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The level of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SED) off-training of young athletes may reveal the quality of recovery from training and highlight health related issues. Thus, the aim was to identify and describe young athletes&rsquo, PA and SED off-training, according to daily life activities. Eight athletes (15.7 &plusmn, 2 years, 1.72 &plusmn, 0.6 m height, 62.9 &plusmn, 10.2 kg) of a sport talent program wore on their waist a tri-axial accelerometer (ActiGraph&reg, wGT9X-link, Shalimar, FL, USA) at 30 Hz for 15 consecutive days, and reported their schedule. A two-step cluster analysis classified three groups according to sedentary PA and MVPA. The Sedentary (56.9%), presented the highest sedentary PA (mean [CI], 37.37 [36.45&ndash, 38.29] min/hour), The Hazardous (19.4%) had the lowest values of sedentary and MVPA (10.07 [9.41&ndash, 10.36] min/hour and 8.67 [7.64&ndash, 9.70] min/hour, respectively). Balanced (23.7%) had the highest MVPA (28.61 [27.16&ndash, 30.07] min/hour). Sedentary had the lowest count of home time associated (20%) and higher school (26%) time when compared to the Hazardous (13%). The Balanced showed the highest count of school (61%) and home time (47%). Different profiles for young athletes revealed alarming behavior in the associations with sedentary PA, sitting and SED breaks, which may influence performance and health.

In several team sports, the game starting score-line may be understood as a measure of performance accomplishment and hence might have an effect on players' subsequent efforts. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of the starting score-line, game location, and quality of opposition on basketball game quarter final score. The sample comprised 504 game quarters from the Spanish Basketball Professional League and these were classified as balanced (difference in scores equal of 8 points or less, n=194) and unbalanced (difference in scores of more than 8 points, n=310) using k-means cluster procedures. The effects of the predictor variables on game quarter outcome (difference between points scored and points received) in the whole game and in the second, third, and fourth game quarters were analysed using linear regression analysis. The starting game quarter score-line was only significant in unbalanced situations with very similar effects among different game quarters. The greater the dif...

This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) through a Doctoral grant endorsed to the first author (SFRH/BD/ 105081/2014) under the Human Potential Operating Program (POPH). Research Project NanoSTIMA: Macro-to-Nano Human Sensing: Toward Integrated Multimodal Health Monitoring and Analytics, NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000016, Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) - NORTE 2020. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript., The aim of this study was to identify the effects of a complementary training program based on differential learning approach in the physical, technical, creative and positioning performance of youth football attackers. Fifteen players were allocated into the control (U15C = 9, age: 13.9±0.5 years; U17C = 6, age: 16.1±0.7 years) and the experimental (U15E = 9, age: 14.2±0.8 years; U17E = 6, age: 15.8±0.5 years) groups. The experimental groups participated in 10-weeks of a complementary training program based on differential learning approach to improve physical literacy and players' tactical behavior. Variables studied encompassed: motor (vertical jump, speed and repeated change-of direction), technical (pass, dribble and shot), creative (fluency, attempts, versatility) and positioning-related variables (stretch index, spatial exploration index and regularity of the lateral and longitudinal movements). Results revealed that U15E improved both the jump and repeated change-of-direction performance, while the U17E have only improved the jump performance. The U15E showed improvements in all technical variables (small to large effects), and in the fluency and versatility (moderate effects), while the U17 have only improved the successful shots (large effects). From a positional perspective, there was a moderate increase in the stretch index, and decreased longitudinal and lateral regularity (small to moderate effects) in the U15E compared to the U15C. In turn, the U17E revealed a moderate increase of the spatial exploration index and a small decrease in the stretch index. Overall, the results suggest that the complementary training program was effective for the development of the overall performance of the U15E attackers, while more time and/or variability may be needed for older age groups. Nevertheless, the overall higher values found in experimental groups, may suggest that this type of complementary training program improves performance.

El objetivo de la presente investigacion es analizar las diferencias en la utilizacion a lo largo del partido de algunos aspectos tecnico-tacticos defensivos en baloncesto, entre equipos ganadores y perdedores. Se analizaron todas las fases de ataque (n=2305) llevadas a cabo a lo largo de 12 partidos de la etapa de playoff del campeonato chileno Dimayor jugado el ano 2006. En cada fase de ataque se analizaron las siguientes variables en relacion con el equipo defensor: (1) Tipo de defensa (individual, zonal, mixta, otras); (2) Presion en la transicion ofensiva; (3) Cambios defensivos; (4) Ayudas defensivas; (5) Pases interiores; (6) Grado de oposicion al lanzamiento (bajo, medio, alto); (7) Puntos recibidos; (8) Rebotes defensivos; (9) Resultado final del partido. Los resultados mas significativos muestran que: a) a lo largo de todo el partido, los equipos ganadores alternan mas entre la defensa individual y zonal, mientras que los perdedores alternan entre individual, zonal y mixta; b) las diferencias de puntos en el marcador se producen en el primer y tercer periodo de juego; c) los perdedores presionan mas la transicion ofensiva en los dos ultimos periodos de juego; d) en el cuarto periodo, los equipos perdedores son mejores capturando rebotes defensivos en comparacion con los ganadores; e) los cambios defensivos, ayudas sobre el hombre con balon y pases interiores permitidos, no diferencian a ganadores de perdedores en ningun periodo. Palabras Clave : analisis observacional; defensa; rendimiento deportivo. Abstract The object of the present study was to analyze the differences in the use of certain technical and tactical defensive aspects throughout a game in basketball, between winning and losing teams. All attack phases (n=2305) done during 12 play-off games of the 2006 Dimayor Chilean championship were analyzed. In each attack phase the following variables were analyzed in regard to the team in defense: (1) type of defense (man-to-man, zone, combination, other); (2) pressure in the transition offense; (3) defensive switches; (4) defensive help; (5) inside passes; (6) degree of shot opposition (low, medium, high); (7) points received; (8) defensive rebounds; and (9) game result. The most significant results demonstrate that: a) throughout the game, winning teams alternate more between man-to-man and zone defenses, while losing teams alternate between man-to-man, zone, and combination; b) the point differences on the scoreboard occur in the first and third periods of the game; c) losing teams use more pressure in the transition offense in the last two periods of the game; d) in the fourth period, losing teams make more defensive rebounds than winning teams; e) defensive switches, defensive help to guard the player with the ball, and allowing inside passes do not differentiate winning and losing teams in any period of the game. Key words : observational analysis; defense; athletic performance. doi:10.5232/ricyde2010.01901 Texto completo en PDF

The aim of this study was to identify within-season differences in basketball players' game-related statistics according to team quality and playing time. The sample comprised 5309 records from 198 players in the Spanish professional basketball league (2007–2008). Factor analysis with principal components was applied to the game-related statistics gathered from the official box-scores, which limited the analysis to five factors (free-throws, 2-point field-goals, 3-point field-goals, passes, and errors) and two variables (defensive and offensive rebounds). A two-step cluster analysis classified the teams as stronger (69±8 winning percentage), intermediate (43±5 winning percentage), and weaker teams (32±5 winning percentage); individual players were classified based on playing time as important players (28±4 min) or less important players (16±4 min). Seasonal variation was analysed monthly in eight periods. A mixed linear model was applied to identify the effects of team quality and playing time wi...

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of match location, quality of opposition, and match status on distance covered at various speeds in elite soccer. Twenty-seven Spanish Premier League matches played by a professional soccer team were monitored in the 2005–2006 season using a multiple-camera match analysis system. The dependent variables were the distance covered by players at different intensities. Data were analysed using a linear regression analysis with three independent variables: match status (i.e. whether the team was winning, losing or drawing), match location (i.e. playing at home or away), and quality of the opponents (strong or weak). The top-class players performed less high-intensity activity (>19.1 km · h−1) when winning than when they losing, but more distance was covered by walking and jogging when winning. For each minute winning, the distance covered at submaximal or maximal intensities decreased by 1 m (P

The aim of the current study was to identify the Rugby game- related statistics that discriminated between winning and losing teams in IRB and S12 close games. Archival data reported to game-related statistics from 120 IRB games and 204 Super Twelve games played between 2003 and 2006. Afterwards, a cluster analysis was conducted to establish, according to game final score differences, three different match groups. Only the close games group was selected for further analysis (IRB n = 64 under 15 points difference and Super Twelve n = 95 under 11 points difference). An analysis to the structure coefficients (SC) obtained through a discriminant analysis allowed to identify the most powerful game-related statistics in discriminating between winning and losing teams. The discriminant functions were statistically significant for Super Twelve games (Chi-square = 33.8, p0.01), but not for IRB games (Chi- square = 9.4, p = n.s.). In the first case, winners and losers were discriminated by possessions kicked (SC = 0.48), tackles made (SC = 0.45), rucks and pass (SC = -0.40), passes completed (SC = 0. 39), mauls won (SC = -0.36), turnovers won (SC = -0.33), kicks to touch (SC = 0.32) and errors made (SC = -0.32). The minus sign denotes higher values in losing teams. Rugby game-related statistics were able to discriminate between winners and losers in Super Twelve close games and suggest that a kicking based game supported by an effective defensive structure is more likely to win matches than a possession based one. Key pointsWinning teams made fewer passes and won fewer turnovers on their opposition's possession.International competitions that include teams from all nations are unlikely to show statistically significant differences between winning and losing teams when the difference between the final score is 15 points or less.Regional competitions do elicit significant differences between winning and losing teams and suggest that a kicking based game plan is a more effective style of play during the S12 competition than an open running possession dominated game.

Anecdotally, the fast pace at which the USA men's basketball team played at the 2008 Olympics was the main reason for their dominance, although there is no way of quantifying what a fast pace is or how it contributed to point differentials. The aim of this study was to examine the game-related statistics that discriminate between fast- and slow-paced games, as well as to identify key performance factors relating to point differentials. We analysed game-related statistics for each quarter of the eight games played by the USA using a k-means cluster analysis to classify game pace using ball possessions per game quarter. We then tested for differences in game statistics between slow- and fast-paced game quarters using analysis of variance and discriminant analysis. How differences in game-related statistics affected point differentials was examined using linear regression. The largest structure coefficient between game paces for the USA was for recovered balls (0.33, P

One of the topics of sport sciences that have not been adequately investigated is the importance that specialists dedicate to tactical skills in long-term players development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance that basketball coaches give to the development of these abilities in both sexes. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Items tapped six areas tactic related to: small sided games, offensive superiority games, defensive superiority games, formal game, offense and defense. The sample was divided according to team’s sex and stage of long-term development: initiation, orientation, specialization, or high-performance. No significant differences were found in small sided games and formal game. Significant differences in assigned importance between coaches of boys to offensive superiority and defensive superiority games were found, supporting that these items should be the subject of more intense development primarily until 14 years of age. Significant differences in assigned importance between coaches of girls to defense were found. Coaches reinforced the importance of developing team offensive aspects, primarily at high-performance stage. Finally, significant differences in assigned importance between coaches of both sexes to defensive tactical work were found. Results confirmed that defensive tactical work should be the subject of more intense development between 11 and 14 years old but mostly after 19 years of age, reinforcing the importance of tactical work in later stages of development, i.e., high-level performance.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance that basketball coaches give to drills items during basketball players' development. Data were collected using a questionnaire previously validated by specialists. Eleven drillsrelated items were tapped: opposition, competition, repetition, execution speed, execution technique, length, timing, decisionmaking, space, game and enjoyment. The sample was divided according to sex and stage of long-term development: initiation, orientation, specialization, or high-performance. No significant differences were found in opposition, cooperation, repetition, execution speed, execution technique, timing, space and game. Significant differences in assigned importance of coaches working with boys in drills length were found. Coaches reinforced the importance of drills length in high-level performance. These results could be related with coaches' experience, while they consider selecting those drills that allow developing simultaneously all training factors (technical, tactical, physical and psychological). Also, significant differences in assigned importance of coaches working with boys to decision-making were found, suggesting that it should be the subject of more intense development primarily in later stages of development, i.e., after 19 years of age. Thus, results seem to reinforce the importance of anticipating handling decision-making in practice drills, increasing players' experiences and developing the ability to beat the opponents. Finally, significant differences in assigned importance of coaches working with both sexes to enjoyment were found. Results suggest that in early stages coaches attribute a great importance to enjoyment. However, in later stages, the importance decreases significantly.

The present paper intends to link positive influence of the evolution in rules and the rising reduction casualty with the basketball game dynamics. Throughout a metaphoric perspective it assumes that casualty factors were somehow covered up since the game invention and they were somehow sleepy during the game evolution. This metaphoric point is justified with an historical analysis to Naismith’s goals, presuming the game was created and reinforced by the evolutionary trends of his rules across the time. It was concluded that casualty role in basketball performance was controlled by an evolutionary direction, where the value of merit, ability and expertise are seen as determinants of basketball dynamics.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of two different training interventions (Intermittent versus Continuous training) on semi-professional male soccer player's speed, jump and repeated-sprint ability. Thirty four play- ers were divided into an intermittent training group (INT, n=18, age=26.7±4.7, height=175.3±5.2cm, weight=72.9±4.8Kg) and a continuous training group (CONT, n=16, age=26.6±5.1, height=174.9±5.9cm, weight=73.2±7.2Kg). The study lasted for 12 weeks and consisted of 20 minutes per training session in physical conditioning following either CONT or INT training guidelines. The players were tested 3 times during 1st, 6th and 12th week of the season. Testing consisted of 15m and 30m sprint time, squat-jump and countermovement jump height and Bangsbo modified sprint test. Two-way re- peated measures ANCOVA (group: INT, CONT x TIME-POINT: Week1, Week6, Week12) showed that INT was faster than CONT in the 6 th and 12 th weeks for the squat jump, 15m, 30m and Bangsbo Modified Sprint Test and that INT re- covered better from intense efforts than CONT. Our results suggest that both training interventions were able to maintain initial values of speed and jump. However, the INT exhibit larger improvements in repeated-sprint ability. Therefore, the power endurance training (intermittent high intensity exercise) may be more beneficial to prepare soccer players accord- ing to the game cardiovascular and metabolic specific determinants.

The effects that different constraints have on the exploratory behavior, measured by the variety and quantity of different responses within a game situation, is of the utmost importance for successful performance in team sports. The aim of this study was to determine how the number of teammates and opponents affects the exploratory behavior of both professional and amateur players in small-sided soccer games. Twenty-two professional (age 25.6 ± 4.9 years) and 22 amateur (age 23.1 ± 0.7 years) male soccer players played three small-sided game formats (4 vs. 3, 4 vs. 5, and 4 vs. 7). These trials were video-recorded and a systematic observation instrument was used to notate the actions, which were subsequently analyzed by means of a principal component analysis and the dynamic overlap order parameter (measure to identify the rate and breadth of exploratory behavior on different time scales). Results revealed that a higher the number of opponents required for more frequent ball controls. Moreover, with a higher number of teammates, there were more defensive actions focused on protecting the goal, with more players balancing. In relation to attack, an increase in the number of opponents produced a decrease in passing, driving and controlling actions, while an increase in the number of teammates led to more time being spent in attacking situations. A numerical advantage led to less exploratory behavior, an effect that was especially clear when playing within a team of seven players against four opponents. All teams showed strong effects of the number of teammates on the exploratory behavior when comparing 5 vs 7 or 3 vs 7 teammates. These results seem to be independent of the players' level. We would like to thank the players who volunteered to participate in this study. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Generalitat de Catalunya government project Grup de recerca en Sistemes Complexos i Esport (2014 SGR 975) and Project Symbiotic technology for societal efficiency gains: Deus ex Machina (DEM), NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000026, co-financed by Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER) by NORTE 2020.

The aim of this study was to identify the dynamics of tactical behaviour emerging on different timescales in football small-sided games and to quantify short- and long-term exploratory behaviour according to the number of opponents. Two teams of four professional male footballers played small-sided games against two different teams with a variable number of opponents (3, 5 and 7). Data were collected using a combination of systematic observation and a non-differential global positioning system (15 Hz). The temporal diversity and structural flexibility of the players were determined by calculating the dynamic overlap order parameter q, entropy and trapping strength. Analysis of the exploratory dynamics revealed two different timescales, forming a different metastable landscape of action for each constraint. Fast dynamics lasted on average a few seconds and consisted of changes in tactical patterns. The long timescale corresponded to the shared tasks of offence and defence lasting tens of seconds. The players' tactical diversity decreased with an increasing number of opponents, especially in defence. Manipulating numerical imbalance is likely to promote changes in the diversity, unpredictability and flexibility of tactical solutions. The fact that the temporally nested structure of constraints shaped the emergence of tactical behaviour provides a new rationale for practice task design. The manipulation of numerical imbalance on the timescale of a few tens of seconds, on which the exploratory behaviour of players saturates, may help coaches to optimise the exploratory efficiency of the small-sided games.

This study aimed to analyse how youth basketball players explored numerical overloads during shot attempts by measuring their space occupation across specific court areas. Four process-tracing variables measured how the number of attackers (NA), number of defenders (ND), interpersonal distance between attacker and the closest defender (ID) and distance between attacker and the basket (DBkt) impacted on the performance outcome (converted shot; missed shot; ball possession lost). Ten competitive games involving 13 U14 teams were video recorded and players' displacements were digitised. The associations between performance outcomes and the process-tracing measures were assessed using standardised mean differences and a cross-correlation function. A multinomial logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for each of the three possible outcomes. Results revealed that when shot attempts occurred at larger ID and at smaller DBkt, the possibilities to obtain a converted shot increased. The numerical overload of defenders near the scoring target was predominantly associated with offensive success. Also, the possibility of attackers to lead the spatial relation of movements with the defenders, near the scoring target, appeared as a prominent strategy to succeed. In sum, basketball teams that exhibit potential to adapt their collective behaviours to local changes in the environment might be closer to achieving successful outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to determine the internal (heart rate) and external load (body load, distance covered, and exertion index) during different types of unbalanced soccer small-sided games (SSGs) in professional (PRO) and amateur (AMA) players. In 2 separated sessions (PRO and AMA), participants played 3 SSG formats (4vs3, 4vs5, and 4v7). Data were analyzed from the fixed team's perspective (4vsX) according to the number of opponents (3, 5 and 7) and from the variable team (3 + Xvs4) according to the teammates (without teammates, 2 and 4 teammates). The time-motion and body impact data were collected using a nondifferential global positioning system with integrated heart rate measurement. Differences in internal and external workload between the game formats were compared using Cohen's dunb effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals. Results reveal that the higher the number of players involved in the task, the lower the internal and external workload. The analysis also showed different teammates and opposition-related trends that need to be considered when planning and monitoring training performance. Playing in low-inferiority (4vs3 and 4vs5) had higher physiologic impact to players than the other higher unbalanced situations. This evidence was similar to both PRO and AMA players; however, the PRO presented higher physical and lower physiological responses across games. Our results suggest that coaches should consider the usage of unbalanced SSG formats to simultaneously facilitate the emergence of defensive and offensive proficient scenarios also representing opportunities to increase the practice workload.

This study aims to describe the time-motion and physiological performance profiles of footballers whose ages are under 15 (U15), under 17 (U17), and under 19 (U19) during a typical week of a competitive season. A total of 151 elite Portuguese players U15 (age 14.0 ± 0.2; n = 56), U17 (age 15.8 ± 0.4; n = 66), and U19 (age 17.8 ± 0.6; n = 19) were monitored during 33 training sessions (TSs) (U15 n = 12; U17 n = 11; and U19 n = 10 TSs). The TS data were captured at 15 Hz by global positioning systems devices and divided into post-match (session after the match), prematch (session before the match), and middle week (average of remaining sessions). The U15 middle week showed a higher number of sprints, distance covered in intermediate speed zones, and time spent above 90% HRmax, while the prematch presented a higher distance covered above 18 km · h(-1) and time spent below 75% HRmax. In U17, both prematch and post-match data presented lower values than middle-week data in most of the variables. The post-match data in U19 presented higher values of distance covered above 13 km · h(-1), body impacts above 10 G, and time spent above 85% HRmax, while middle week showed higher values in body impacts in most of the zones. In addition, the prematch data presented 35% to 100% less values than the middle-week data. Understanding the weekly workload variations according to the competition and the developmental ages of the players can contribute to optimising short- and mid-term planning.

The aim of this study was to compare footballers' movement behaviour during 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-a-side small-sided games. Ten young professional players (age=18.0 +/- 0.67years) participated in 3 bouts of each small-sided games for 6min with 1min of active rest between bouts. Positional data were collected using GPS system units and used to calculate the following variables: team centroid, distance between each player and own and opponent team centroids and distance between centroids. Approximate entropy was used to identify the time series regularity for each variable. The distance to own team centroid increased with the number of players (effect sizes from moderate to perfect). The results from the distance to the opponent's centroid exhibited a similar trend. The distance between centroids decreased from 2- to the 4-a-side, but then increased in 5-a-side. A higher number of players were associated with lower approximate entropy values, suggesting higher positional organisation in small-sided games with more players. The highest movement regularity found in 4- and 5-a-side identified these formats as more adequate to promote team-related emergent and self-organised behaviours.

Ball screens are one of the most frequently used tactical behaviour in elite basketball games. The aim of the present study was to identify their predictors of success related to time, space, players, and tasks performed. The sample was composed of 818 ball screens corresponding to 20 close games (mean differences in score of 3.1 ± 0.8 points) randomly selected from the playoff games of the Spanish Basketball League (2008–2011). Classification tree analysis (CHAID) was used to analyse which variable or combination of variables, better predicts effectiveness during ball screens. The main results allowed identifying interactions with dribbler actions after the screen and the orientation of the screen on the ball. The results showed no interaction with game quarter and quarter minute temporal-related variables in both analyses. The present findings allow improving coaches’ strategic plans that involve selecting the most appropriate offensive approach when performing ball screens. 2014/UEM03 “TacticTalent” 2.142 JCR (2015) Q2, 22/82 Sport sciences UEM

The aim of the present paper was to examine the differences in game-related statistics between basketball players who are selected for the starting five of the team (starters) and those who are not (nonstarters) when related to game outcome (winning and losing) and team quality (best teams, teams classified for the playoffs; and worst teams, teams who miss playoff classification). Archival data were gathered for all 2002–2003 regular season games from the Portuguese Professional League ( N = 156). Discriminant analysis was used to identify the game-related statistics that differentiate between starters and nonstarters and interpreted by the examination of the structure coefficients (SC). When the best teams won the games, results described differences between starters and nonstarters with an emphasis on defensive rebounds (SC = .32), assists (SC = .32) and committed fouls (SC = –.68). When the worst teams won the games, results described differences between starters and nonstarters with an emphasis on 2-point field goals successful (SC = .47) and unsuccessful (SC = .48), defensive rebounds (SC = .39), successful free throws (SC = .32), and committed fouls (SC = –.55). An also important finding was that, in best teams, the nonstarters' performance was worse in the games that the team lost, whereas in worst teams, it was the starters' performance that was worse in the games that the team lost.

The aim of the present paper was to examine the differences in game-related statistics between basketball guards, forwards and centres playing in three professional leagues: National Basketball Association (NBA, superior level) in the USA, Associacion de Clubs de Baloncesto (ACB, one of the best European leagues) in Spain and Liga de Clubes de Basquetebol (LCB, inferior level) in Portugal. We reasoned that the knowledge of these differences could allow the coaches to better establish and monitor playing patterns and increase the effectiveness of the player recruitment process. Archival data was gathered for the 2000–2001 play-off final series of the NBA (five games), ACB (three games) and LCB (four games). For players in each league, discriminant analysis was able to identify game-related statistics that maximized mean differences between playing positions (p

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of 4 months of different training modalities on power, speed, skill and anaerobic capacity in 15-16 year old male basketball players. Thirty five Lithuanian basketball players were randomly assigned into three groups: power endurance group (intermittent exercise, PE, n = 12), general endurance group (continuous exercise, GE, n = 11) and control group (regular basketball training, CG, n = 12). The power endurance model was based in basketball game external structure whereas the general endurance model was based in continuous actions that frequently occur during the basketball game. The training models were used for 16 weeks in sessions conducted 3 times a week during 90 minutes each in the competition period. The following tests were performed: 20 m speed run, Squat jump, Countermovement jump, Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST), 2 min. shooting test and the Shuttle ball-dribbling test. A 3×2 repeated measures ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences in the 20 m speed run, Squat jump and Countermovement jump (p0.05). On the other hand, RAST showed significant increases in PE, with greater increases during the 5(th) and 6(th) runs. The PE training model also produced a significant improvement in the shuttle ball-dribbling test (48.7 ± 1.5 in the pretest, 45.5 ± 1.3 in the posttest, p0.05). Globally, our results suggest that both training modalities were able to maintain initial values of speed and power, however, the anaerobic capacity and skill increased only in the players from the power endurance group. Therefore, the power endurance training (intermittent high intensity exercise) may be more beneficial to prepare junior players according to the game cardiovascular and metabolic specific determinants. Key PointsPower endurance training produced significant increases in anaerobic capacity during the competition period.Power endurance training did not have a detrimental effect on power or speed performance during the competition period.The greatest differences between general endurance and power endurance training were noticed during the 5(th) and 6(th) runs of the RAST test.

Success in basketball is conditioned by factors like the evolution of partial results, player’s changes, fouls, time left, etc. The resolution of the games is not always at the end, but it can take place at every moment. We designate the moments that are more decisive than others for winning or losing games, as critical moments. The aim of the present study is to present a methodology able to identify the variables that contributed to characterize the critical moments of the three games of the playoff of the ACB league 2002/2003. After analysing the results, we can conclude that this methodology allowed us to identify important variations in the offensive efficiency ratings (scored points by ball possessions), that were called critical moments; that these moments happened at the second half of the game (third and fourth quarters) and that they were preceded by the team’s fourth foul.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an intensity progressive strength training program on the performance of two tests related to fall risk: the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and the Timed Get-Up-and-Go Test (TUG). Twenty subjects were randomly included in one experimental group (age 73 +/- 6 years old) and one control group (age 75 +/- 5 years old). Subjects from the experimental group participated in a strength-training program consisting of three sessions each week for a period of 14 consecutive weeks, from 50% to 80% of 1RM. A 2 (group: experimental vs. control) x 2 (pre-post: pre-test vs. post-test) repeated measures ANOVA was carried out on subjects in TUG and FRT performance. Mean FRT results from the pre-test were significantly lower than mean results from post-test. The two main effects were qualified by a significant group x pre-post interaction, F(1,18) = 39.23, P < 0.001, identifying markedly different performance profiles. Mean TUG results from the pre-test were significantly lower than mean results from post-test. The two main effects were qualified by a significant group x pre-post interaction, F(1,18) = 50.74, P < 0.001, again identifying markedly different performance profiles. Globally, the obtained results through our progressive strength-training program showed important improvements in functional task performance and in preventing falls.

Speed and distance covered during training sessions and competitions of youth soccer players.

The aim of the present paper is to investigate the discriminatory power of game statistics between winning and losing teams in the Portuguese Professional Basketball League. Methodological issues c...

The analysis of positional data in association football allows the spatial distribution of players during matches to be described in order to improve the understanding of tactical-related constraints on the behavioural dynamics of players. The aim of this study was to identify how players’ spatial restrictions affected the exploratory tactical behaviour and constrained the perceptual-motor workspace of players in possession of the ball, as well as inter-player passing interactions. Nineteen professional outfield male players were divided into two teams of 10 and 9 players, respectively. The game was played under three spatial constraints: a) players were not allowed to move out of their allocated zones, except for the player in possession of the ball; b) players were allowed to move to an adjacent zone, and; c) non-specific spatial constraints. Positional data was captured using a 5 Hz interpolated GPS tracking system and used to define the configuration states of players for each second in time. The configuration state comprised 37 categories derived from tactical actions, distance from the nearest opponent, distance from the target and movement speed. Notational analysis of players in possession of the ball allowed the mean time of ball possession and the probabilities of passing the ball between players to be calculated. The results revealed that the players’ long-term exploratory behaviour decreased and their short-term exploration increased when restricting their space of interaction. Relaxing players’ positional constraints seemed to increase the speed of ball flow dynamics. Allowing players to move to an adjacent sub-area increased the probabilities of interaction with the full-back during play build-up. The instability of the coordinative state defined by being free from opponents when players had the ball possession was an invariant feature under all three task constraints. By allowing players to move to adjacent sub-areas, the coordinative state became highly unstable when the distance from the target decreased. Ball location relative to the scoring zone and interpersonal distance constitute key environmental information that constrains the players’ coordinative behaviour. Based on our results, dynamic overlap is presented as a good option to capture tactical performance. Moreover, the selected collective (i.e. relational) variables would allow coaches to identify the effects of training drills on teams and players’ behaviour. More research is needed considering these type variables to understand how the manipulation of constraints induce a more stable or flexible dynamical structure of tactical behaviour.

The aim of the current study was (i) to identify how important is a good season start on elite soccer teams' performance and (ii) to examine whether this impact is related to the clubs' financial budget. The match performances and annual budgets of all teams were collected from the English FA Premier League, French Ligue 1, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A and German Bundesliga for three consecutive seasons (2010-2011 to 2012-2013). A k-means cluster analysis classified the clubs according to their budget as High Range Budget Clubs, Upper-Mid Range Budget Clubs, Lower-Mid Range Budget Clubs and Low Range Budget Clubs. Data were examined through linear regression models. Overall, the results suggested that the better the team performance at the beginning of the season, the better the ranking at the end of the season. However, the impact of the effect depended on the clubs' annual budget, with lower budgets being associated with a greater importance of having a good season start (P 0.01). Moreover, there were differences in trends across the different leagues. These variables can be used to develop accurate models to estimate final rankings. Conversely, Lower-Mid and Lower Range Budget Clubs can benefit from fine-tuning preseason planning in order to accelerate the acquisition of optimal performances.

Players within the same age group may present different physical and physiological profiles. This study classified young soccer players according to their physical and physiological profiles obtained during the training sessions and compared classification by age and playing position criteria. 151 male elite Portuguese soccer players (under 15, under 17, and under 19 years old) participated. Time-motion and body acceleration and deceleration data were collected using GPS technology with heart rate monitored continuously across the selected training sessions. The data were grouped using two-step cluster analysis to classify athletes. A repeated-measures factorial ANOVA was performed to identify differences in the variables. Three clusters comprised 15.2%, 37.1%, and 47.7% of the total sample, respectively. Players of the same ages and playing experience had different performance profiles. Grouping players with similar physiological profiles during training sessions may allow coaches to balance oppositions and reduce the variability of the physiological outcomes.

This study analysed the influence of field dimension and players’ skill level on collective tactical behaviours during small-sided and conditioned games (SSCGs). Positioning and displacement data were collected using global positioning systems (15 Hz) during SSCGs (Gk+4 v. 4+Gk) played by two groups of participants (NLP- national-level and RLP-regional-level players) on different field dimensions (small: 36.8 × 23.8 m; intermediate: 47.3 × 30.6 and large: 57.8 × 37.4 m). Team tactical performance was assessed through established dynamic team variables (effective playing space, playing length per width ratio and team separateness) and nonlinear signal processing techniques (sample entropy of distances to nearest opponents and the teams’ centroids’ mutual information). Results showed that the effective playing space and team separateness increased significantly with pitch size regardless of participant skill level (P < 0.001, η2 = 0.78 and P < 0.001, η2 = 0.65, respectively). Playing length per width ratio increased with pitch size for the NLP but was maintained at a relatively constant level by RLP across treatments indicating different playing shapes. There was significantly more irregularity in distances to nearest opponents for the NLP in small (P = 0.003) and intermediate fields (P = 0.01). Findings suggest that tactical behaviours in SSCGs are constrained by field size and skill level, which need to be considered by coaches when designing training practices.

The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to examine the influence of situational variables on ball possession in elite soccer and (2) to quantify the variables that discriminate between high or low percentage ball possession teams (HPBPT and LPBPT) across different playing positions. Match performance data were collected from English Premier League matches using a multiple-camera system. Data were examined using linear regression, a 2 × 5 factorial analysis of variance and discriminant analysis. Playing against weak opposition was associated with an increase (P 0.01) in time spent in possession while playing away decreased (P 0.01) the time spent in possession by ~3%. Possession was increased (P 0.01) when losing than winning or drawing. Finally, the better the ranking of a team, the higher (P 0.01) the time spent in possession. The playing position effect was significant for all variables (P 0.05); however, there were only interactions with team ball possession in some cases. The discriminant analysis identified functions for all five playing positions (P 0.01). The variables that discriminated performance between HPBPT and LPBPT were different for various playing positions, although the number of successful passes was the most common discriminating variable. The results demonstrate that HPBPT and LPBPT developed different possession strategies during matches and that selected variables such as successful passes were identified to explain these data trends across various playing positions. Combinations of variables could be used to develop a probabilistic model for predicting time spent in possession by teams.

This study aimed to measure how the change on targets information modifies teams’ tactical behavior during football small-sided games. 20 male senior professional players divided in 4 teams of 5 players participated in the study. Each team played two small-sided games, one with 2 official targets with goalkeeper and one with 6 small targets. Positional data of each player were recorded using a 15 Hz portable GPS. The distance between the centers of gravity (CG) of both team, the stretch index and the relative stretch index were measured and differences accessed via standardized differences, coefficient intervals and meta-analysis procedures. A moderate increase on the distance between the CG of each team and a small decrease on the stretch index and on the relative stretch index from 2 targets to the 6 targets games was observed. It was also identified that pitch location affected the interaction between teams. When the game was played in lateral corridors or defensive sectors, the differences between game conditions increased. Emphasizing the information for attacking team to shoot at goal, by manipulating the number of targets constrained tactical behavior of teams. The amplification of specific information on small-sided games can help coaches to promote players and teams’ emergent adapted behaviors.

The purpose of the present study was to identify which game-related statistics discriminate winning and losing teams in men's and women's elite wheelchair basketball. The sample comprised all the games played during the Beijing Paralympics 2008 and the World Wheelchair Basketball Championship 2010. The game-related statistics from the official box scores were gathered and data were analysed in 2 groups: balanced games (final score differences ≤ 12 points) and unbalanced games (final score differences13 points). Discriminant analysis allowed identifying the successful 2-point field-goals and free-throws, the unsuccessful 3-point field-goals and free-throws, the assists and fouls received as discriminant statistics between winning and losing teams in men's balanced games. In women's games, the teams were discriminated only by the successful 2-point field-goals. Linear regression analysis showed that the quality of opposition had great effects in final point differential. The field-goals percentage and free-throws rate were the most important factors in men's games, and field-goals percentage and offensive rebounding percentage in women's games. The identified trends allow improving game understanding and helping wheelchair basketball coaches to plan accurate practice sessions and, ultimately, deciding better in competition.

This study aimed to quantify the time-motion demands and intra-team movement synchronization during the pre-season matches of a professional soccer team according to the opposition level. Positional data from 20 players were captured during the first half of six pre-season matches of a Portuguese first league team. Time-motion demands were measured by the total distance covered and distance covered at different speed categories. Intra-team coordination was measured by calculating the relative phase of all pairs of outfield players. Afterwards, the percentage of time spent in the −30° to 30° bin (near-in-phase mode of coordination) was calculated for each dyad as a measure of space-time movement synchronization. Movement synchronization data were analyzed for the whole team, according to each dyad average speed and by groups of similar dyadic synchronization tendencies. Then, these data were compared according to the opponent team level (first league; second league; amateurs). Time-motion demands showed no differences in total distance covered per opposition levels, while matches opposing teams of superior level revealed more distance covered at very high intensity. Competing against superior level teams implied more time in synchronized behavior for the overall displacements and displacements at higher intensities. These findings suggest that playing against higher-level opponents (1st league teams) increased time-motion demands at high intensities in tandem with intra-team movement synchronization tendencies.

The aim of this study was to identify the acute effects of hypertrophic strength training programs on the vertical jump and technical actions in small-sided handball games during preseason. 12 senior male players (M age = 22.2 yr., SD = 3.4) participated in 3 × 3 and 6 × 6 small-sided games preceded by no strength training or upper limbs/ lower limbs/ upper+lower limbs strength training. The results showed that strength training affected the vertical jump performance and the effectiveness of some skills. The higher physiological stimuli during 3 × 3 games promoted the deterioration of some skills' proficiency, mainly during small-sided games with preceding strength training. The 6 × 6 games elicited higher cooperation and interaction between players and potentiated the vertical jump performance after strength training. Thus, when training sessions are focused on the development of skills performance, combining hypertrophic strength training with 3 × 3 games may be detrimental. On the other hand, ...

The present randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of different exercise training modalities on functional fitness responses in apparently healthy older men.A total of 59 community-dwelling older men were randomly assigned to an aerobic training group (ATG, n=19), a combined aerobic and resistance training group (CTG, n=20) or a control group (n=20). Both exercise training programs were moderate-to-vigorous intensity, 3 days/week for 9 months. Six independent functional fitness tests (back scratch, chair sit-and-reach, 30-s chair stand, arm curl, 8-ft up-and-go, 6-min walk) were measured on five different occasions. The data were analyzed using a mixed-model ANOVA.ANOVA showed a significant main effect of group (P0.001) for all functional fitness tests, with significant differences between both training groups and controls. However, the ATG only improved the chair sit-and-reach and the 30-s chair stand performance, whereas CTG improved in all functional fitness tests. ANOVA also identified a significant main effect of time for 8-ft up-and-go (P=0.031) in the CTG.Only the combined exercise program was effective in improving all functional fitness components related to daily living activities.

The aim of the present study was to identify the effects of a starting score-line on the game quarter final score (final quarter outcome except for the first period) when considering the quality of the opposition and game location. The sample comprised 1,456 game quarters from the Spanish women’s professional league (seasons 2009/2010 and 2010/2011). A k-means cluster analysis classified the game quarters as balanced (difference in score equal or below by six points, n=1,000) and unbalanced game quarters (difference in score above six points, n=456). The effects of the situational variables in the game quarter outcome (difference between points scored and points conceded) in an entire game and in the second, third, and fourth game quarters were analyzed using linear regression analysis. The results showed the importance of a starting quarter score only during the second game quarters when one analyzed the entire game and unbalanced quarters. Also, the results showed that the situational variables of game location and quality of the opposition affected during the entire game quarters and unbalanced game quarters. These results established that the game dynamics in women’s basketball are strongly influenced by situational variables. The results of the present study help the coaches to develop appropriate game strategies considering the situational variables and the game dynamics., Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je identificirati utjecaj aktualnog rezultata utakmice s početka pojedine četvrtine na završni rezultat četvrtine (svih četvrtina osim prve četvrtine) kada se u obzir uzmu kvaliteta protivnika i mjesto igranja utakmice. Uzorak se sastojao od 1.456 četvrtina košarkaških utakmica španjolske profesionalne ženske lige (sezone 2009./10. i 2010./11.). Pomoću klaster analize četvrtine su bile klasificirane kao uravnotežene (razlika u rezultatu bila je 6 ili manje poena, n=1.000) i neuravnotežene četvrtine (razlika u rezultatu bila je veća od 6 poena, n=456). Utjecaj situacijskih varijabli na završni rezultat četvrtina (razlika u postignutim i primljenim poenima) za cijelu utakmicu te druge, treće i četvrte četvrtine posebno bile su analizirane linearnom regresijskom analizom. Rezultati su pokazali važnost početnog rezultata četvrtine samo tijekom druge četvrtine kada su analizirane cijele utakmice i neuravnotežene četvrtine. Također, rezultati su pokazali da su situacijske varijable mjesto odigravanja utakmice i kvaliteta suparnika utjecale na rezultat tijekom svih četvrtina utakmice te neuravnoteženih četvrtina utakmice. Ovim rezultatima utvrđeno je da je dinamika igre u ženskoj košarci snažno pod utjecajem situacijskih varijabli. Rezultati ovog istraživanja pomoći će trenerima da razviju prikladne strategije igre uzimajući u obzir situacijske varijable i dinamiku igre.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the path to the expertise of Portuguese and USA basketball players according to their specific playing position (i.e. guards, forwards and centers). The information needed to achieve this purpose was collected through a validated questionnaire applied to 75 Portuguese and 45 USA players in the Portuguese League. This questionnaire provided detailed information about the quantity and type of sporting activities performed throughout their careers. The results suggest some variability in the path followed by the players according to a playing position, except for the conformity displayed regarding early sport diversification (especially between six and ten years of age). The main findings emerging from this comparison suggest that while the Portuguese basketball players specialize in basketball earlier, the USA players seem to be guided to maintain a more comprehensive and diversified approach until 18 years of age., Cilj je ovoga rada bio analizirati kako su se usavršavali portugalskih i američki košarkaši do svojih specifičnih igračkih pozicija (tj. bekovi, krila i centri). Podaci za provedbu ove analize prikupljeni su pomoću provjerenog upitnika koji je ispunilo 75 portugalskih i 45 američkih košarkaša koji igraju u portugalskoj košarkaškoj ligi. Upitnik je omogućio prikupljanje detaljnih podataka o kvantiteti i vrsti sportskih aktivnosti koje su igrači provodili prije i na početku svojih igračkih karijera. Rezultati su pokazali varijabilnost razvojnih putova igrača s različitih igračkih pozicija, ali i visoko slaganje što se tiče raznolikosti aktivnosti kojima su ispitanici sudjelovali u ranoj životnoj dobi (osobito u dobi od 6 do 10 godina). Glavne spoznaje koje su dobivene ovom usporedbom košarkaša sugeriraju da se portugalski košarkaši ranije specijaliziraju za izabrani sport, dok američke košarkaše njihovi učitelji/treneri usmjeravaju na što svestranije i raznolikije sportsko usavršavanje do 18. godine.