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Alcântara CH, Machado JC, Teixeira RM, Rossato M, Teixeira AS, Fernandes da Silva J. What Factors Discriminate Young Soccer Players Perceived as Promising and Less Promising by Their Coaches? RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2023; 94:966-974. [PMID: 35802482 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2022.2088675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to verify whether there are differences in physical, technical, and tactical assessment outcomes derived from field-based tests and small-sided games (SSG) in addition to anthropometric and maturational characteristics between players classified as promising and less promising as per the coaches' perception. Method: A total of 53 male U-15 youth soccer players (age: 14.8 ± 0.2 years, weight: 61.7 ± 6.9 kg, height: 171.8 ± 6.7 cm) and three experienced coaches from three distinct sports clubs were enrolled in this study. Based on the coaches' perception, players were split into three group levels for both short- and long-term success ranking: (i) promising (PL; top 5 players; n = 15), (ii) intermediate (IL; n = 23) and (iii) less promising (LPL; 5 bottom players; n = 15). The following measures were determined: anthropometry, maturity offset, vertical jump, and aerobic-anaerobic running performance, soccer- specific skills tests, GPS-based running metrics, technical and tactical actions during SSG, and minutes played throughout the season. Results: There were no differences between groups for anthropometrical, maturational, and physical outcomes. PL players in both rankings covered more distances at sprinting and presented more offensive technical and tactical actions during SSG than their LPL peers. PL and IL presented more minutes played in competitive seasons than LPL of short-term ranking. Conclusion: The biggest differences between the players ranked by their coaches were apparent only during a representative game task, emphasizing the importance of SSG as a tool to assess the players' technical-tactical awareness. In addition to the SSG, the coach's eye plays a key role during the talent identification and selection process.
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Loureiro M, Mesquita I, Ramos A, Coutinho P, Ribeiro J, Clemente FM, Nakamura FY, Afonso J. Flexible Training Planning Coupled with Flexible Assessment: A 12-Week Randomized Feasibility Study in a Youth Female Volleyball Team. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:children10010029. [PMID: 36670580 PMCID: PMC9856447 DOI: 10.3390/children10010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
According to the Quality Education and Gender Equality ambitions established at the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, we aimed to test the feasibility of a flexible planning and assessment process, using ongoing, bidirectional feedback between planning and assessment. Eighteen players (11.5 ± 0.5 years of age) from a U13 female volleyball team were randomized into an experimental group (in which the plan could be changed daily) or a contrast group (pre-defined planning, adjusted monthly). The pedagogical intervention lasted three months. Besides ongoing daily assessments from the training practices, the Game Performance Assessment Instrument was adopted as a starting point for the weekly assessments in 4 vs. 4 game-forms (i.e., the instrument was modified monthly based on feedback from the training process). Information from daily and weekly formal assessment was used in the planning of the experimental group, and monthly in the contrast group. Data suggested that pre-established and strict planning (even updated monthly) failed to fit current learner needs. Over 12 weeks, the pre-established planning suffered regular modifications in the experimental group, and the assessment tool changed monthly. In conclusion, both planning and assessment should be open and flexible to exchange information mutually, and support the design of tailor-made learning environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Loureiro
- Centre for Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport of the University of Porto (FADEUP), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-918636417
| | - Isabel Mesquita
- Centre for Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport of the University of Porto (FADEUP), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Ramos
- Centre for Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport of the University of Porto (FADEUP), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Coutinho
- Centre for Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport of the University of Porto (FADEUP), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Ribeiro
- Centre for Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport of the University of Porto (FADEUP), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Football Department, Lusophone University of Porto, 4000-098 Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipe Manuel Clemente
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun’Álvares, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology (SPRINT), 4960-320 Melgaço, Portugal
- Instituto de Telecomunicações, Delegação da Covilhã, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fábio Yuzo Nakamura
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, University of Maia, ISMAI, Av. Carlos de Oliveira Campos, 4475-690 Maia, Portugal
| | - José Afonso
- Centre for Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport of the University of Porto (FADEUP), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Bonney N, Larkin P, Ball K. Kick proficiency and skill adaptability increase from an Australian football small-sided game intervention. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:1026935. [PMID: 36385779 PMCID: PMC9643701 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.1026935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This investigation is the first to explore the effect of a 4 week small-sided game (SSG) and traditional training intervention on player kick proficiency and player adaptability in Australian football. Twenty-two amateur Australian football players (mean ± SD; age 22.3 ± 2.46; height 182.4 ± 5.25; weight 82.1 ± 6.10; years playing senior amateur football 3.86 ± 3.09) were randomly selected into either a traditional training group (n = 11) or a SSG group (n = 11). Traditional training involved activities where skills were generally executed in isolation and with minimal contact (e.g., kicking lane drill or possession football). The SSG training group participated in 5v6 competitive games on varied shaped areas (approximately 272 m2 per player) and changing constraints (e.g., game tempo, game rules). All players participated in the team training sessions; however, the SSG group participated in a 4 × 3min training protocol, with 60 seconds recovery, in the last 20-min of the session. The SSG group participated in these alternative sessions twice a week for 4 weeks. Results indicated only the SSG enhanced their kick proficiency (17%) and were found to be more adaptable. The intervention group executed more kicks over longer distances (i.e., 20-40 m), made quicker decisions (e.g., executing more kicks in < 1s), applied more pressure to the opposition when they were executing a skill and were more likely to "take the game on" by decreasing the amount of times a skill was executed from a stationary position. The results of this study can be used by coaches when designing and implementing training programs as different training strategies will elicit different player behavioral adaptations.
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Henriques-Neto D, Hetherington-Rauth M, Magalhães JP, Correia I, Júdice PB, Sardinha LB. Physical fitness tests as an indicator of potential athletes in a large sample of youth. Clin Physiol Funct Imaging 2021; 42:88-95. [PMID: 34918454 DOI: 10.1111/cpf.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Promoting youth sports participation is an excellent strategy to improve health and high-level sports competition around the world. AIMS The aim of this study was to analyse the potential of commonly used physical-fitness (PF) tests to discriminate against athletes from non-athletes in young populations. MATERIAL AND METHODS One thousand eight hundred and thirty-one youth people were analysed (boys: 514 non-athletes and 401 athletes; girls: 722 non-athletes and 194 athletes) aged 10-18 years (y). Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular fitness (MF), agility and speed were tested using PF tests. RESULTS Application of receiver operating characteristics curves was used to assess the discriminatory potential of each PF for distinguishing athletes from non-athletes, with an area under the curve (AUC) higher than 65% (0.65). In the oldest groups (≥16 y), the speed test at 20 m in boys (AUC = 0.70) and horizontal jump test in girls (AUC = 0.75) were the best discriminators, while the push-up-test (AUC 10-11 y boys = 0.68, AUC 14-15 y boys = 0.68, AUC 10-11 y girls = 0.73, AUC 12-13 y girls = 0.87) and the PACER (AUC boys: 12-13 y = 0.68 and AUC girls 14-15 y = 0.73) appeared to be better discriminators than other PF tests, for the younger age-groups. CONCLUSION The speed-test at 20 m and the horizontal-jump were the best PF to identify older adolescents with athletic potential, while the PACER and push-up tests were the most discriminatory for the younger adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duarte Henriques-Neto
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.,Comité Olímpico de Portugal (COP), Lisbon, Portugal.,Universidade Europeia, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Megan Hetherington-Rauth
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Pedro Magalhães
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês Correia
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro B Júdice
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.,Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física e Exercício e Saúde (CIDEFES), Universidade Lusófona, Portugal, Portugal
| | - Luís B Sardinha
- Exercise and Health Laboratory, CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
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Larkin P, Woods CT, Haycraft J, Pyne DB. Physical and Anthropometric Characteristics Do Not Differ According to Birth Year Quartile in High-Level Junior Australian Football Players. Sports (Basel) 2021; 9:111. [PMID: 34437372 PMCID: PMC8402445 DOI: 10.3390/sports9080111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore differences in the physical fitness and anthropometric profiles between birth year quartiles of players attending the Australian Football League (AFL) National Draft Combine. Date of birth, anthropometric, 20 m sprint, vertical and running vertical jump, AFL planned agility, and 20 m Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT) data were obtained for players selected to attend the Combine between 1999 and 2019 (n = 1549; Mage = 18.1; SDage = 0.3). The underlying density distributions of the data were visually explored using violin plots overlaid with box and whisker plots. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was then used to model the main effect of birth quartile (four levels) on the physical and anthropometric scores. Results showed that physical and anthropometric test scores did not significantly differ according to birth quartile (V = 0.008, F = 0.880, p = 0.631). We conclude that the physical and anthropometric profiles of high-level junior Australian Football players were similar according to birth year quartile across the modeled period. Therefore, how players utilize their physical and anthropometric attributes during game-play via contextualized, representative assessments, such as small-sided games, should be considered when examining potential causes of a RAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Larkin
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia; (C.T.W.); (J.H.)
- Maribrynong Sports Academy, Melbourne, VIC 3032, Australia
| | - Carl T. Woods
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia; (C.T.W.); (J.H.)
| | - Jade Haycraft
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia; (C.T.W.); (J.H.)
| | - David B. Pyne
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia;
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Weerakkody NS, Taylor CJ, Bulmer CL, Hamilton DB, Gloury J, O'Brien NJ, Saunders JH, Harvey S, Patterson TA. The effect of mental fatigue on the performance of Australian football specific skills amongst amateur athletes. J Sci Med Sport 2021; 24:592-596. [PMID: 33386238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the effects of induced mental fatigue on the performance of Australian football (AF) specific skills amongst amateur AF players. DESIGN Randomised cross over trial. METHODS Twenty-five amateur AF players performed a series of standardised tests from the Australian Football League (AFL) Draft Combine after completing a 30-min Stroop test (mental fatigue condition) or 30-min control condition. The AFL Draft Combine tests included the standing vertical jump test, running vertical jump test, agility test, 20m sprint, Matthew Lloyd clean hands test, Brad Johnson goal kicking test and a Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) test. RESULTS The Stroop test score decreased during the Stroop test (first five trials: mean=84.7, SD=3.5; last five trials: mean=82.2, SD=5.0, p=0.03). The Yo-Yo IR1 test (mental fatigue: median=920m, IQR=400; control: median=1040m, IQR=760; p=0.03) and Brad Johnson goalkicking test (mental fatigue: median=19.0, IQR=5.0; control: median=25.0, IQR=10.0, p=0.048) were negatively affected by mental fatigue. No other Draft Combine tests demonstrated a negative affect from mental fatigue. CONCLUSIONS Mental fatigue had a detrimental influence on the performance of AF specific skills. The findings may have implications for AF players who are required to sustain attention and concentration for prolonged periods before and during matches.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Weerakkody
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia.
| | - C J Taylor
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - C L Bulmer
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - D B Hamilton
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - J Gloury
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - N J O'Brien
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - J H Saunders
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - S Harvey
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - T A Patterson
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
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Bonney N, Larkin P, Ball K. Future Directions and Considerations for Talent Identification in Australian Football. Front Sports Act Living 2020; 2:612067. [PMID: 33345185 PMCID: PMC7739803 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2020.612067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the focus on the elite Australian Football League competition becomes greater so too does the demand for success. Clubs are heavily scrutinized for their draft selections and as such are taking more interest in the younger levels of competition in an attempt to identify and monitor talent. Based on contemporary talent identification knowledge, this review examines the current talent identification process in Australian football, with a focus on areas to potentially improve or inform future developments. Currently, a significant gap exists between static and isolated assessment procedures used to identify talent in Australian football and the dynamic nature of match play. Future assessments should consider factors such as maturation, fatigue and ecological dynamics. The addition of a valid and reliable technical skill assessment (e.g., a small-sided game) to the current Australian Football League draft combine was recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Bonney
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Decision-making skills of high-performance youth soccer players. GERMAN JOURNAL OF EXERCISE AND SPORT RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12662-020-00687-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to develop a valid video-based diagnostic instrument that assesses decision-making with a sport-specific motor response.
Methods
A total of 86 German youth academy players (16.7 ± 0.9 years) viewed game situations projected on a large video screen and were required to make a decision by dribbling and passing to one of three targets (representing different decision options). The test included 48 clips separated into two categories: build-up (bu) and offensive decisions (off). Criterion-related validity was tested based on age (i.e., U16, U17, and U19), playing status (i.e., minutes played in official matches of the current season) and in a prospective approach relating to future youth national team status (i.e., selected or nonselected). Finally, it was investigated whether decision-making competence was influenced by playing position (i.e., defenders vs. midfielders vs. forwards).
Results
Instrumental reliability demonstrated satisfactory values for SCbu (r = 0.72), and lower for SCoff (r = 0.56). Results showed the diagnostic instrument is suitable for discriminating between playing status (SCbu: Φ = 0.22, p < 0.01; SCoff: Φ = 0.14, p < 0.05) and between younger (U16) and older players (U17 > U16 in SCbu: Φ = 0.24 and SCoff: Φ = 0.39, p < 0.01; U19 > U16 in SCbu: Φ = 0.41 and SCoff: Φ = 0.46, p < 0.01); however, there was no difference between U17 and U19 players. Furthermore, the predictive value of the test indicates that future youth national team players make better decisions with respect to the build-up category (SCbu: Φ = 0.20; p < 0.05), whereas playing position did not significantly influence decision-making competence.
Conclusion
Results indicate the video-based decision-making diagnostic instrument can discriminate decision-making competence within a high-performance youth group. The outcomes associated with national youth team participation demonstrate the predictive value of the diagnostic instrument. This study provides initial evidence to suggest a new video-based diagnostic instrument with a soccer-specific motor response can be used within a talent identification process to assist with assessment of decision-making performance.
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Larkin P, Marchant D, Syder A, Farrow D. An eye for talent: The recruiters' role in the Australian Football talent pathway. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241307. [PMID: 33137113 PMCID: PMC7605670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Talent identification and recruitment (TIR) in elite sport is a complex process with performance and career longevity implications for athletes, sports organisations, and scouts (hereafter referred to as recruiters). Although there is an established body of published research on TIR the critical roles that recruiters perform has only recently gained attention from researchers. In this study, we report on the practices that 12 full time Australian Football recruiters use to inform their TIR decisions. Inductive qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted using open-ended questions. Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of four primary themes (the recruiter, processes and practices, assessment and selection). The results and discussion provide insights and an occupational 'road map' into the important role recruiters perform in sporting organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Larkin
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daryl Marchant
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amy Syder
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Damian Farrow
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
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10
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Bonney N, Ball K, Berry J, Larkin P. Effects of manipulating player numbers on technical and physical performances participating in an Australian football small-sided game. J Sports Sci 2020; 38:2430-2436. [PMID: 32605432 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1787697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In Australian Football (AF), small-sided games (SSGs) are used extensively to replicate particular technical, tactical or physiological responses. Whilst research on SSGs has been extensive in soccer, in AF it has been limited to agility demands and exploring the effect of field dimensions on technical skill (i.e., handballing) and physical responses of senior athletes. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of four different SSG player number conditions (5v5, 5v6, 6v6, 7v7) on the technical (e.g., kicking) and physical (i.e., odometer, m-min-1, max velocity and percentage of high intensity running) performance outcomes in 22 sub-elite youth AF players. Particular constraints were applied to the SSG to ensure the focus was on kicking (i.e., after each handball a kick must be performed). The results of this study demonstrate when more technical events are required under more pressured situations (i.e., physical and time) the 5v6 condition appears to be most appropriate. However, when the focus is on kicking to a contested possession (i.e., kicking to leading or covered players) balanced player numbers (e.g., 6v6) would appear optimal. Alternatively, when the SSG focus is on increasing physiological demands (i.e., m.min-1) lower player density conditions (i.e., 5v5) appear more suitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Bonney
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kevin Ball
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University , Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Paul Larkin
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University , Melbourne, Australia
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11
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Machado G, da Costa IT. TacticUP Video Test for Soccer: Development and Validation. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1690. [PMID: 32849023 PMCID: PMC7422863 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to expand the process of tactical assessment of soccer players through the development and validation of a video-based test based on core tactical principles of play. The TacticUP video test for soccer is composed of offensive and defensive video sequences of 11vs11 soccer situations. Participants should choose the most appropriate solution for each video sequence. Content validity was established based on a panel of nine experts from four different countries. Construct validity was assessed through the comparison between players with distinct expertise levels. Comparisons between groups' final scores showed statistical differences (p < 0.05) in 10 out of the 15 variables assessed, in which the expert group displayed higher values compared to the non-expert group. Face validity examined the acceptability and suitability of the test by players. Reliability was determined through the test-retest method for each video sequence, and Cohen's Kappa values ranged from 0.622 to 1.0. Therefore, the TacticUP video test showed adequate content, construct, and face validity and was a reliable measure of perceptual-cognitive and decision-making skills in soccer. We overcame limitations from previous video-based tests in soccer by introducing situations concerning off-the-ball movements in both offensive and defensive phases. The practical applications of this test are: (i) it can be used to monitor players' perceptual-cognitive and decision-making skills; (ii) the test is based on players' response selection in a video-based test, which enables the measurement of their perceptual-cognitive and decision-making skills based on the core tactical principles of play; (iii) generate players' tactical profile considering their perceptual-cognitive and decision-making skills based on core tactical principles of play; and (iv) measure the effectiveness of intervention/training programs on the development of perceptual-cognitive and decision-making skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Machado
- Physical Education Department, Centre of Research and Studies in Soccer (NUPEF), Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Israel Teoldo da Costa
- Physical Education Department, Centre of Research and Studies in Soccer (NUPEF), Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
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12
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Kittel A, Larkin P, Elsworthy N, Spittle M. Transfer of 360° virtual reality and match broadcast video-based tests to on-field decision-making. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2020; 5:79-86. [DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2020.1802506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aden Kittel
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Australia
| | - Paul Larkin
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Australia
- Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nathan Elsworthy
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia
| | - Michael Spittle
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Australia
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13
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Williams AM, Ford PR, Drust B. Talent identification and development in soccer since the millennium. J Sports Sci 2020; 38:1199-1210. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1766647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Mark Williams
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Recreation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Paul R. Ford
- School of Sport and Service Management, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Barry Drust
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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14
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Gogos BJ, Larkin P, Haycraft JAZ, Collier NF, Robertson S. Combine performance, draft position and playing position are poor predictors of player career outcomes in the Australian Football League. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234400. [PMID: 32555713 PMCID: PMC7299322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical testing-based draft combines are undertaken across various sporting codes to inform talent selection. To determine the explanatory power of the Australian football league (AFL) draft combine, participants drafted between 1999-2016 (n = 1488) were assessed. Testing performance, draft selection order and playing position, AFL matches played, AFL player ranking points and AFL player rating points were collected as career outcomes. Boosted regression tree analysis revealed that position and draft selection order were the most explanatory variables of career outcomes. Linear modelling based on testing results is able to explain 4% of matches played and 3% of in-game performance measures. Each individual combine test explained <2% of the matches played outcome. Draft selection order demonstrated mixed results for career outcomes relative to playing position. For instance, key forwards and draft selection order were observed as a slight negative relationship using the AFL Player Ranking points career outcome measure. These findings indicate that the AFL draft combine is a poor measure for informing talent selection, thus providing minimal utility for the practices investigated in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Gogos
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Larkin
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jade A. Z. Haycraft
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Neil French Collier
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sam Robertson
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
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15
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Bonney N, Berry J, Ball K, Larkin P. Can match play kicking and physical performance outcomes be replicated in an Australian football small-sided game? SCI MED FOOTBALL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2020.1758338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Bonney
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Kevin Ball
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Larkin
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Maribrynong Sports Academy, Melbourne, Australia
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16
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Bonney N, Berry J, Ball K, Larkin P. The Development of a Field-Based Kicking Assessment to Evaluate Australian Football Kicking Proficiency. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2020; 91:73-82. [PMID: 31502925 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2019.1647331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: In Australian Football (AF), the ability to proficiently kick the ball is a critical skill and has been shown to be advantageous to a team's successful performance; however, a valid and reliable match referenced kicking assessment remains absent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable AF kicking proficiency assessment comparative to match play kicking performance. Method: Youth male Australian Football players (n = 251) from different stages within the AF talent pathway were recruited. The developed AFFB-DKA (Australian Football Field-Based-Dynamic Kicking Assessment) considered particular constraints of match play kicking demands such as kick type, distance, delivery, and locomotion of the player receiving the ball. In total, 14 kicks were completed during the test. Validity (i.e., content, logical and construct) and reliability (i.e., test re-test) were assessed. Results: Findings indicate the kicking test can distinguish across and between age (i.e., U14; U16; U18) and skill groups (i.e., club; sub-elite; elite). The timeframe between U14 and U16 was identified as a potential key period where kicking skill acquisition may be most impressionable; however, further research is recommended to support this. Conclusion: The developed AFFB-DKA is the first Australian Football specific kicking assessment to consider and apply match play kicking constraints to make a more representative, valid and reliable assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul Larkin
- Victoria University
- Maribrynong Sports Academy
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17
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Piggott B, Müller S, Chivers P, Cripps A, Hoyne G. Interdisciplinary Sport Research Can Better Predict Competition Performance, Identify Individual Differences, and Quantify Task Representation. Front Sports Act Living 2020; 2:14. [PMID: 33345009 PMCID: PMC7739773 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2020.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sport performance consists of interacting individual, task and environmental constraints, but research has used a monodisciplinary, rather than an interdisciplinary approach to understand performance. This study used Australian football (AF) as the exemplar sport to investigate the value of an interdisciplinary approach to understand sport performance. Through this, it was also possible to quantify individual differences and representative task design. Fifty-nine semi-professional Australian footballers participated. Based upon accessibility, combinations of these players completed physiological (3 × 1 km trial) and perceptual-cognitive-motor (small-sided game, SSG) tests, with coach rating of psychological skill (mental toughness coach, MTC). Univariate monodisciplinary models indicated that all tests predicted disposal efficiency; 3 × 1 km trial (p = 0.047), SSG (p = 0.001), and MTC (p = 0.035), but only the SSG predicted coaches' vote (p = 0.003). A multivariate interdisciplinary model indicated that SSG and MTC tests predicted disposal efficiency with a better model fit than the corresponding univariate model. The interdisciplinary model formulated an equation that could identify individual differences in disposal efficiency. In addition, the interdisciplinary model showed that the higher representative SSG test contributed a greater magnitude to the prediction of competition performance, than the lower representative MTC rating. Overall, this study demonstrates that a more comprehensive understanding of sport performance, individual differences, and representative tasks, can be obtained through an interdisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Piggott
- School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Sean Müller
- Discipline of Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Paola Chivers
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA, Australia.,Exercise Medicine Research Institute and School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Ashley Cripps
- School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Gerard Hoyne
- School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA, Australia
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18
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Bonney N, Berry J, Ball K, Larkin P. Validity and reliability of an Australian football small-sided game to assess kicking proficiency. J Sports Sci 2020; 38:79-85. [PMID: 31631792 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1681864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In Australian Football (AF), small sided games have been used extensively as an alternative training method for technical and physical adaptations. Considering their application to AF, it is surprising a valid and reliable small-sided game kicking assessment remains absent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable 5v6 Australian football small-sided game kicking proficiency assessment. Youth male AF players (n = 145) from different stages within the AF talent pathway were recruited. Validity (i.e., logical and construct) and reliability (i.e., test re-test) were assessed. The largest kicking proficiency difference was between U13 and U16 players and between novice and sub-elite players. Between the ages of U16 and U18 kicking proficiency appears to stabilise. The Australian football small-sided kicking assessment was 97% successful in identifying players as either novice or sub-elite. Larger physical performance (i.e., odometer, m/min-1 and %HIR) outputs were noted between U14 and U18 players and novice and sub-elite players. Collectively, these findings suggest the Australian football small-sided kicking assessment is a valid and reliable AF kicking proficiency assessment tool and may provide worthwhile information to coaches regarding kicking performance along the AFL pathway, to profile player strengths whilst identifying specific areas of improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Bonney
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Kevin Ball
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Larkin
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Maribrynong Sports Academy, Melbourne, Australia
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19
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McIntosh S, Kovalchik S, Robertson S. Multifactorial Benchmarking of Longitudinal Player Performance in the Australian Football League. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1283. [PMID: 31214087 PMCID: PMC6554430 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a model to objectively benchmark professional Australian Rules football (AF) player performance based on age, experience, positional role and both draft type and round in the Australian Football League (AFL). The secondary aims were to identify the stage of peak performance and specific breakpoints in AF player performance longitudinally. AFL Player Ratings data were obtained for all players (n = 1052) from the 1034 matches played during the 2013–2017 seasons, along with data pertaining to the abovementioned player characteristics. Two separate linear mixed models revealed that all factors influenced player performance, with age and experience the strongest in each model, respectively. Post hoc Tukey tests indicated that performance was affected by age at each level up until the age of 21 (effect ranging from 0.98 to 3.70 rating points), and by experience at the levels 1–20 and 21–40 matches in comparison to all higher levels of experience (effect ranging from 1.01 to 3.77 rating points). Two segmented models indicated that a point of marginal gains exists within longitudinal performance progression between the age levels 22 and 23, and the experience levels 41–60 and 61–80 matches. Professional sporting organisations may apply the methods provided here to support decisions regarding player recruitment and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam McIntosh
- Institute for Health & Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Western Bulldogs Football Club, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephanie Kovalchik
- Institute for Health & Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sam Robertson
- Institute for Health & Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Western Bulldogs Football Club, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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