the SCAT-5 as a RTP decision tool. Respondents raised concerns around player under-reporting of symptoms to accelerate RTP post-SRC, and perceived coaching pressure around decision making.

A New Approach for Training-load Quantification in Elite-level Soccer: Contextual Factors.

The aims of this study were to analyse the physical responses of professional soccer players during training considering the contextual factors of match location, season period, and quality of the opposition; and to establish prediction models of physical responses during training sessions. Training data was obtained from 30 professional soccer players from Spanish La Liga using global positioning technology (N=1365 performances). A decreased workload was showed during training weeks prior to home matches, showing large effects in power events, equivalent distance, total distance, walk distance and low-speed running distance. Also, the quality of the opposition also affected the training workload (p<0.05). All regression-models showed moderate effects, with an adjusted R2 of 0.37 for metabolic-work, 0.34 for total distance covered, 0.25 for high-speed running distance (18-21 km·h-1), 0.29 for very high-speed running distance (21-24 km·h-1), 0.22 for sprint running distance (>24 km·h-1) and 0.34 for equivalent distance. The main finding of this study was the great association of match location, season period and quality of opposition on the workload performed by players in the training week before the match; and the development of workload prediction-models considering these contextual factors, thus proposing a new and innovative approach to quantify the workload in soccer.

Análisis técnico-táctico ofensivo con balón de la selección española de fútbol sala / Technical-Tactical Offensive Analysis with Ball of the Spanish Team of Futsal

Los objetivos de este estudio fueron describir los fundamentos técnicos-tácticos ofensivos con balón de la selección española de fútbol sala, las superficies de contacto y las zonas del terreno de juego donde se inicia cada fundamento, así como examinar la relación asociativa entre dichos fundamentos y los otros dos criterios. Se empleó la metodología observacional. Predomina el pase y control del balón, así como el empeine, interior y planta del pie, además del inicio de los fundamentos en zonas del campo rival. Asimismo, destaca la realización significativamente mayor del control del balón con la planta del pie, manejo del balón combinando diferentes superficies de contacto, pase con el interior del pie, conducción con el empeine del pie, regate combinando distintas superficies de contacto y tiro también con el empeine. Por último, resalta la realización significativamente mayor del control y pase desde campo propio y regate y tiro desde campo rival

The objectives of this research were described to describe the technical-tactical offensive technical and tactical with-ball fundamentals of the Spanish futsal team, the contact surfaces and field areas where each fundamental begins, as well as to examine the associative relation between given these fundamentals and the other two criteria. The Observational methodology was has been used. Ball passing and control, the use of the instep, foot inside and sole predominate as well as A predominance of passing and ball controlling is observed, together with the foot's instep, inside, and sole, besides the beginning of the fundamentals on the rivals' field. Likewise, it was found that a significantly higher realization of ball control with the sole, ball passing with the inside, ball handling with the instep, dribbling combining different surfaces, and ball shooting with the instep stands out. Finally, it is important to highlight the it also stands out that there is a significantly higher greater performance realization of ball control and passing from the own field, and dribbling and shooting from the rival's field

Coletiva de imprensa: anúncios do Governo SP - 08/07/2020

O Governador João Doria confirmou nesta quarta-feira (8) que as partidas oficiais de futebol poderão ser retomadas em São Paulo a partir do próximo dia 22. Os jogos não poderão receber torcedores e só serão realizados em cidades que estão na fase amarela do Plano São Paulo de enfrentamento ao coronavírus. “Nosso Comitê de Saúde aprovou em conjunto com a Federação Paulista de Futebol o novo protocolo de retomada do Campeonato Paulista”, disse o Governador. “Quero registrar que a FPF agiu de forma correta e plena, atendendo integralmente às recomendações do Centro de Contingência da COVID-19. Ainda que sem a presença de torcida, todos poderão assistir pela televisão e torcer para seus clubes”, acrescentou Doria. Atualmente, somente a capital e outras 15 cidades da Região Metropolitana estão na etapa intermediária do Plano São Paulo. Ainda haverá duas reclassificações das 17 regiões de saúde do estado antes da retomada do Paulistão, com possibilidade de autorização de partidas em outras cidades do interior e litoral. Além dos portões fechados ao público e restrições territoriais de acordo com a evolução da pandemia, a FPF terá que cumprir um rigoroso protocolo sanitário para organizar os jogos. O Campeonato Paulista ainda possui duas rodadas de classificação e outras quatro de eliminatórias a cumprir, com previsão de disputa da decisão no dia 8 de agosto. No mês passado, o Governo de São Paulo determinou protocolos para que as equipes de futebol voltassem a treinar. Há exigência de testagem regular e medição de temperatura de jogadores e demais profissionais, limitação de pessoas nos treinamentos e uso obrigatório de máscaras, exceto quando a proteção limita ou prejudica atividades dos atletas. Na retomada das partidas, o Centro de Contingência do coronavírus exigiu a testagem de todas as pessoas envolvidas em cada partida. Se qualquer atleta ou profissional testar positivo, haverá o afastamento imediato da pessoa infectada e a reavaliação clínica de todos os demais com quem houve contato direto. Haverá limitação de acesso de profissionais – incluindo atletas, comissões técnicas, corpo médico, equipes de arbitragem, funcionários operacionais, seguranças e jornalistas – em todas as partidas. O uso de máscaras será obrigatório, com exceção de jogadores e arbitragem durante os jogos. Também haverá normas específicas de distanciamento social no acesso aos estádios e dependências como vestiários, cabines de imprensa e campo de jogo. “Em nenhum momento faltou atenção, diálogo ou harmonia entre o futebol de São Paulo e as autoridades do Estado. O futebol de São Paulo vai continuar respeitando vidas e cumprindo rigorosamente os protocolos aprovados pelos médicos”, disse o Presidente da FPF, Reinaldo Bastos. Saiba mais em: www.saopaulo.sp.gov.br/coronavirus/planosp

Nutrition for Female Soccer Players-Recommendations.

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. As its number of players is increasing, the number of female players is also on the rise. However, there are limited data about how the diets of female soccer players should be designed. Thus, the aim of our work is to deliver concise nutritional recommendations for women practicing this sport. Based on a literature review, we emphasize that individual adjustment of the energy value of the diet is the key factor for the physical performance of female soccer players. Appropriate macronutrient intake makes it possible to achieve the proper energy value of the diet (5-10 g/kg body mass/day carbohydrates; 1.2-1.7 g/kg body mass/day proteins; <30% fats from energy). The micronutrients should be consumed in amounts corresponding to individual values recommended in national standards. Soccer players should pay special attention to the proper consumption of such micronutrients, as well as vitamins such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D. The right amount of fluid intake, consistent with the player's needs, is crucial in maximizing exercise performance. The diet of a female practicing soccer is usually characterized with low energy values, which increases the risk of various health consequences related to low energy availability. Monitoring the diets of female soccer players is, therefore, necessary.

Head impact exposure in youth football-Are current interventions hitting the target?

Restrictions on heading in youth football have been implemented in some countries to limit head impact exposure. However, current interventions remain poorly guided by evidence. Our objective was to quantify heading exposure in youth football, assessing the effects of sex and age. Football matches played during an international youth football tournament with no heading restrictions were directly observed, including players from both sexes (11-19 years). The elite senior level was included for comparison, using video analysis. All heading events were registered, classified, and assigned to individual players. Heading rates were calculated for each sex and age group. We observed a total of 267 matches, corresponding to 4011 player hours (1927 player hours for females, 2083 player hours for males). Males headed more frequently than females (2.7 vs 1.8 headers/player hour; P < .001). Heading rates increased with age (ANOVA, P < .001), approaching the elite senior level for players 16 years and older. There was substantial variation within teams for all age and sex groups, with the widest range (1-18 headers) observed for girls aged 19. Girls younger than 12 years had the lowest exposure, with an average of <2 players per team heading the ball, each with 1-2 headers. In conclusion, age and sex influence head impact exposure in youth football, and warrants careful consideration when introducing injury prevention measures. Males are more frequently exposed than females, heading rates increase with age, and there is substantial variation between players. Heading is a rare event in the youngest age groups, especially among females.

Lower extremity kinematic analysis in male athletes with unilateral anterior cruciate reconstruction in a jump-landing task and its association with return to sport criteria.

BACKGROUND: Return to sport (RTS) criteria are widely being used to identify anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (ACLR) athletes ready to return to sportive activity and reduce risk of ACL re-injury. However, studies show a high rate of ACL re-injury in athletes who passed RTS criteria. This indicates that the current RTS criteria might not be sufficient to determine return to sport time in ACLR athletes. Previous studies have reported a close association between altered lower limb kinematics and ACL re-injury. However, it is not clear how lower extremity kinematics differs between ACLR athletes who passed the RTS-criteria and who failed. This study compared lower extremity kinematics in a jump-landing task between ACLR athletes who passed the RTS criteria (Limb symmetry in hop tests, quadriceps strength and questionnaires) to those who failed and to the healthy individuals. METHODS: Participants were 27 male football players with unilateral ACLR including 14 who passed -RTS criteria and 13 failed, and 15 healthy football players. A 3D motion capture system recorded participants' lower extremity motion while performing 10 trials of a bilateral jump-landing task. Hip, knee and ankle angular motion were examined at initial contact. Two-way mixed analysis of variances (2 limbs × 3 groups) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were performed to compare the joint angles between the limbs and groups. RESULTS: lower hip abduction angle was found in the failed (involved limb 4.1 ° ± 4.2) and passed RTS (involved limb 6.8° ± 3.3) groups compared to the healthy group (non-dominant limb 10.7° ± 3.7). Ankle inversion in the failed RTS (0.4° ± 4.9) group was significantly lower than both passed RTS (4.8° ± 4.8, p = 0.05) and healthy (8.2° ± 8.1, p < 0.001) groups. There were no significant differences between the groups in knee kinematics. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate reduced hip abduction during initial contact phase of landing in athletes returned to sport. Reduced hip abduction during the complex multiplanar movement of jump-landing is a risk factor for ACL re-injury. Current RTS criteria may not be sufficient to identify ACLR athletes at high risk of re-injury. The kinematic analysis in conjunction with current RTS criteria can provide additional insight into the return to sport decision making.

Selection and promotion processes are not associated by the relative age effect in an elite Spanish soccer academy.

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of the relative age effect (RAE) on the selection and promotion processes in an elite soccer academy. One hundred and eleven elite youth players who belonged to an elite soccer club from the Spanish "La Liga" participated in this study. Players were classified into three age-categories: under 14 years (U14), under 16 years (U16) and under 18 years (U18); and they were also classified in quartiles based on their date of birth (i.e., January-March, Q1; April-June, Q2; July-September, Q3; October-December, Q4). In addition, two further classification criteria were established based on the selection (i.e., selected and non-selected players) and promotion (i.e., promoted and non-promoted players) processes. The main results showed that in U14 and U16 age-categories, players born early in the year were over-represented compared to players born late in the year, although birth-distribution was not associated with the likelihood of a player to be selected or promoted. In addition, less fat in sum skinfolds, less percentage of fat, higher percentage of muscle and lower endomorphy and mesomorphy components were showed in U14 selected players, in comparison with non-selected players. Likewise, better sprint performance was found in U16 selected players versus non-selected ones. However, no significant differences on anthropometry, body composition, somatotype and physical performance were found between promoted and non-promoted players. Therefore, our results suggest there is need for coaches to reorient their talent identification programs in order to make sure that players selected to continue playing in the club have the potential to promote to the excellence in soccer.

La interceptación de un lanzamiento de córner desde la teoría de los limitadores / The interception of a corner kick from the contraints-led perspective

El comportamiento motor surge de la continua interacción entre tres limitadores (organismo, entorno y tarea), que nunca actúan de forma aislada. Este artículo estudia su efecto en el rendimiento, comportamiento motor y comportamiento visual de porteros de fútbol durante el lanzamiento de córner. 31 participantes, divididos en tres grupos en función del nivel de juego, intentaron atrapar el balón procedente del lanzamiento de córner en dos situaciones (estática y dinámica), mientras que se registraron sus movimientos oculares. Entre los resultados se observa que los expertos tienen un rendimiento más estable, mientras que los otros grupos rinden peor en la situación más difícil; que los expertos realizan un inicio más tardío de la carrera hacia el balón y un patrón motor más rápido para atraparlo; y que la información contenida en los jugadores implicados no es relevante, ya que los porteros dedican valores cercanos al 0% del tiempo total a su fijación

Motor behavior arises from the continuous interaction between three constraints (organism, environment and task), which never act in isolation. This paper studies the effect of the constraints on the performance, motor behavior and visual search behavior of soccer goalkeepers during the corner kick. 31 participants, divided into three groups depending on the level of play, tried to catch the ball out of a corner kick in two situations (static and dynamic), while their eye movements were recorded. Among the results it is observed that the experts have a more stable performance, while the other groups perform worse in the most difficult situation; that the experts make a later start of their run up towards the ball and a faster motor pattern to catch it; and that the that the information of the players involved is not relevant, goalkeepers dedicate values ​​close to 0% of their visual total time to them

Asociación entre el control inhibitorio y el rendimiento táctico de los jugadores de fútbol sub-15 / Association between inhibitory control and tactical performance of under-15 soccer players / Associação entre controle inibitório e desempenho tático de jogadores de futebol com menos de 15 anos

This study aimed to investigate the association between inhibitory control and tactical performance of under-15 soccer players. Data from 166 under-15 soccer players were analyzed. The tactical performance and the inhibitory control were assessed by the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT) and by Conners Continuous Performance Test 2nd version (CPT-II), respectively. The scores of the tactical performance achieved by players in FUT-SAT were separated into three levels: low, intermediate and high. Values of Number of Commission Errors, Number of Omission Errors and Hit Reaction Time of CPT-II achieved by the players from low and high groups in tactical performance were compared by the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Results revealed that players with high scores in tactical performance presented lower values of Hit Reaction Time (Z = - 2.569; p = 0.010; r = -0.35). These results suggest that players with better tactical performance presented a better ability to respond faster in an inhibitory control task

Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar la inuencia la asociación entre el control inhibitorio y el rendimiento táctico de jugadores de fútbol menores de 15 años; por tanto se analizaron los datos de 166 jugadores. Para evaluar el desempeño táctico y el control inhibitorio se utilizó el Sistema de evaluación táctica en futbol (FUT-SAT) y el Conners Continuous Performance Test (CPT-II) respectivamente. El desempeño de los jugadores en FUT-SAT eran dividieron en tres niveles: bajo, intermedio y alto. Valores del número de errores de la comisión, número de errores de la omisión y tiempo de reacción de los jugadores de los grupos con bajos y altos desempeño táctico fue comparado por la prueba no-paramétrica de Mann-Whitney. Los resultados revelaron que los jugadores com altos niveles de desempeño táctico presentaron valores más bajos de Tiempo de Reacción (Z = - 2.569; p = 0.010; r = -0.35). Estos resultados sugieren que los jugadores con un mejor rendimiento táctico presentan una mejor capacidad para responder más rápido en una tarea de control inhibitorio

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a associação entre o controle inibitório e o desempenho táctico de jogadores de futebol com menos de 15 anos. Dados de 166 jogadores de futebol com menos de 15 anos foram analisados. O desempenho tático e o controle inibitório foram avaliados pelo Sistema de Avaliação Tática no Futebol (FUT-SAT) e pelo Teste de Desempenho Contínuo 2ª versão (CPT-II), respectivamente. Os escores do desempenho tático obtidos pelos jogadores no FUT-SAT foram separados em três níveis: baixo, intermediário e alto. Os valores do Número de Erros de Comissão, Número de Erros de Omissão e Tempo de Reação de Acerto do CPT-II alcançados pelos jogadores dos grupos baixo e alto no desempenho tático foram comparados pelo teste não-paramétrico de Mann-Whitney. Os resultados revelaram que os jogadores com altas pontuações no desempenho tático apresentaram menores valores de Tempo de Reação da Batida (Z = - 2,569; p = 0,010; r = -0,35). Estes resultados sugerem que os jogadores com melhor desempenho tático apresentaram uma melhor capacidade de responder mais rapidamente em uma tarefa de controle inibitório

Análisis de carga interna y externa de futbolistas jóvenes en juegos reducidos / Analysis of internal and external load in small games in young football players

Hoy en día, los juegos de espacio reducido (JER) son utilizados como medios de entrenamiento en fútbol. Objetivo: Analizar y comparar la carga interna y externa de jóvenes futbolistas en JER. Método: Descriptivo. Muestra: 36 futbolistas (Edad=16,0 ±0,9 años; peso=64,4 ±8,7 kg; estatura=170,7 ±6,7 cm), pertenecientes al CDUC de Chile. Procedimiento: Se controló la carga interna y externa en juegos de mantenimiento (4vs4 - 5vs5) y juegos polarizados (4vs4 + porteros - 5vs5 + porteros). Material: GPS modelo SPI Pro GPS sports(R), banda torácica Polar(R) T31, ordenador, software AMS Team(R) R1 2014.10, SPSS(R). Conclusiones: El tipo de JER utilizado y la edad condicionan las respuestas de jugadores. JER de mantenimiento y grupo Sub16 presentan mayores valores de carga interna y externa con diferencias significativas (p=<0,05) en diferentes variables de estudio. En búsqueda de la optimización del rendimiento deportivo es fundamental contemplar las particularidades de tareas programadas y características de jóvenes en formación

Today, small-sided games (JER) are utilized as training football methods. Objective: Analyze and compare internal and external workload in young footballers in JER. Method: Descriptive, transectional. Sample: 36 players (Age: 16,0 ±0,9 years; body mass: 64,4 ±8,7 kg; height: 170,7 ±6,7 cm) belonging to the football CDUC of Chile. Procedure: Measure the workload in possession (4vs4 - 5vs5) and polarized games (4vs4 - 5vs5 + goalkeepers). Materials: GPS Sport(R), thoracic band receptor heart rate Polar(R) T31, laptop computer, software AMS Team(R) R1 2014.10, SPSS(R). Conclusions: The type of small-sided game and the age group affect the results shown by players. Possession games with U16 players showed higher mean values of external and internal workload with significant differences (p=<0,05) in different study variables. In the search for optimizing game performance it is crucial to take into account the particular features of scheduled training tasks and also the characteristics of players at different formative ages

Alcohol management practices in community sporting clubs: Validation of an online self-report tool.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Those involved in organised sport have a high risk of excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm, the implementation of alcohol management practices have been proven to reduce these risks. Measuring alcohol management practice implementation by sporting clubs is impeded by a lack of valid tools. The aim of this study was to determine the validity of online self-report of alcohol-management practices by community football clubs via comparison with observational methods. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken with a sample of community football clubs within Australia. The implementation of 12 alcohol management practices was collected via: (i) an online survey; and (ii) observational audit at a clubs home ground. The prevalence of implementation of alcohol management practices for both data collection methods was calculated as was percent agreement and Kappa/Prevalence Adjusted and Bias Adjusted Kappa (PABAK) statistics. RESULTS: Data were collected from 58 football clubs. For both assessment methods, implementation prevalence was greater than 80% for 6 of the 12 alcohol management practices. A total of 75% (n = 9) of practices had at least 70% agreement between the online and observation methods of assessment. Kappa/PABAK scores ranged from -0.08 (poor agreement) to 0.97 (almost perfect agreement). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The online survey provided valid measure of assessing some but not all alcohol management practices in community sporting clubs. The validity of the measure may be improved by enhancements to the manner in which the self-report data are collected.

The dribbling agility test as a potential tool for evaluating the dribbling skill in young soccer players.

The present study examined the construct validity and reliability of a new dribbling agility test (DAT) that incorporates reactive agility and multiple change of direction. To check its' validity, (a) DAT was performed by four groups (under 10, under 12, under 14 and under 16 yrs) of young soccer players (n = 125 in each group) and (b) a regression analysis was conducted to define the best DAT predictors. The reliability of DAT was assessed with repeated measurements. This test can differentiate the dribbling skill between groups (p < 0.01). Furthermore, 68% of the observed variance in DAT was explained by zigzag dribbling test, Illinois agility test, reaction time and running speed. The test-retest reliability was high in all groups (ICC = 0.77 - 0.90, p < 0.01). It was concluded that DAT can be a potential tool to evaluate the dribbling performance in young soccer players.

Influencia del cambio de reglamento sobre los goles realizados en fútbol sala / Influence of change of regulation on the goals achieved in futsal

Este artículo analiza la hipótesis de que los cambios introducidos en la normativa del fútbol sala modifican su lógica interna disminuyendo los goles totales y modificando su forma de ejecución. El objetivo de estudio es analizar los goles y manera de realizarlos en una temporada anterior y posterior al cambio de reglamentación para establecer cuantitativamente cómo el cambio de reglas del 2.006 afecta al juego. Se analizaron 3.126 goles en 442 partidos, 1.771 goles en 232 partidos en la temporada 2.002-2.003 y 1.355 goles en 210 partidos en la temporada 2.013-2.014. El método utilizado fue la metodología observacional, se utilizó el programa Lince vl.2.1. Los resultados muestran una reducción estadísticamente significativa en el número de goles de una temporada a otra. En la temporada 2.002-2.003 se lograron 1.927 goles con un promedio por equipo de 120,38 ± 28,58, y en la temporada 2.013-2.014 1.355 goles con un promedio de 90,40 ± 27,72

This article analyses the hypothesis that the changes introduced in the regulation of futsal modify the inner logic of the game, what turns into a reduction of total goals and a significant variation in the form of execution. Therefore, it is set out as aim of study to analyze the goals and the way to achieve them in a previous season and in one subsequent to the change of regulation in order to establish quantitatively how the 2006 rules change has affected the game. Totally, 3126 goals were analyzed, scored in 442 matches, distributed in 1771 goals in 232 matches in season 2002-2003 and 1355 goals in 210 matches in season 2103-2014. The method used in this study was observational methodology. For the observational process, it has been used the observational software Lince vl.2.1. It has been carried out using the IBM SPSS 19.0.0 program. The results show a statistically significant reduction in the number of goals from one season to another. In season 2002-2003, 1927 goals were achieved with an average by team of 120.38±28.58, by 1355 goals in season 2013-2014 of 90.40±27.72

Tiros libres indirectos en fútbol de alto nivel. Identificación de variables explicativas / Indirect free kicks in football high performance. Identification of explanatory variables

Los tiros libres indirectos son situaciones que se producen durante los partidos de fútbol, siendo acciones potencialmente trascendentales en el resultado final. Los objetivos fueron determinar la efectividad de estas acciones, identificar las variables asociadas con el éxito, y proponer un modelo de tiro libre indirecto exitoso. Tras registrar 447 tiros libres indirectos durante los 64 partidos del Mundial de Sudáfrica 2010, y de realizar análisis estadístico, los resultados indican una baja eficacia en el remate, remate entre los tres palos y el gol. El 64,3% de los goles con procedencia en un tiro libre indirectos han contribuido a sumar puntos en el resultado final. El modo de envío, número de atacantes que intervienen y la organización ofensiva son variables que se han revelado como moduladoras de la eficacia. Estos enunciados podrían suponer un punto de partida para dotar a entrenadores de nuevas herramientas tácticas

Indirect free kicks are situations that occur during football matches, with potentially transcendental actions in the final result. The objectives were to determine the effectiveness of these actions, identify variables associated with success, and propose a successful indirect free kick model. After registering 447 indirect free kicks during the 64 games of the World Cup in South Africa 2010, and performing statistical analysis, results indicate a low efficiency in the shot, shot between the three posts and goal. 64.3 % of goals that came from indirect free kick contributed to score points in the final result. The mode of sending, number of attackers involved and the offensive organization are variables that have been revealed as modulators of effectiveness. These statements could be a starting point to equip coaches with new tactical tools

Salivary Testosterone and Cortisol Concentrations, and Psychological Overtraining Scores as Indicators of Overtraining Syndromes among Elite Soccer Players / Concentraciones salivales de testosterona y cortisol. Puntuaciones de sobreentrenamiento como indicadores de síndrome de sobreentrenamiento entre jugadores de fútbol de élite

Overreaching (short-term overtraining) and overtraining syndrome (OTS) are caused by a chronic imbalance between training and recovery and can lead to prolonged fatigue and decrements in athletic performance. Though research on OTS has increased greatly over the last decade, there is still a lack of consensus about its etiology and a precise diagnosis of its occurrence. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between psychological scores and OTS markers in elite soccer players. Three samples of unstimulated saliva (2 ml) were taken on rest days (8:00 am, 11:00 am, and 5:00 pm) from 30 elite male soccer players (age: 24.1±3.8 years (mean±SD)) and analyzed for cortisol and testosterone. They were also asked to complete the Societe Francaise de Medecine du Sport (SFMS) overtraining questionnaire. Results of zero-order correlation indicated that the SFMS overtraining scores had a significant positive correlation with cortisol concentrations at 8:00 am (r = 0.66; p<0.001), 11:00 am (r = 0.62; p<0.001), and 5:00 pm (r = 0.40; p< 0.05), mean cortisol concentrations of the entire day (r = 0.60; p<0.001). Psychological overtraining scores were also positively correlated with testosterone concentrations at 8:00 am (r = 0.39; p=0.015) and 5:00 pm (r = 0.37; p< 0.05), but negatively correlated with the T/C ratio at 8:00 am (r = -0.38; p=0.020). It should be concluded that the SFMS overtraining questionnaire may be considered as a cost-effective and useful tool for monitoring (and thus preventing) overtraining in soccer players

La sobre-solicitación (o sobre-entrenamiento a corto plazo) y el síndrome de sobre-entrenamiento (SSL) están causados por un desequilibrio crónico entre entrenamiento y recuperación, pudiendo conducir a situaciones de fatiga prolongada y a disminuciones en el rendimiento deportivo. Pese al gran incremento experimentado por la investigación en SSL durante la última década, no existe aún consenso acerca de su etiología ni tampoco un criterio diagnóstico preciso que permita detectar su presencia. El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar la relación entre las puntuaciones obtenidas en un test de carácter psicológico y marcadores fisiológicos de SSE en futbolistas de elite. Se analizaron los niveles de cortisol y testosterona presentes en tres muestras de saliva no estimuladas (2 mi) obtenidas en días de descanso (8:00 am, 11:00 am, and 5:00 pm) en 30 futbolistas de élite masculinos (edad: 24.1±3.8 años (media±DT)). Adicionalmente, los participantes completaron el Cuestionario de Sobre-entrenamiento de la Sociedad Francesa de Medicina del Deporte (SFMD). Los resultados de las correlaciones de orden cero indicaron que las puntuaciones de sobre-entrenamiento del cuestionario SFMD se correlacionaban de forma positiva y estadísticamente significativa tanto con las concentraciones de cortisol a las 8:00 am (r = 0.66; p<0.001), 11:00 am (r = 0.62; p<0.001), y 5:00 pm (r = 0.40; p< 0.05), como con la concentración media a lo largo del día (r = 0.60; p<0.001). Además, las puntuaciones de sobre-entrenamiento psicológico estuvieron positivamente correlacionadas con las concentraciones de testosterona a las 8:00 am (r = 0.39; p=0.015) y 5:00 pm (r = 0.37; 100 p< 0.05), pero negativamente correlacionadas con la relación T/C a las 8:00 am (r = -0.38; p=0.020). Puede concluirse que el cuestionario de sobre-entrenamiento de la SFMD podría ser una alternativa asequible y útil en el control (y por tanto prevención) del sobre-entrenamiento en futbolistas

Diseño de un instrumento observacional para la valoración del penalti en fútbol y análisis de los resultados obtenidos / Design of an observational instrument for the assessment of the penalty kicks in football and analysis of the obtained results

El presente estudio se centra en crear un instrumento de observación basado en la metodología observacional con el objeto de analizar la dirección del balón en un lanzamiento de penalti en el fútbol. Además, gracias a este instrumento, se estudiaron 239 penaltis en los mundiales de Brasil 2014 y Sudáfrica 2010, además de las copas de América de 2011, 2015, 2016 y los campeonatos de Europa de 2012 y 2016. Se analizaron un total de 239 penaltis, donde se destacan los siguientes hallazgos: a) se encontró una relación directa entre la dirección del pie de apoyo del jugador lanzador y la dirección del tiro, en jugadores diestros coinciden un 77% hacia la derecha y 98% hacia la izquierda (p<0,001) , y en jugadores zurdos un 87,5% hacia la derecha y 77,3% hacia la izquierda (p<0,001) ; b) entre el brazo opuesto al pie de lanzamiento y la dirección del tiro también se observaron relaciones estadísticamente significativas, en diestros se relacionan un 85% hacia la derecha y 98% a la izquierda (p<0,001), en zurdos un 86% a la derecha y 85% a la izquierda (p<0,001). De estos resultados podemos extraer las siguientes conclusiones: a) la dirección del pie de apoyo y el brazo opuesto al pie de lanzamiento son estadísticamente significativas para cuantificar la probabilidad aleatoria de predicción de la dirección del lanzamiento de un penalti; b) el brazo opuesto al pie de lanzamiento es visible desde la posición del portero y está en una ventana temporal anterior al golpeo, por lo tanto, es una variable entrenable

The present study focuses on creating an observational instrument based on observational methodology in order to analyze the direction of the ball in a penalty kicks in football. In addition, thanks to this instrument, 239 penalty kicks were studied in the World Cups of Brazil 2014 and South Africa 2010 plus the America Cup of 2011, 2015, 2016 and the European Championships in 2012 and 2016. A total of 239 penalty kicks were analyzed with the following results: a) a direct connection was established between the player's supporting foot and the direction of the kick. 77% of right footed players to the right and 98% to the left (p<0,001) and 87.5% of left footed players to the right and 77.3% to the left (p<0,001); b) statistically significant connections were also observed relating to the opposite arm to the foot in use and the direction of the kick. In right footed players 85% towards the right and 98% towards the le# (p<0,001) and in le# footed players 86% to the right and 85% to the le# (p<0,001). From these results, we can conclude as follows: a) the direction of the supporting foot and the opposite arm to the foot in use is statistically significant for calculating the random possibility of predicting the direction of a penalty kick: b) the opposite arm to the foot in use is visible from the goalkeeper’s position in the moments prior to the actual penalty kick and should, therefore, be included in a training routine

Influencia táctica del resultado parcial en los saques de esquina en fútbol / Influence of match status on corner kicks in elite soccer

El propósito del estudio es analizar como la variable situacional resultado parcial puede afectar al comportamiento táctico-estratégico en los saques de esquina en fútbol. Se han estudiado 902 saques de esquina realizados en 95 partidos correspondientes a la UEFA Euro 2012, y Fase Final de la FIFA World Cup 2010. Para identificar las interacciones se utilizó el método de crecimiento Chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID), que nos ha permitido identificar tres modelos: con el resultado de empate en los últimos minutos de juego, el equipo atacante incorpora al remate entre 2 a 5 jugadores y el equipo rival sitúa 1 ó 2 jugadores bajo palos. Ganando en los últimos minutos del encuentro, el equipo sitúa también entre 2 a 5 jugadores en ataque y el rival no defiende bajo palos. Perdiendo en los últimos minutos del encuentro, el equipo atacante incorpora a 6 o más jugadores al ataque (AU)

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the situational variable match status on corner kicks performance indicators in 95 matches played during the final stages of the 2012 UEFA European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Video recordings of the matches were analyzed and coded post-event using notational analysis. Multiple interactions between the performance indicators and match status were analyzed using the Chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision-tree method. The results show that when a corner kick is taken during the last 30 minutes of the match, teams that are losing place 6 or more attackers in the shooting area, while teams that are drawing place 2-5 attackers in this area. In the same situation, teams that are drawing place 1-2 defenders at the goalposts while winning teams place none (AU)

[Prevention of Head and Brain Injuries in Football: Is there a Need to Ban Headings?] / Prävention von Gehirnerschütterungen im Juniorenfußball ­ Ist eine Abschaffung des Kopfballspiels notwendig?

Football, the most popular sports worldwide, is associated with a high number of injuries. Head and brain injuries in football are less frequent, but may result in severe long-term damage. The mechanisms of these injuries in football are multifactorial, and the ball is rarely the main cause of a head injury. Short-term, medium-term and long-term consequences of headings in football are insufficiently examined, and there are hardly any case reports about severe episodes. Heading has been banned in US junior football since November 2015, which is understandable considering the higher risk for head injuries in popular American sports such as ice hockey or American football and people's fear associated with this risk. However, the decision to ban heading in football is not based on scientific results, and different experiences have been made in European football. Therefore, this decision should not simply be transferred to Europe. In fact, other injury prevention strategies for head injuries in junior football are necessary, such as the adaptation of ball sizes, which has already been implemented. It is not necessary to change match rules in the form of a general ban on heading in football. Further scientific studies are needed for standardisation in football worldwide.