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The main aim of this doctoral thesis was to investigate factors that have a strong theoretical basis for their relationship to running performance in soccer but have not been sufficiently investigated among professional elite-level players. Specifically, Study 1 aimed to examine possible associations that may exist between match running performance (MRP) and soccer match performance; Study 2 aimed to examine possible associations that may exist between running performance during matches (e.g., MRP) and training (e.g., the weekly external training load); Study 3 aimed to examine possible associations that may exist between the weekly external training load and match outcomes; and Study 4 aimed to examine possible associations that may exist between MRP and direct measures of aerobic performance (e.g., VO2max, AnT, and AeT). The studies were carried out on professional soccer players from a single team that competed in the highest national soccer competition in Croatia. All running performance data were collected from training sessions and official matches during the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons using global positioning system technology (Optim-Eye S5 & X4, Catapult, Melbourne, Australia). Players’ performance was classified into five groups according to their playing positions in the game: central defenders (CD), fullbacks (FB), central midfielders (CM), wide midfielders (WM), and forwards (FW). The MRP included the total distance covered; distance covered in the different speed zones of walking, jogging, low-intensity running, running, high-speed running, sprinting, and high-intensity running; total number of accelerations; number of high-intensity accelerations; total number of decelerations; and number of high-intensity decelerations. The results of Study 1 indicated significant associations between MRP and soccer match performance assessed by the InStat Index for players in specific playing positions. Specifically, the InStat Index was correlated with running (r = 0.42, p = 0.03) and high intensity accelerations (r = 0.49, p = 0.01) for CDs, number of decelerations for FBs (r = −0.43, p = 0.04), and sprinting for FWs (r = 0.80, p = 0.02). The results of study 2 indicated that high-intensity accelerations (r = 0.42, p = 0.01) and high-intensity decelerations (r = 0.52, p = 0.01) during training were correlated with the corresponding match running performance for FBs. Running (r = 0.52, p = 0.01), high speed running (r = 0.56, p = 0.01), sprinting (r = 0.64, p = 0.01), high-intensity accelerations (r = 0.59, p = 0.01), and high-intensity decelerations (r = 0.52, p = 0.01) during training were correlated with the corresponding match running performance for CMs. High-intensity accelerations (r = 0.48, p = 0.02), running (r = 0.51, p = 0.02), and high-speed running (r = 0.47, p = 0.03) during training were correlated with the corresponding match running performance for CDs. The results of Study 3 indicated that match outcome was negatively related to the weekly amount of total distance (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.98-0.99), low-intensity running (OR: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.97-0.99), running (OR: 0.99; 95%CI: 0.98-0.99), high-intensity running (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.97-0.99), total accelerations (OR: 0.99; 95%CI: 0.98-0.99), total decelerations (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.96-0.99), high-intensity accelerations (OR: 0.96; 95%CI: 0.95-0.99), and high-intensity decelerations (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.97-0.99). The results of Study 4 indicated that the anaerobic threshold was correlated with high speed running (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and sprinting (r = 0.53, p < 0.01) among side players (e.g., FBs and WMs). For central players (e.g., CDs, CMs, and FWs), the aerobic threshold was correlated with the total distance covered (r = 0.47, p < 0.05), low-intensity running (r = 0.49, p < 0.05), and running (r = 0.39, p < 0.05). The results of this doctoral thesis show that (i) increased MRP may directly provoke increased soccer match performance, (ii) an increased weekly external training load may provoke increased MRP, (iii) an increased weekly external training load may negatively affect match outcomes in subsequent matches, and (iv) increased aerobic performance may provoke increased MRP. These findings offer new knowledge on factors affecting running performance in elite-level soccer, consequently enabling soccer coaches to design soccer-specific training programs aiming to optimize the whole training process and maximize player performance. In addition, since the MRP of soccer players competing in the Croatian first division was, for the first time, analysed, this doctoral thesis ultimately provides a detailed understanding of the physical demands placed on Croatian elite-level soccer players during matches and training. Glavni cilj ove doktorske disertacije bio je istražiti čimbenike koji imaju snažnu teorijsku pozadinu za povezanost s trkačkim performansama u nogometu, a koji nisu dovoljno istraživani među profesionalnim igračima elitne razine natjecanja. Konkretno, Studija 1 imala je za cilj ispitati moguću povezanost između trkačkih performansi i nogometnih performansi na utakmicama; Studija 2 imala je za cilj ispitati moguće povezanost između trkačkih performansi tijekom utakmica i treninga (tjedno vanjsko trenažno opterećenje); Studija 3 je imala za cilj ispitati moguću povezanost između tjednog vanjskog trenažnog opterećenje i ishoda utakmice; Studija 4 je imala za cilj ispitati moguću povezanost između različitih direktnih mjera aerobnih performansi (maksimalni primitak kisika, anaerobni i aerobni prag) i trkačkih performansi na utakmici. Istraživanja su provedena na profesionalnim igračima iz jedne momčadi koja se natjecala na najvišem rangu državnog nogometnog natjecanja u Hrvatskoj. Svi podaci o trkačkim performansama prikupljeni su s treninga i službenih utakmica u sezonama 2018/2019 i 2019/2020 koristeći tehnologiju globalnog sustava za pozicioniranje (Optim-Eye S5 & X4, Catapult, Melbourne, Australija). Trkačke performanse igrača su klasificirane u pet skupina prema njihovim pozicijama u igri: središnji braniči, bekovi, središnji vezni, krilni vezni i napadači. Trkačke performanse su uključivale: ukupnu prijeđenu udaljenost, udaljenost prijeđenu u različitim zonama trčanje: hodanje, kaskanje, nisko intenzivno trčanje, trčanje, trčanje velikom brzinom, sprint, visoko intenzivno trčanje, ukupan broj akceleracija, broj visoko intenzivnih akceleracija, ukupan broj deceleracija, broj visoko intenzivnih deceleracija. Rezultati Studije 1 pokazali da postoji značajna povezanost između trkačkih performansi i nogometnih performansi determiniranih InStat Indeksom za igrače na određenim igračkim pozicijama. Konkretno, InStat Index bio je povezan s trčanjem (r = 0.42, p = 0.03) i visoko intenzivnim akceleracijama (r = 0.49, p = 0.01) kod središnji braniča, deceleracijama kod bekova (r = −0.43, p = 0.04) i sprintom kod napadače (r = 0.80, p = 0.02). Rezultati Studije 2 pokazali su da postoji značajna povezanost između visoko intenzivnih akceleracija (r = 0.42, p = 0.01) i visoko intenzivne deceleracija (r = 0.52, p = 0.01) na treninzima i na utakmicama kod bekova. Kod središnji veznih postojala je značajna povezanost između trčanja (r = 0.52, p = 0.01), trčanja velikom brzinom (r = 0.56, p = 0.01), sprinta (r = 0.64, p = 0,01), visoko intenzivnih akceleracija (r = 0.59, p = 0.01) i visoko intenzivnih deceleracija (r = 0.52, p = 0.01) na treninzima i na utakmicama. Kod središnji braniča postojala je značajna povezanost između visoko intenzivnih akceleracija (r = 0.48, p = 0.02), trčanja (r = 0.51, p = 0.02) i trčanja velikom brzinom (r = 0.47, p = 0.03) na treninzima i na utakmicama. Rezultati Studije 3 pokazali su da je ishod utakmice bio negativno povezan s tjednom količinom: ukupnog trčanja (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.98-0.99), trčanja niskim intenzitetom (OR: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.97-0.99), trčanja (OR: 0.99; 95%CI: 0.98-0.99), trčanja visokim intenzitetom (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.97-0.99), akceleracija (OR: 0.99; 95%CI: 0.98-0.99), deceleracija (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.96-0.99), visoko intenzivnih akceleracija (OR: 0.96; 95%CI: 0.95-0.99) i visoko intenzivnih deceleracija (OR: 0.98; 95%CI: 0.97-0.99). Rezultati Studije 4 pokazali su da postoji značajna povezanost između anaerobnog praga i trčanja velikom brzinom (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) i sprinta (r = 0.53, p < 0.01) kod igrača koji igraju na vanjskim pozicijama (bekovi i krilni vezni). Kod igrača koji igraju na centralnim pozicijama (središnji braniči, središnji vezni i napadači) postojala je značajna povezanost između aerobnog praga i ukupne prijeđene udaljenosti (r = 0.47, p < 0.05), trčanja niskim intenzitetom (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) i trčanja (r = 0.39, p < 0.05). Rezultati ove doktorske disertacije pokazuju da (i) veće trkačke performanse na utakmicama mogu potaknuti bolje nogometne performanse, (ii) veće tjedno vanjsko trenažno opterećenje može potaknuti veće trkačke performanse na utakmicama, (iii) veće tjedno vanjsko trenažno opterećenje može negativno utjecati na ishod utakmice, (iv) bolje aerobne performanse mogu potaknuti veće trkačke performanse na utakmicama. Ovi nalazi pružili su nova saznanja o faktorima koji utječu na trkačke performanse u nogometu elitne razine, što posljedično može omogućiti nogometnim trenerima kreiranje trenažnih programa koji mogu optimizirati cjelokupni proces treninga i maksimizirati učinak igrača na utakmicama. Osim toga, s obzirom da su u ovome istraživanju prvi puta analizirane trkačke performanse nogometaša najvišeg ranga natjecanja u Hrvatskoj, ova doktorska disertacija u konačnici omogućuje detaljno razumijevanje fizičkih zahtjeva s kojima se susreću elitni nogometaši tijekom utakmica i treninga u Hrvatskoj.

[Abstract] Currently, there are still few studies on the tactical and contextual criteria that determine offensive success in women’s soccer. The objectives of this study were to discover contextual and tactical criteria that show an association with success in elite women’s soccer and to establish a multivariate predictive model for the offensive phase. For this, 2323 ball possessions were analyzed in FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 via direct observation. In addition, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with women’s soccer coaches and players. For direct observation, a bivariate analysis between the analysed criteria and possession’s outcome was suggested. Additionally, a multivariate predictive analysis was proposed via a decision tree method. To analyze the interviews, a sequential analysis of delays and polar coordinates analysis were carried out. It was established a multi-variant model of offensive success based on possession zone (middle offensive), initial offensive intention (progress) and start zone (preoffensive or offensive) criteria. The probability of offensive success was 75.2% interactively between those criteria. In addition, the analysis of the interviews allowed us to conclude that criteria related to technical–tactical performance, decision-making and physical capacities of the players will be decisive in increasing the probabilities of success. The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of a Spanish government subproject Mixed method approach on performance analysis (in training and competition) in elite and academy sport [PGC2018-098742-B-C33] (2019–2021) [del Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU), la Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) y el Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)], that is part of the coordinated project New approach of research in physical activity and sport from mixed methods perspective (NARPAS_MM) [SPGC201800X098742CV0].

RESUMO O desempenho técnico-tático é fundamental para a vitória no voleibol, deste modo, é importante identificar indicadores associados com a vitória no set. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar e associar os coeficientes de performance técnico-tático em função do resultado do set no voleibol feminino escolar. Participaram do estudo atletas escolares, com idade entre 12 e 14 anos. Foram analisados 27 jogos, resultando em 57 sets, 7194 ações (saque= 2380; recepção de saque= 2157; levantamento= 1358; e ataque= 1299). Posteriormente, foi calculado o coeficiente de performance por ação e set. Utilizou-se de regressão logística binária, para verificar a associação dos coeficientes de performance com a vitória do set. O coeficiente de performance de saque classificado como “bom” mostrou-se como principal preditor de vitória no set (OR = 29,46), seguido por levantamento “bom” (OR= 15,87), e ataque “bom” (OR= 7,32). O saque é o principal preditor de performance no presente estudo, seguido pelo levantamento e ataque. Esses resultados sugerem que o saque deve ser priorizado no treinamento, já que aumenta as chances de vitória no set. ABSTRACT Technical-tactical performance is essencial to victory in volleyball, so it is important to identify indicators associated with winning the set. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify and associate the technical-tactical coefficient of performance based on the result of the set in the school female volleyball. School athletes participated in the study (age between 12-14 years old). 27 match were analyzed, resulting in 57 sets, 7194 actions (serve= 2380, serve reception= 2157, set= 1358; and attack= 1299). Subsequently, the performance coefficient per action and set was calculated. Binary logistic regression was used to verify the association of the performance coefficients with victory of the set. The serve performance coefficient classified as "good" proved to be a major victory predictor set (OR= 29.46), followed by set classified as "good" (OR= 15.87), and attack classified as “good” (OR= 7.32). The serve is the major predictor in the present study, followed by serve and attack. These results suggest that serve should be prioritized in training, as it increases the chances of victory.

The use of instruments for the evaluation of a player’s procedural tactical knowledge (PTK) in sociomotor sports, such as football, is a line of research of growing interest since it allows a pertinent description of the player’s football competence. The aim of this study is to configure and validate an ad-hoc observational tool that allows evaluating the player’s PTK, understood as football competence, from the observation, coding and recording of the roles, the actions of the acquired subroles and the operational and specific principles of football in the attack and defense phases. Based on the Delphi method, a field format coding instrument was designed and validated where each criterion is a system of categories, exhaustive and mutually exclusive. The results showed excellent content validity (9.02 out of 10), and high values of intra-observer stability (k = 0.747) and inter-observer agreement (k = 0.665). Generalizability analysis showed an excellent reliability (G = 0.99). Additionally, the construct validity of the tool was calculated through a small-sided game Gk + 4v4 + Gk, using two independent samples: semi-professional and amateur players. The results reflected significant differences (α &lt, 0.05) between both samples in the variables total score, offensive score and defensive score. Therefore, this study provides a valid and reliable instrument that allows data collection in a rigorous and pertinent way, as well as their analysis and evaluation in attack and defense according to the roles of the players and based on the motor behaviors that they perform using the subroles that they acquired, associated with the technical dimension, along with the principles that they develop in parallel, in support of the tactical dimension.

Observational methodology provides a rigorous yet flexible framework for capturing behaviors over time to allow for the performance of subsequent diachronic analyses of the data captured. Theme is a specialized software program that detects hidden temporal behavioral patterns (T-patterns) within data sets. It is increasingly being used to analyze performance in soccer and other sports. The aim of this study was to show how to select and interpret T-patterns generated by the application of three “quantitative” sort options in Theme and three “qualitative” filters established by the researchers. These will be used to investigate whether 7-a-side (F7) or 8-a-side (F8) soccer is best suited to the learning and skills development needs of 7- and 8-year-old male soccer players. The information contained in the T-patterns generated allowed us to characterize patterns of play in children in this age group. For both formats, we detected technical-tactical behaviors showing that children of this age have difficulty with first-touch actions and controlling the ball after a throw-in. We also found that ball control followed by a pass or a shot at the goal are common in the central corridor of the pitch. Further, depth of play is achieved by ball control, followed by dribbling and a pass or shot. In F8, we saw that depth of play was achieved through ball control, followed by dribbling and passing of one or more opponents leading to a pass or shot. However, in F7, we saw that players succeeded in advancing from their goal area to the rival goal area through a sequence of actions., Secretaria de Estado de Investigacion, Desarrollo e Innovacion del Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad DEP2015-66069-P Avances metodologicos y tecnologicos en el estudio observacional del comportamiento deportivo (Secretaria de Estado de Investigacion, Desarrollo e Innovacion del Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad) PSI2015-71947-REDT University of La Rioja

The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical and tactical performance of volleyball players and compare them according to their experience level in sport. Twenty-four teams finalists in the 2010 State Championship of Santa Catarina in categories under-15, under-16 and under-17 have participated in the study. The instruments used were a questionnaire to athletes to identify the level of sport experience and Technical-Tactical Evaluation Tool in Volleyball (IAD-VB) by Collet et al. (2011) to evaluate the technical-tactical actions. For data analysis we used descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression, in the SPSS software, adopting the significance level p

O objetivo do presente estudo é verificar o nível de desenvovimento técnico-tático de jovens jogadores de futsal, considerando a experiência esportiva. Participaram do estudo 34 jogadores de futsal, sendo 9 experientes e 25 não experientes, pertencentes às categorias sub-13 e sub-15. Foi utilizado o Instrumento de Avaliação do Desempenho Técnico-Tático Individual de Saad (2012), para analisar as ações técnico-táticas. Para avaliar as diferenças do desempenho entre grupos, foi empregado o teste t para amostras independentes com p < 5%. Os resultados encontrados indicam que o processo de treinamento contribui efetivamente para a melhoria do desempenho técnico-tático individual dos jogadores. Isso se evidencia nos componentes adaptação e eficácia, além dos indicadores de marcação sem a bola, condução, finalização e drible. As evidências encontradas no presente estudo demonstram que a experiência esportiva tem favorecido o nível de desenvolvimento técnico-tático de jogadores de futsal. The aim of this study was to determine the level of technical-tactical development in young futsal players considering the sporting experience. The study included 34 players of futsal been 9 experienced and 25 not experienced, by sub-13 and sub-15 categories. We used the Technical-Tactical Individual Performance Assessment Instrument by Saad (2012), to analyze the technical and tactical actions. To evaluate the performance differences between groups, was used the t test for independent samples with p < 5%. The results indicate that the training process contributes effectively in improving the technical and tactical individual performance of players. This is evident in the components adaptation and effectiveness, in addition to indicators marking without the ball, driving, finishing and dribbling. The evidence found in this study demonstrate that the sport experience has favored the level of technical and tactical development in young futsal players.