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The objective was to assess and compare the tactical conduct of players aged U-8, U-10, and U-12 during full- and small-sided games, focusing on tactical modeling and interaction dynamics. Each age group comprised three teams (n = 180; 60 per category; 20 per team), engaging in a tournament where teams faced each other once in both formats − 18 matches; 3 per category in each format. Full-sided games (GK + 10 vs.10 + GK; 100 × 68 m) and small-sided games (U-8: GK + 4 vs. 4 + GK (36 × 20 m); U-10: GK + 7 vs. 7 + GK (52.5 × 34 m); U-12: GK + 10 vs. 10 + GK (68 × 45 m). Standard playing times (3 periods of 12 minutes (U-8s); 3 periods of 15 minutes (U-10s); and 3 periods of 20 minutes (U-12s), with a 5-minute break. Variables were examined using descriptive analysis (mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval), with paired t-tests and Wilcoxon tests employed for inter-format comparisons. Despite players benefiting from more time and space in full-sided games (increased ball receptions and overall ball involvement), results from small-sided games indicate three key advantages: 1) More goals (U-8s: z = –3.44, p =.050) and shots on target (U-8: z = –3.25, p =.001; U-10: z = –2.72, p =.007); 2) Game space management—ball circulation in larger amplitude (U-10: t = –4.20, p =.001; U-12: t = –4.35, p <.001); and with more transitions (U-10: t = –3.60, p =.002; U-12: t = –4.16, p =.001) and 3) Fast decision-making—larger ball velocity circulation (U-08: t = –3.54, p =.003; U-10: t = –5.13, p <.001; U-12: t = –5.80, p <.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

User interface design patterns that document Human-Agent Team (HAT) interface best practices were developed by analyzing team video games with different types of agents, ranging from virtual players in sports games to advisors contributing to strategy and planning in combat games. One factor that may contribute to the enormous success of some games is the cohesive team interactions between humans and agents. A design pattern collection was developed by identifying 25 design patterns under interface themes most relevant to HATs. The design patterns describe how multiple successful game interfaces handle challenging aspects of HAT interaction, addressing contexts including planning, spatial orientation, task management, communication, and more. Based on the complex and well-tested interface solutions in video games, these design patterns can provide HAT user interface developers practical guidance for interface development and a starting point for developing a HAT design pattern language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to 1) determine the key load indicators in professional soccer through principal component analysis (PCA); and 2) analyse the load variability of each training and match day within the microcycle considering the principal components. Data from 111 load variables were collected using tracking systems in both training and match days (MD). The results showed that 7 variables, which belonged to the first two components of the PCA, explained 80.3% of total variance. Specifically, these variables were Metabolic power, total of steps, Fourier transform (FFT) duration, deceleration distance covered (2–3 m/s2), total of running actions (12–18 km/h; 21–24 km/h), and distance covered (6–12 km/h). Regarding the analysis of the load variability of each training and match day within the microcycle, the lowest load variability was observed in −1MD. Also, a great load variability in +1MD with significant differences compared to −5MD (p<0.001; d=0.49) and −4MD (p=0.01; d=0.26) was found. This study suggests the use of the PCA in the context of team sports to reduce the large number of variables, which are daily managed by strength and conditioning coaches, in addition to the analysis of load variability of each training and match day within the microcycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analysed the periods in which the most demanding passages (MDP) of play occurred during professional soccer matches, considering different criterion variables and investigating the effect that the playing position had on the MDP-of-play occurrence for each criterion variable. The MDP of play were calculated based on five criterion variables: distance covered (DIS), sprinting distance (SPD), high-metabolic load distance (HMLD), and the total of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations (ACCHIGH and DECHIGH). The results showed that the first period of the match (0ʹ-15ʹ) was the interval with the highest frequency (i.e., the greatest % of cases) in which the players achieved the MDP of play for all the variables (DIS= 38.9%; SPD= 28.4%; HMLD= 37.7%; ACCHIGH= 54.3%; DECHIGH= 48.8%). The playing position had no significant effect on MDP-of-play occurrence in any variable (likelihood ratio, LR= 15.88–32.05; p > 0.05; effect size, ES= 0.01–0.04), except for the DIS covered (LR= 32.05; p= 0.04; ES= 0.05), in which the most frequent MDP for the full backs occurred within the second period of the match (15ʹ-30ʹ). In conclusion, the first periods of the matches usually elicited the MDP of play and these periods need to be trained to prevent injuries and optimize performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to examine the periods in which the maximum speed actions occurred during elite soccer matches and analyse these actions considering the effect of playing position and different contextual variables. Performance-related variables (VMAX: maximum speed; Vo: starting speed; SPD: sprinting distance; ACCMAX: maximum acceleration; DECMAX: maximum deceleration) and sprint-related contextual variables (trajectory, ball possession, role, field area in which the action occurred) from each maximum speed action were collected. The first 15 minutes of each match half elicited most maximum speed actions (44.6% of cases), regardless of playing position (likelihood ratio, LR=13.95; p=0.95). However, playing position had a significant effect on the role of the action (Chi-Squared, χ2=50.68; p=0.001) and the field area in which the sprint occurred (χ2=26.54; p=0.001). Regarding the effect of different contextual variables on the sprint-related performance variables, no significant effect from any contextual variable on ACCMAX, DECMAX or Vo was found (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the contextual variables had a significant effect on SPD (from ball possession: sprints without ball > sprints with ball; trajectory: non-linear sprints > linear sprints; role: offensive sprints > defensive sprints) and VMAX (from ball possession: sprints without ball > sprints with ball; playing position: midfielders < other positions). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the effects of substitute player allowance per match on running performance in Japanese professional football over three consecutive seasons with different numbers of maximum substitutes. Match running performance was obtained from all outfield players in the official matches of the 1st Division of the Japan Professional Football League over three seasons (2019/2020/2021; 22291 player files) by a 4th generation TRACAB® system which provided the total distance covered (TD) and the number of sprinting runs (SP; ≥24.0 km/h for≥1.0 s). The players were divided according to play time: full match (STA), replaced during match (REP), and substitutes during match (SUB). The number of SUBs increased significantly from 2019 to 2021 (p < 0.05). SUB had a significantly higher average speed than STA and REP. The analysis of covariance with the number of recovery days, ambient temperature, and relative humidity as covariates revealed that the TD and SP significantly differed based on the number of SUBs (p < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis showed that the number of SUBs significantly contributed to the TD and SP. These results suggest that the new law, which increased the maximum SUB allowance from three to five, improved the match running performance in Japanese professional football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe in-season worst-case scenarios (WCS) of professional soccer players and compare the WCS between training and match days (MD), considering the length of microcycle. A cohort study was designed for four competitive mesocycles in LaLiga123. The WCS of distance covered (DIS), high-speed running distance (HSRD), and sprinting distance (SPD) for four different WCS durations (1ʹ, 3ʹ, 5ʹ, 10ʹ) were analysed. Statistical differences between the WCS from training and MD were found at all intensities and periods. The magnitude of differences was moderate in DIS-1ʹ (F= 15.49; p< 0.01; ωp2= 0.09) and DIS-3ʹ (F= 20.99; p< 0.01; ωp2= 0.12), and high in the rest of variables (F= 26.53–89.41; p< 0.01; ωp2= 0.15–0.38). Specifically, the WCS from MD reported the highest values at all intensities and periods. Regarding training days, the greatest WCS of DIS, HSRD, and SPD were found on MD-4, MD-3, and MD+1. Considering the length of microcycle, significant differences (p< 0.05) in training-days' WCS, but not in MD (p> 0.05). In conclusion, specific WCS training programmes (e.g., including 1 min to 10-min training drills in MD-4) may be useful to prepare the demands required on MD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Fly-ball revolution" in Major League Baseball (MLB), spotlighting an underlining tenet that batters should aim for big fly balls rather than grounders, has attracted interest from countless players around the world. Its applicability, however, is not clear for players of different physical abilities or teams with different game strategies from MLB's. This paper aims to test a hypothesis that hitting fly balls do not result in better batting statistics than hitting grounders in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). From radar-tracking outputs collected in the official games, the speed, launch angle, and batting results of all batted balls in play were extracted (n = 39,469). In-play batting average (IPBA) and slugging percentage (IPSP) were compared between fly balls and grounders. The results showed the better batting statistics for fly balls (IPBA = 0.381 ± 0.018; IPSP = 0.730 ± 0.079) than grounders (IPBA = 0.267 ± 0.010; IPSP = 0.285 ± 0.010). Thus, our hypothesis was rejected. The balls launched at 10°−20°, called line drives, resulted in higher IPBA over the typical speed range (120 − 150 km/h), suggesting that NPB players whose ball speed was typical should aim for line drives, rather than high fly balls by accepting the tenet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the number of smashes and smash-lunge sequences in elite men's singles matches. Semi-final and final match videos of the Olympic Games, Grand-Prix, and World-SuperSeries in 2016 were analysed. Points won from smashes and smash-lunge sequence in a game and an entire match were compared between the winners and losers, and whether points won from the smash-lunge sequence occurred immediately, within three rallies or more were analysed. The game winners scored more (p < 0.05) points than the losers in a game from smashes (4.8 ± 1.9 vs 3.5 ± 1.3 points) and from smash-lunge sequences (4.0 ± 2.8 vs 1.7 ± 1.6 points). Match winners won more (p < 0.05) points from smashes (11.0 ± 2.6) and smash-lunge sequences (7.4 ± 4.8) than match losers (8.2 ± 3.0 and 5.5 ± 3.7, respectively). The match winners won 5–10% more points from the smash-lunge sequence than losers (p < 0.05), and 60% of the points were won immediately from the smash-lunge sequence for both the winners and losers. The smash-lunge sequence is important in badminton. Winners were more effective than the losers at scoring points from this sequence, and in particular, at winning points immediately off the smash-lunge sequence, rather than in the following rallies. Thus, improving the techniques of the smash-lunge sequence is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calling a Team Timeout (TTO) is one of the coaches' most important tools. Given the key competitive advantage to determine your own timing, it is crucial to make a good decision when to use a TTO. Existing research shows that teams can benefit in general from TTOs and that they are called at the end of the game and when trailing (Gomes et al., 2014; Gutiérrez-Aguilar et al., 2016; Prieto et al., 2016). However, to generate relevant findings, situational variables must be included (Fernandez-Navarro et al., 2020; Gómez, Lago-Peñas et al., 2015). By integrating situational variables like scoring streak and player difference and higher-order interactions, this study aims to identify specific game situations where TTOs are most effective. Based on 850 games of the German Handball Bundesliga, game situations are identified by Classification Tree Analysis and efficacies are evaluated. Findings indicate a strong impact of timing. Frequently used TTOs, e.g., at the end of periods, are beneficial to the teams. However, strongest effect occurs for TTOs taken at the early stages of the game and with a positive run. Results indicate that TTO is a powerful tactical tool and an application at uncommon timings may even enhance the success rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between injury status of the team and all-rounders on match outcome were investigated in international cricketers. Time and non-time loss injuries were recorded over a 32-month period in 47 senior international cricketers. Team injury status was expressed on a 1–4 scale from "fully available" to "unavailable". Generalised linear model (GLM) was employed to examine whether team injury status and the injury status of all-rounders (AR) and single skill (SS) players was associated with the outcome of the match or series. A significant association between team injury status and match and series outcome was found. Team mean injury status was 12.0% lower (P < 0.001; ES = 1.06) during successful series wins and 7.8% lower (P < 0.001; ES = 0.66) during successful match outcomes. Skill group injury status was also significantly associated with match (P = 0.001) and series (P = 0.001) outcomes with AR exhibiting greater injury status than SS cricketers (P < 0.001, ES = 0.44). All injuries, irrespective of time lost, influence the outcome of international cricket series' and matches with injuries to AR having a higher impact on the results. The findings will impact on the injury prevention strategies in elite cricket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the full structure of passes during EuroBasket 2015 in the context of the execution technique, creating a passing lane, the movement of the players, the ball passing direction and passing distance. In order to provide extended data, the study also analysed individual dribbling sequences, changes of dribbling direction and turnovers. The analysis encompassed 27,840 passes, 84,080 dribbles and 1467 turnovers in all matches (n = 110) played by the eight best and the eight worst teams. Furthermore, 2030 assists were analysed to develop the model of regression. One-handed passes performed with the right hand (F = 28.74; p = 0.0028) were the most important predictor for the assists executed by the players of the eight best teams. Conversely, the most important predictor for the assists executed by the players from the weakest teams were two-handed overhead passes (F = 21.34; p = 0.0001). Today, coaches must incorporate two elements of passing technique into their training regime: primarily, one-handed passes (in particular, one-handed basic passes); and secondly, two-handed passes (overhead and chest passes). Solutions should be sought with the aim of increasing the number of inside passes, which will develop the inside play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between throwing velocity and performance is an important question in handball, but has received little research attention in competitive scenarios. The aim of the present study was to analyse the relationship between throwing velocity and player effectiveness during a match. We analysed the throws of 69 players, recording the ball velocity of 1007 goal-scoring shots. Based on their effectiveness, the players were divided into three groups: Group 1 (G1): 40% to 49.9% effectiveness; Group 2 (G2), 50% to 59.9% effectiveness; and Group 3 (G3) ≥60% effectiveness. No significant differences were observed between G1 and G2, but G3 presented significantly lower velocities (21.14 ± 4.97 vs 23.40 ± 6.19, p < 0.001; and vs 22.41 ± 7.19, p < 0.05) than G1 and G2, respectively. We also found an inverse relationship between effectiveness and throwing velocity (r = −0.48; p < 0.001), whereby faster throws reduced players' effectiveness in competitive scenarios. All previous studies on throwing in handball have been conducted in non-competitive contexts; however, contrary to the results obtained in training contexts, we found an inverse relationship between effectiveness and high throwing velocity in competitive scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to determine the differences between top and average football playing. To do so we analysed 1,240 matches from the top Israeli and Italian leagues; each match included information on 455 game parameters. A two-phase analysis was performed. In Phase 1 of the analysis we found that the ball movement (e.g., higher number of passes into the box, higher number of key passes), as well as the attack efficiency (higher absolute and relative number of shots from the box, higher number of attacks that entered the box), are significantly superior in the Italian football league. In Phase 2, we identified which game parameters are most important for winning in both leagues. Our results revealed that the success of the matches in both leagues is determined by similar parameters, such as key passes, shots on target, actions up the pitch, and pass precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The passing decision-making performance in volleyball is important because it determines the quality of a team's attack. However, no study has analysed the effect of imagery training on passing decision-making performance in young volleyball athletes. Purpose: The objective was to analyse the effect of eight weeks of imagery training on passing decision-making performance. Method: Participants were 33 young male athletes (under 17 years [U-17]). Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (EG, n = 17) and control group (CG, n = 16). The CG watched videos of advertisements, while EG participated in the imagery training. A cognitive-general imagery programme was adopted, that asks the athletes to imagine themselves executing passes during a competitive event (e.g. reception of the service with variations of speed and displacement, pass to middle attacker, pass to other attackers, and pass with projection of the body on the ground). The passing decision-making was evaluated in a simulation of a volleyball official game. The analysis of actions was based on the Game Performance Assessment instrument. A heart rate monitor was adopted as an indicator of the autonomic nervous system response during the sessions for the EG and CG. Results: The results revealed a group versus intervention interaction (p <.01) for the passing decision-making, with improvement only in the EG (p =.01). A statistically significant difference in heart rate was identified between the groups (p =.01), with a higher value in the EG. Conclusions: It was concluded that imagery training enhanced passing decision-making performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were (a) to compare players' physical demands between different playing positions in elite U18 basketball games and (b) to identify different clusters of performance. Data were collected from 94 male subjects (age: 17.4 ± 0.7 years), competing in a Euroleague Basketball Tournament. Guards covered a greater relative distance than centres and forwards (small to moderate effect). Forwards and guards had more peak accelerations, high accelerations and high decelerations than centres (moderate to large effects). A cluster analysis allowed to classify all cases into three different groups (Lower, Medium and Higher activity demands), containing 37.4%, 52.8% and 9.8% of the cases, respectively. The high accelerations, high decelerations, peak accelerations and total distance covered were the variables that most contributed to classify the players into the new groups. The percentage of cases distributed in the clusters according to playing position, game type (worst vs worst, mixed opposition, best vs best) and team were different. Centres have lower physical demands specially related with the number of accelerations and decelerations at high intensity and the peak acceleration when compared with guards. Each team has a different activity profile, that does not seem to influence the tournament outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The present review provides a summary of basketball referees' game activities, fitness assessment, cognitive function, and energy expenditure (EE) during official games. Methods: Analyzing the literature on basketball referees. Literature review conducted using Pub Med, WOK, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar, with search criteria including the terms 'referees', 'game officials', 'basketball' and performance terms such as 'physiological', 'physical demands', 'decision-making', and 'mental fatigue'. Results: the relevant studies (n = 19) showed that referees cover ~5000 m during a game with mean heart rates (HR) of ~140 beats.min−1 (>75% HRmax) and oxygen uptake (VO2) of ~52 ml.min−1.kg−1 (~86.19% VO2max). The YO-YO intermittent recovery test level 1 (YO-YO-IRT1) performance has revealed a direct validity to assess the intermittent aerobic activity as it was correlated to the on-field activity of the referees. The estimated referees' EE during a game exceeds 500 kcal (~5 kcal.kg-1.h−1). The threshold of low intensity and high intensity could be considered as lower than 3.8 METs and higher than 9.8 METs, respectively. The physical abilities of referees decrease gradually with the chronological age. However, older referees (>32 years old) have a significantly better quality of officiating than young referees. The perceptual-cognitive demands of basketball refereeing are also discussed in the present review. Conclusion: Basketball referees' game-analysis showed an intermittent activity (~1:12 ratio of high-intensity effort/recovery). The YO-YO-IRT1 could be used as a specific fitness test to estimate their aerobic capacity. The referees' EE showed a "moderate energy intensity" when expressed by the metabolic equivalent (~5 METs). A specific training program should be prescribed for the referees, taking into consideration their age. The cognitive processes influencing basketball referees' decisions should be studied in further researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the tactical, physical and technical indicators between winners and losers of the group and final stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup (WC). Eighteen variables were analysed, divided into tactical (ball possession), physical (distance covered, sprints and intensity zones 1 [low] to 5 [high]) and technical indicators (passing, shots and corners). The losing teams had lower ball possession in the group stage when compared to the winners (p = .04). There was a tendency (p = .06) for winners to spend more time in high intensity (group stage). Winners also had a tendency towards greater passing success (p = .06), shots (p = .05) and shots on target (p < .01). In summary, the winning teams have greater ball possession and pass success during the group stage of the 2018 FIFA WC, in addition to spending more time at high intensities and achieving more shots and shots on target independent of whether the match was performed in the group or final knockout stage. Our findings do not suggest any additional physical, tactical or technical variable in the determination of success in high-level soccer competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to identify volleyball performance indicators that best discriminate between winning and losing teams in a set according to the level of competitiveness. The data have been collected from teams' performances (N = 438) in all sets played between top four teams in the final ranking of women's Greek volleyball league for five periods. Clusters analysis established three different groups of sets according to set final score difference: two to three points (balanced), four to seven points (semi-balanced) and more than seven points (unbalanced). A 3 × 2 MANOVA was then performed on twelve performance indicators reflecting expressions of five basic skills of the game (serve, pass, attack 1 and 2, block). The analysis revealed significant multivariate differences in the type of result and in its interaction with the type of set. A follow-up discriminant analysis showed that the effectiveness of attacks 1 and 2 are the most important performance indicators for all the set types. The discriminant function classified correctly more cases as the score difference got higher. Especially for balanced sets, 62% were correctly classified, allowing space for further improving the critical performance indicators. These results suggest that training of a women's volleyball team should emphasise more on improving offensive abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present investigation was to compare physical and technical performance in two types of small sided games (7-a-side and 8-a-side) during official under 12 soccer matches. 154 male under 12 regional soccer players (10.7 ± .8 years) participated in the study. The participants were categorised into two soccer-groups, 76 were classed in the 7-a-side and 78 in the 8-a-side game modality. Physical variables during the matches were assessed using Global Positioning System technology. The matches were video-taped, and each individual technical action was notated afterward. The 7-a-side game modality showed higher values for high-intensity distance (p < .001), very high intensity distance (p < .001); sprint distance (p = .037); and total distance (p < .001) covered and work/rest ratio (p = .005) than the 8-a-side game modality. In addition, an increased number of attacking movements was recorded in the 7-a-side game modality (.16 ± .13 vs. .10 ± .09 m·min-1;p = .001). In conclusion, the 7-a-side game modality included a greater number of physical and technical skills than the 8-a-side game in the under 12 soccer players. Therefore, it would be recommendable to use the 7-a-side game modality to favour better physical–technical development in young soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The movement demands of the soccer extra time period are unknown despite the importance of this period of play. Data are presented for five English Premier League reserve team players who wore GPS (10 Hz) monitors during an official soccer match that required extra time to be played. Countermovement jump performance (peak power output (PPO) and jump height) and creatine kinase (CK) concentrations were assessed before (−24 h; baseline) and after (+24 h, +48 h) match play. Players covered 14,106 ± 859 m (109 ± 7 m·min−1) throughout the game. From 90 to 120 min, 3213 ± 286 m were covered and 12 ± 6 sprints, 221 ± 14 accelerations and 207 ± 16 decelerations occurred. From 105 to 120 min, acceleration and deceleration parameters reduced by >10% compared to the opening 15 min. At +24 h and +48 h, PPO reduced by 416.1 ± 199.9 W (10.9% ± 4.4%) and 155.1 ± 34.8 W (4.1% ± 0.8%), jump heights decreased by 0.064 ± 0.046 m (17.8% ± 11.2%) and 0.025 ± 0.009 m (7.4% ± 3.2%), whereas CK increased by 586.6 ± 85.1 μ·l−1(236% ± 92%) and 266.8 ± 134.7 μ·l−1(107% ± 89%) versus baseline, respectively. Physical performance markers reduced throughout match play and countermovement jump performance was impaired, while CK remained elevated, for at least 48 h after the game. Interventions which maintain performance throughout a game and which enhance recovery in the days after 120 min of soccer match play warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main focus of this paper was to review the available literature on match analysis in adult male football. The most common research topics were identified, their methodologies described and the evolutionary tendencies of this research area systematised. A systematic review of Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)Web of Knowledgedatabase was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. The following keywords were used:footballandsoccer, each one associated with the terms:match analysis, performance analysis, notational analysis, game analysis, tactical analysisandpatterns of play. Of 2732 studies initially identified, only 53 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures abstracted and analysed. Studies that fit all inclusion criteria were organised according to their research design as descriptive, comparative or predictive. Results showed that 10 studies focused predominantly on a description of technical, tactical and physical performance variables. From all comparative studies, the dependent variables more frequently used were “playing position” and “competitive level”. Even though the literature stresses the importance of developing predictive models of sports performance, only few studies (n= 8) have focused on modelling football performance. Situational variables like game location, quality of opposing teams, match status and match half have been progressively included as object of research, since they seem to work as effective covariables of football performance. Taking into account the limitations of the reviewed studies, future research should provide comprehensive operational definitions for the studied variables, use standardised categories and description of activities and participants, and consider integrating the situational and interactional contexts into the analysis of football performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study on the effect of alternating home and away field advantage during the Six Nations Rugby Championship from 2005-2009. It states that the study shows the tendency of teams playing home achieve better outcomes except for the 2005 season. The study also mentions that rugby teams playing at home will gain favorable results.

The precise influence of serve type and serve ball speed on beach volleyball performance is unclear. We examined the relationship between serve type and speed and their effectiveness during the 2008 Men's and Women's Open World Tour Tournament. Three hundred and seventy-eight and 375 serves performed by men and women respectively from the main draw tournament were analysed. Serve speed was recorded using a radar gun. Two expert observers recorded serve speed, serve mode, serve effectiveness and rally outcome. There was no relationship between serve speed and its effectiveness for men (r = −0.047, P > 0.05) and for women (r = −0.048, P > 0.05). However, there was a relationship between serve ball speed and its effectiveness both for men and women, when speed was categorised into three groups. There was a better balance between negative and positive outcomes at medium speeds for men and at low and high speeds for women. There was a relationship between ranking and serve ball speed only for women and between ranking and type of serve for both genders. There was no relationship between rally outcome and serve effectiveness. The combination of high ball speed and jump serve is characteristic of high ranking women but not of men. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Women's soccer becomes increasingly popular. Although there is an obvious difference between the men's and women's game no information is available in quantifying these differences to date. Therefore, video analyses of the finals, semi-finals and quarterfinals of the world championship of the men in Korea/Japan (2002) and of the women in USA (2003) were conducted. Every action with the ball was characterized and localized on the playing field. The overall number of actions in the men's and in the women's game is nearly the same. Women cover distances more by long passes rather than short range activities (dribbling, short passes). Their play is less aggressive (fewer sliding tacklings) and they have to use other strategies for kicking a goal. The higher muscle strength of men is an important factor for being more successful in achieving goals with long-range full-instep kicks. The women use more headballs and try to get closer to the goal before trying to score. As a consequence of the lower muscle strength in women they have to use more full instep and instep kicks to achieve distances which are covered by the men with inside and instep kicking techniques. A women's soccer shoe should take into account the differences of these playing characteristics. Whereas the men use more frequently the inside of the shoe, instep and full instep kicks are more frequently performed by the women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrary to the large amount of literature results for running footwear surprisingly little research has been published for soccer shoes. Therefore, this contribution will summarize established knowledge and discuss future possibilities in soccer shoe design, based on biomechanical research. Game analyses over the years demonstrate that soccer has become increasingly faster and is more powerful than ever. Comfortable footwear, providing high traction and good stability for fast accelerations, stops and turns are the most desirable features that soccer players want from their shoes. From questionnaires, listing desirable shoe properties, injury protection received only a low priority for both, female and male soccer players. Originating from the priority list of players several biomechanical studies were performed to study possible influences of soccer shoe design on performance. It was found that soccer shoe design can have a substantial influence on sprinting performance, improve kicking accuracy, and influences maximum kicking velocity. The challenge in future soccer shoe design will not only be a combination of these performance related properties but also to include injury protection features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the study on playing demands of Sevens Rugby during the 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens Tournament. The study shows the ball is in play for 52% of match time and each team has possession for 28% of match time. In addition, there is a significant increase in the amount of time required for point scoring movements compared to turnover movements.

The aim of this study was to quantify movement patterns of batsmen scoring 100 runs (century), including analysis at 50, 80, and 100 runs, in Test and One-Day international (one-day) matches and between the first and second 50 within a Test century. Test centuries (n = 13) and one-day scores above 80 (n = 12) filmed during the 2005 - 2006 Australian international season were analysed for movement patterns of standing, walking, jogging, striding, sprinting, shot playing, and turning. At each run target, differences in total time, duration of individual movement pattern, movement pattern frequency, and number of balls faced were determined between Test and one-day matches (analysis of variance). Differences within Test centuries were assessed using paired t-tests. A similar fractional predominance of time spent in low-intensity activity (standing and walking) between Test and one-day matches at each run target (94 and 96% respectively) was observed, with no differences in duration of striding or sprinting (Test: 1.1 min, s = 0.5; one-day: 0.9 min, s = 0.5 for sprinting: P = 0.28). A 37% longer total duration occurred in Tests, resulting in longer recovery bouts between high-intensity efforts. There were no differences between the first and second 50 runs of a Test century for any measure (P at best = 0.34). In summary, Test and one-day centuries are characterized by much low-intensity activity and patterns of high-intensity activity similar to many repeat-sprint team sports and greater recovery breaks in longer matches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "The quantification of contacts with impact during professional rugby matches," by Michele van Rooyen, Kristy Rock, Sebastian Prim and Mike Lambert is presented.

Limited information exists about the movement patterns of field-hockey players, especially during elite competition. Time-motion analysis was used to document the movement patterns during an international field-hockey game. In addition, the movement patterns of repeated-sprint activity were investigated, as repeated-sprint ability is considered to be an important fitness component of team-sport performance. Fourteen members of the Australian men's field-hockey team (age 26±3 years, body mass 76.7±5.6 kg, &Vdot;O 2max 57.9±3.6 ml · kg -1  · min -1 ; mean± s ) were filmed during an international game and their movement patterns were analysed. The majority of the total player game time was spent in the low-intensity motions of walking, jogging and standing (46.5±8.1, 40.5±7.0 and 7.4±0.9%, respectively). In comparison, the proportions of time spent in striding and sprinting were 4.1±1.1 and 1.5±0.6%, respectively. Our criteria for 'repeated-sprint' activity (defined as a minimum of three sprints, with mean recovery duration between sprints of less than 21 s) was met on 17 occasions during the game (total for all players), with a mean 4±1 sprints per bout. On average, 95% of the recovery during the repeated-sprint bouts was of an active nature. In summary, the results suggest that the motion activities of an elite field-hockey competition are similar to those of elite soccer, rugby and Australian Rules football. In addition, the investigation of repeated-sprint activity during competition has provided additional information about the unique physiological demands of elite field-hockey performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research that determines volleyball performance indicators discriminating the losing and winning teams based on the set differences of final score during the Men's European Volleyball Championship in Turkey in 2009. The study finds attack effectiveness as the most significant performance indicator for all set types. It suggests to put more emphasis on men's volleyball team training for the improvement of offensive abilities.

An abstract of the article "Relationship between Block Constraints and set outcome in Elite Male Volleyball," by Ruj Araújo, Isabel Mesquita and Rui Marcelino is presented.

An abstract of the article "Relationship between the set outcome and the dig and attack efficacy in elite male Volleyball game," by Ricardo Monteiro, Isabel Mesquita and Rui Marcelino is presented.

An abstract to the article "Performance indicators that distinguish winning and losing teams in basketball," by Gabor Csataljay, Peter O'Donoghue, and Mike Hughes is presented.

The article reports on a study that examined the performances of four teams in the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup. The video recordings of the games between the teams from England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa were studied. The performance variables studied were penalty kicks, drop goals and percentage possession. Winning performances are associated with ball possession, points scored in the second half and the opponents' propensity to lose possession in crucial areas of the field.

The article reports on a study that examined duration and field location movements in four teams in the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup. The four teams were the teams from England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The videos of the games were studied. Winners in the tournament were the teams whose players retain the ball longer and to move ball possession from the defensive to the attacking half of the field.

The article reports on a study that investigated whether movement duration in rugby football could predict successful performance in the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup. Movements were studied using videos of the English, Australian, New Zealand and South African rugby performances. It was found that the ability of teams to construct movements that lasted longer than 80 seconds was a major influence on the results of games in the 2003 World Cup.

The article reports on a study that examined the quality and efficiency of games in top international beach volleyball for men before and after the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball made certain changes in the game. The changes were the reduction of the volleyball court dimensions and the change of the scoring system from side out scoring to rally point scoring.