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O'Brien-Smith J, Smith MR, Lenoir M, Fransen J. Exploring the Effects of Instruction and Game Design on Youth Soccer Players' Skill Involvement and Cooperative Team Behaviour. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38941626 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2024.2368597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Objectives: The relationship between task constraints and player behaviors is of interest to coaches tasked with designing practice to optimize learning. This study aims to compare the skill involvements and cooperative team behavior of teams of youth soccer players engaged in a goal exaggeration and/or a prescriptive coach instruction condition compared to a free-play control condition. Methods: Twenty male soccer players aged 12-15 participated in small-sided games under four conditions: free-play, goal exaggeration, prescriptive coach instruction, and combination over four weeks. Using video footage, teams' collective skill involvements (shot, pass, dribble) and passing network characteristics (closeness, density, and betweenness) were measured for each game. Results: A Friedmans rank test identified that playing conditions resulted in significant differences in attempted dribbles (p < .001), goals scored (p < .001), network density (p = .001), closeness (p < .001) and betweenness (p = .002). Teams attempted to dribble the most in the free-play and goal-exaggeration conditions, and the most goals were scored in the goal-exaggeration and combination conditions. Additionally, teams exhibited more well-connected passing networks (i.e. higher density, higher closeness, and lower betweenness values) in the combination condition and higher network density in the explicit instruction condition. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that coach instruction may be more associated with cooperative team behavior, whereas free-play or manipulating task constraints in the absence of instruction may be associated with players attempting more individual actions.
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Seakins D, Gastin PB, Jackson K, Gloster M, Brougham A, Carey DL. Discovery and Characterisation of Forward Line Formations at Centre Bounces in the Australian Football League. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:4891. [PMID: 37430805 DOI: 10.3390/s23104891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The extent of player formation usage and the characteristics of player arrangements are not well understood in Australian football, unlike other team-based invasion sports. Using player location data from all centre bounces in the 2021 Australian Football League season; this study described the spatial characteristics and roles of players in the forward line. Summary metrics indicated that teams differed in how spread out their forward players were (deviation away from the goal-to-goal axis and convex hull area) but were similar with regard to the centroid of player locations. Cluster analysis, along with visual inspection of player densities, clearly showed the presence of different repeated structures or formations used by teams. Teams also differed in their choice of player role combinations in forward lines at centre bounces. New terminology was proposed to describe the characteristics of forward line formations used in professional Australian Football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daylon Seakins
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Paul B Gastin
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Karl Jackson
- Champion Data, Pty Ltd., Melbourne, VIC 3006, Australia
| | | | | | - David L Carey
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
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Patil G, Nalepka P, Novak A, Auletta F, Pepping GJ, Fransen J, Kallen RW, Richardson MJ. Dynamical biomarkers in teams and other multiagent systems. J Sci Med Sport 2023:S1440-2440(23)00074-9. [PMID: 37150726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Effective team behavior in high-performance environments such as in sport and the military requires individual team members to efficiently perceive the unfolding task events, predict the actions and action intents of the other team members, and plan and execute their own actions to simultaneously accomplish individual and collective goals. To enhance team performance through effective cooperation, it is crucial to measure the situation awareness and dynamics of each team member and how they collectively impact the team's functioning. Further, to be practically useful for real-life settings, such measures must be easily obtainable from existing sensors. This paper presents several methodologies that can be used on positional and movement acceleration data of team members to quantify and/or predict team performance, assess situation awareness, and to help identify task-relevant information to support individual decision-making. Given the limited reporting of these methods within military cohorts, these methodologies are described using examples from team sports and teams training in virtual environments, with discussion as to how they can be applied to real-world military teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Patil
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia; Center for Elite Performance, Expertise and Training, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia.
| | - Patrick Nalepka
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia; Center for Elite Performance, Expertise and Training, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia.
| | - Andrew Novak
- Human Performance Research Centre, Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia; High Performance Department, Rugby Australia, Australia
| | - Fabrizia Auletta
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia; Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Gert-Jan Pepping
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Australia
| | - Job Fransen
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rachel W Kallen
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia; Center for Elite Performance, Expertise and Training, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Michael J Richardson
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia; Center for Elite Performance, Expertise and Training, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
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Sheehan WB, Tribolet R, Novak AR, Fransen J, Watsford ML. A holistic analysis of collective behaviour and team performance in Australian Football via structural equation modelling. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2023; 7:64-73. [PMID: 35213284 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2046286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite awareness of the importance of quantifying technical, tactical, and physical characteristics of match play, few studies have examined the structural relationship of these aspects in professional sport. Accordingly, this study concurrently examined these components in relation to quarter outcome (n = 272) in Australian Football. The study followed a retrospective longitudinal case study design where one teams' cooperative passing network, skill counts, physical loads, and spatiotemporal behaviours during official Australian Football League games were collected from a period spanning four seasons (2016-2019). A principal components analysis (PCA) and structural equation modelling were used to explore the structural relationships between components and examine the influence on quarter outcome as determined by the point differential (quarter margin). Scoring opportunity and ball movement had direct associations with quarter margin, while unpredictability, uncontested behaviour and physical behaviour did not. Negative associations between uncontested behaviour and scoring opportunity suggest that elevated high-pressure success and a lack of synchrony may positively influence scoring opportunity, a determinant of quarter margin. Further, negative associations between physical behaviour and ball movement suggest that with less physical work, a team's collective ability to transfer possession between teammates is facilitated, offering an interesting dichotomy between skill and physical demands of Australian Football. While hundreds of different metrics are available, the present study was the first to concurrently examine the influence of a variety of match play components on performance outcomes in Australian Football. These results may provide direction for coaches and practitioners when contemplating practice design, tactical strategies, or the development of behaviour through specific training exercises. Game plans and training drills that focus on optimising attacking and low-pressure ball movement coupled with high levels of mutual interaction between teammates may be beneficial for performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Sheehan
- Human Performance Research Centre, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Rugby, Australia
| | - Rhys Tribolet
- Human Performance Research Centre, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Rugby, Australia
| | - Andrew R Novak
- Human Performance Research Centre, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Rugby, Australia.,High Performance Department, Rugby Australia is the Institution, Rugby, Australia
| | - Job Fransen
- Human Performance Research Centre, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Rugby, Australia
| | - Mark L Watsford
- Human Performance Research Centre, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Rugby, Australia
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Tribolet R, Sheehan WB, Novak AR, Rennie MJ, Watsford ML, Fransen J. Match simulation practice may not represent competitive match play in professional Australian football. J Sports Sci 2021; 40:413-421. [PMID: 34720040 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1995245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Match simulation in team sport should sample representative constraints and behaviours to those observed in competitive matches to enhance near skill transfer. This study compared task constraints (field length, field width, length per width ratio, space per player), time-standardised skill metrics (goals, shots on goal, handballs, kicks, marks, turnovers, tackles, handball proficiency, kick proficiency) and cooperative passing metrics (connectedness, indegree variability and outdegree variability) between match simulation practice and competitive Australian Football League (AFL) games for one professional team. MANOVAs identified activity-related differences for task constraints, skill metrics and cooperative passing networks. During match simulation, goals were scored more frequently, but with less passing actions per minute. Receiving and distributing passing networks were more centralised (reliance on fewer key individuals), with less turnovers and tackles per minute compared to AFL matches. If match simulation is designed to reflect competition, then player and team skill preparation may be compromised. Furthermore, the competing demands in high-performance sport may restrict the degree of representativeness that can be achieved during practice. These findings provide valuable insight and may assist practitioners and/or coaches to understand the value of match simulation practice and to maximise near skill transfer from match simulation to competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys Tribolet
- Human Performance Research Centre, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Moore Park, Australia.,Football Department, Sydney Swans Football Club, Sydney, Australia
| | - William B Sheehan
- Human Performance Research Centre, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Moore Park, Australia
| | - Andrew R Novak
- Human Performance Research Centre, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Moore Park, Australia
| | - Michael J Rennie
- Football Department, Sydney Swans Football Club, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark L Watsford
- Human Performance Research Centre, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Moore Park, Australia
| | - Job Fransen
- Human Performance Research Centre, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Moore Park, Australia
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