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Andrew M, Ford PR, Alder SE, Champ FM, Brownlee TE, Datson N, Causer J. Talent development in female soccer: Developmental activities of professional players in England. J Sports Sci 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38916272 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2356434] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The activities soccer players engage in during their formative years are thought to significantly contribute to the acquisition of expert performance. Whilst this area has seen great interest in male players, there has been little research in females. The study examined developmental activities engaged in by professional female soccer players in England. 56 female soccer players that had either progressed to professional status in adulthood (professional), or did not (ex-academy), completed the Participant History Questionnaire. Professional players started engaging in soccer at an earlier age than their ex-academy counterparts, resulting in greater engagement in practice and play during childhood. During adolescence, professional players engaged in higher amounts of practice than ex-academy players. Engagement in competition and practice was rated as high in physical and cognitive effort by all, yet ex-academy players reported higher levels of physical effort during early adolescence, and cognitive effort during late adolescence. Findings provide an illustration of the talent pathways of professional female soccer players in England and may inform future talent development systems. Large interindividual variation in soccer-specific and other-sport activity data highlight the importance of further understanding the environments of individual soccer nations and their potential impact on the talent identification and development processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Andrew
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul R Ford
- School of Sport, Exercise and Applied Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, London, UK
| | - Sam E Alder
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Francesca M Champ
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Naomi Datson
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, Manchester, UK
| | - Joe Causer
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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2
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Sweeney L, Lundberg TR. Relative age and biological maturity-related selection biases in male youth soccer across different competitive levels within a national association. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38909319 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2024.2369543] [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] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES AND METHODS This study aimed to examine whether biological maturation and relative age selection biases existed and varied by level of competition (regional, national, and international) in Under-15 soccer players (n = 951) within the Swedish Football Association's male player pathway. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between relative age and body height, body weight, predicted adult height, percentage of predicted adult height (PAH%), maturity Z-score, and biological age to chronological age offset. RESULTS The results showed a significant bias (p < 0.001), ranging from trivial-to-small in favour of relatively older players, with the most notable increase between the regional and national levels. There were also significant moderate-to-large biases in favour of early maturing players (p < 0.001), increasing in magnitude with levels of competition. PAH% (p < 0.001) and body weight (p = 0.014) showed the strongest differences across selection levels, where the bias compared to regional level was 0.23 standard deviations (SD) for PAH% at national level and 0.41 SD at international level, while body weight appeared to be particularly related to international team selection (0.36 SD in bias). Relative age showed a moderate positive correlation with PAH% (r = 0.38), but only trivial correlations with all the other biological and physical variables examined (r=-0.05-0.11). CONCLUSIONS The lack of association between relative age and the estimates of biological maturity timing and the additional physical characteristics suggests that relative age and biological maturity are distinct constructs. We encourage critical examination of how associations select young players for national talent programmes; current practices significantly diminish the chances of selection for those who are late maturing and relatively younger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Sweeney
- Department of Sport Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Tommy R Lundberg
- Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, ANA Futura, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Unit of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Kelly AL, Coutinho D, Radnor JM, Burke K, Barrell D, Jackson D, Brustio PR. Disentangling Gender and Relative Age Effects in Women's and Girls' Rugby Union. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2024; 9:61. [PMID: 38651419 PMCID: PMC11036272 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9020061] [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] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Relative age effects (RAEs) within sports refer to the overrepresentation of athletes born earlier in the selection year and the underrepresentation of those born later in the selection year. Research examining RAEs in women's and girls' rugby union remains limited in comparison to the male literature, whilst the impacts of RAEs on the youth-senior transition are yet to be explored in a female sport context. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine RAEs during entry into the women's and girls' premiership and international rugby union pathways in England, as well as to compare them to their respective senior cohort (n = 1367): (a) U18 England Rugby Centre of Excellence Player (n = 325) vs. Senior Premiership Player (n = 868), and (b) U18 England Player (n = 49) vs. Senior England Player (n = 125). Chi-square (χ2) analyses compared birth quarter (BQ) distributions against expected distributions. The findings revealed no significant difference in BQ distributions at either youth or senior levels, as well as no significant differences in the BQ distributions of those who were likely to transition from youth to senior levels (all p > 0.05). Importantly, though, descriptive statistics showed a skewed birthdate distribution in both U18 England Rugby Centre of Excellence Player (BQ1 = 30% vs. BQ4 = 20%) and U18 England Player cohorts (BQ1 = 33% vs. BQ4 = 18%). We highlight the gender-specific mechanisms that potentially explain the variations between male and female RAEs in rugby union, including developmental differences, sport popularity, and sociocultural norms. We also warn against a 'copy and paste' template from the male provision to ensure the recent growth of female rugby union does not fall victim to the same RAEs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L. Kelly
- Research for Athlete and Youth Sport Development (RAYSD) Lab, Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), College of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health, Education, and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK;
| | - Diogo Coutinho
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Maia (UMAIA), 4475-690 Maia, Portugal;
- Department of Sports Sciences, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- CreativeLab Research Community, Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - John M. Radnor
- Youth Physical Development Centre, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff CF23 6XD, UK;
| | - Kate Burke
- Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, London TW2 7BA, UK; (K.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Donald Barrell
- Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, London TW2 7BA, UK; (K.B.); (D.B.)
| | - Daniel Jackson
- Research for Athlete and Youth Sport Development (RAYSD) Lab, Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), College of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health, Education, and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK;
| | - Paolo R. Brustio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
- NeuroMuscularFunction Research Group, School of Exercise & Sport Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Charbonnet B, Schmid MJ, Örencik M, van Niekerk E, Conzelmann A. The road to excellence in women's football: a retrospective cohort study over the last 30 years with Swiss national players. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37921193 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2023.2279531] [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] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examines the training (age at club entry, hours in club practice, free play, other sports) and environmental characteristics (popularity, media coverage, school and parental support) influencing the development of female Swiss national team players in elite football over a three-decade period. METHODS A retrospective questionnaire was completed by 84 participants, who were divided into three cohorts based on their first game with the Swiss national team (C1 = until 2000, n = 24; C2 = 2001-2010, n = 29; C3 = 2011-2022, n = 31). ANOVAs were employed to compare the cohorts regarding training and environmental variables. RESULTS The findings demonstrate better perceived environmental conditions, stagnating volume of free play and other sports in childhood, decreasing age at club entry, and increasing club practice and total training volume across cohorts. CONCLUSION Practical implications highlight talent development avenues in unstructured settings during free time and in the micro-structure of club practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Charbonnet
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael J Schmid
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Merlin Örencik
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Achim Conzelmann
- Institute of Sport Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Beavan A, Spielmann J, Altmann S, Härtel S. Longitudinal development of physical, perceptual-cognitive and skill predictors of talent in academy and professional female football players. J Sports Sci 2023; 41:1952-1959. [PMID: 38263755 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2307804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Existing literature on talent development predominantly focuses on male athletes, with limited representation of female athletes. This study aims to address this gap by examining the long-term development of female football players in an elite club. Routine lab-based assessments were conducted on 238 athletes across six teams for 7 years to determine how physical, perceptual-cognitive, and skill performance predictors fluctuated with player age and developmental stage (sampling 9-11y, specializing 12-14y, investment 15-18y, and performance +18y). The developmental stage was a significant predictor of improved performance for each talent indicator (p < .001), with each consecutive stage significantly outperforming the previous stage in all domains with moderate to large effect sizes (0.07-0.40 ηp2). Improvement rate was higher in young adolescence (<15) and slower approaching adulthood (>18y). Playing position influenced performance scores on several physical and technical skill predictors (p ≤ .001), but not perceptual-cognitive ones (p ≥ .11). Players progressed continuously from the sampling to the performance stage, contradicting previously reported plateaus observed when athletes reached the investment stage. Benchmark data are provided across age and playing position to better understand what is required for successful participation at an elite level at varying age groups in female soccer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Beavan
- Science & innovation department, TSG Hoffenheim, Zuzenhausen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Jan Spielmann
- Psychology department, TSG ResearchLab gGmbH, Zuzenhausen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Altmann
- Psychology department, TSG ResearchLab gGmbH, Zuzenhausen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Sascha Härtel
- Physiology Department, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Zuzenhausen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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Söderström T, Garn AC. Sport specialization in Swedish football players: Investigating a model of antecedents and outcomes. Eur J Sport Sci 2023; 23:1868-1876. [PMID: 36576160 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2022.2153084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Drawing on data from the present and former football players (N = 1026) selected to a national football talent programme at the age of 15, this study explores a model of sport specialisation. We examined three specific aspects of sport specialisation including early football specialisation, participation in youth elite football training environments (i.e. academies) and enrolment in upper secondary football specialisation schools. Antecedents of these sport specialisation factors included gender (i.e. sociocultural), grit (i.e. personality) and perceptions of family finances (i.e. social). Outcomes focused on adult football participation at the age of 21 including elite skill acquisition (i.e. playing elite football) and personal development (i.e. participation in non-elite football). Findings revealed that females were less likely to gain access to elite football training or school specialisation environments. There was also a positive association between grit and participation in elite training environments. In terms of outcomes, players, who got trained in elite training environments during adolescence, were twice as likely to play elite football at the age of 21, while those who attended football specialisation schools were more likely to participate in non-elite football at the age of 21. Early specialisation was not associated with either adult participation outcome. This is one of the few studies to date addressing diverse antecedents and outcomes of sport specialisation factors. Understanding how sport specialisation practices relate to future skill acquisition and personal development can provide guidance for maximising the benefits of youth sport programming.HighlightsGirls had less opportunity to participate in elite training environments and school football classes.Early specialisation was unrelated to elite football participation at the age of 21.Participation in youth elite training increased the likelihood of elite status as an adult.Need for closer examination of sport specialisation disparities for female players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tor Söderström
- Department of Education, Umeå School of Sport Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Alex C Garn
- School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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Staff HC, Solli GS, Osborne JO, Sandbakk Ø. Long-Term Development of Training Characteristics and Performance-Determining Factors in Elite/International and World-Class Endurance Athletes: A Scoping Review. Sports Med 2023; 53:1595-1607. [PMID: 37178349 PMCID: PMC10356634 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01850-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this scoping review, we aimed to 1) identify and evaluate existing research that describes the long-term development of training characteristics and performance-determining factors in male and female endurance athletes reaching an elite/international (Tier 4) or world-class level (Tier 5), 2) summarize the available evidence and 3) point out existing knowledge gaps and provide methodological guidelines for future research in this field. METHODS This review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. RESULTS Out of 16772 screened items across a 22-year period (1990-2022), a total of 17 peer-reviewed journal articles met the inclusion criteria and were considered for further analysis. These 17 studies described athletes from seven different sports and seven different countries, with 11 (69%) of the studies being published during the last decade. Of the 109 athletes included in this scoping review, one quarter were women (27%), and three quarters were men (73%). Ten studies included information about the long-term development of training volume and training intensity distribution. A non-linear, year-to-year increase in training volume was found for most athletes, resulting in a subsequent plateau. Furthermore, 11 studies described the development of performance determining factors. Here, most of the studies showed improvements in submaximal variables (e.g., lactate/anaerobic threshold and work economy/efficiency) and maximal performance-indices (e.g., peak speed/watt during performance testing). Conversely, the development of VO2max was inconsistent across studies. No evidence was found regarding possible sex differences in development of training or performance-determining factors among endurance athletes. CONCLUSION Overall, a low number of studies describing the long-term development of training and performance-determining factors is available. This suggests that existing talent development practices in endurance sports are built upon limited scientific evidence. Overall, there is an urgent need for additional long-term studies based on systematic monitoring of athletes from a young age utilizing high-precision, reproducible measurements of training and performance-determining factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne C. Staff
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Campus Tromsø, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Guro Strøm Solli
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Campus Tromsø, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - John O. Osborne
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Campus Tromsø, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Campus Tromsø, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Fraser KK, Kochanek J. What place does elite sport have for women? A scoping review of constraints. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1121676. [PMID: 37389274 PMCID: PMC10300643 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1121676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite increases in participation and raised attention for girls and women in sports, female sport is still based on male evidence that ignores gendered differences and experiences of unequal treatment and marginalization from grassroots to elite sport. This paper aimed to critically interrogate the place that women have in the male preserve of elite sport by conducting a two-part study. Methods First, we provided a brief sociohistorical analysis of gender in sport as a means to move away from a decontextualized and universalized approach dominating in sport science literature. We then conducted a scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines to synthesize existing sport science literature that implemented Newell's constraints-led approach to examine elite performance. Results Ten studies were identified, none of which collected demographic data or centred on female athletes and the effects of sociocultural constraints on their performance. Instead, male-centred, masculine sports and physiological profiles dominated the identified studies. Discussion We discussed these results considering critical sport research and cultural sport psychology literature to offer an integrative, interdisciplinary approach to advocate for more culturally sensitive, context-specific interpretations of gender as a sociocultural constraint. We put forth a call to action for sport science researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers to move away from implementing male evidence in female sport and attend to the unique needs of female athletes. Practical suggestions aimed to help stakeholders reimagine elite sport by celebrating these [potential] differences as strengths for promoting gender equity in sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotryna K. Fraser
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jill Kochanek
- Department of Physical Education and Health, Springfield College, Springfield, MA, United States
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Brustio PR, Modena R, Boccia G, Vogliazzo M, Kelly AL. Youth-to-senior transition in women's and girls' football: Towards a better understanding of relative age effects and gender-specific considerations. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283781. [PMID: 37141307 PMCID: PMC10159103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate youth-to-senior transition and the relative age effect in Italian female football national teams. Birthdate data of 774 female players selected for Under 17 (N = 416), 19 (N = 265) and National Senior team (N = 93) were analysed. The youth-to-senior transition rate was determined by the number of youth players competing in the Senior National team (and vice versa), whilst birth quarter (Q) distributions with a chi-square goodness-of-fit test. Only 17.4% of youth players were able to be selected for the Senior National team, whereas 31.2% of the players reached the high-senior level without being selected for youth age groups. Data revealed a skewed birth date distribution in Under 17 and 19 teams (on average, Q1 = 35.6% vs Q4 = 18.5%) but not in the Senior National team. Youth players born in Q1 were two times more likely to be selected than in Q4. In Under 17, goalkeepers, defenders, and midfielders of Q1 players were overrepresented. However, Q4 players recorded higher conversion rates than Q1 (Q1 = 16.4% vs. Q4 = 25.0%). National youth experience may not be a prerequisite for being selected at the senior level. Moreover, this confers a higher probability of playing in the National Senior team than players not selected in youth rosters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Riccardo Brustio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- NeuroMuscularFunction Research Group, School of Exercise & Sport Sciences, SUISM University, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Modena
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Care, Molde University College, Molde, Norway
- CeRiSM (Sport Mountain and Health Research Centre), University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gennaro Boccia
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- NeuroMuscularFunction Research Group, School of Exercise & Sport Sciences, SUISM University, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Vogliazzo
- School of Exercise & Sport Sciences (SUISM), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Adam Leigh Kelly
- Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), Faculty of Health, Education, and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
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Dane K, Foley G, Hendricks S, Wilson F. "It's always the bare minimum" - A qualitative study of players' experiences of tackle coaching in women's rugby union. J Sci Med Sport 2023; 26:149-155. [PMID: 36669901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.01.002] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tackle coaching forms a cornerstone of training in rugby and is designed to enhance performance and mitigate tackle injury. The athlete voice can help key stakeholders understand the psychosocial determinants that shape skill development in relation to tackle coaching. We aimed to capture player experiences of tackle coaching in women's rugby union. DESIGN Qualitative study using the grounded theory approach. METHODS Current women rugby union players, with at least 1-year senior level experience, were recruited from Europe, Africa and North America between December 2021 and March 2022 to participate in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed in line with grounded theory coding procedures. RESULTS The 21 players were aged 20-48 years with a mean 10.6 years of rugby playing experience. Analysis revealed that the experiences of tackle coaching that shaped women's tackle skill development and sense of preparedness ranged from constraining to empowering, and gender was a pivotal influence in creating meaning. Participants expected and accepted the bare minimum in tackle coaching as the price that they had to pay for inclusion in rugby. CONCLUSIONS Participants' experiences of tackle coaching were entangled in inequitable club structures and cultures where men's rugby is the norm. Empowering tackle coaching in women's rugby union must be bespoke to the given context and the needs of women players. The recommendations offered in this paper encourage discussion as to how best to empower women's tackle development in rugby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Dane
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. https://twitter.com/kathryndane2
| | - Geraldine Foley
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Sharief Hendricks
- Division of Physiological Sciences, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Health, Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Carnegie Applied Rugby Research (CARR) centre, Institute for Sport Physical Activity and Leisure, Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. https://twitter.com/Sharief_H
| | - Fiona Wilson
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. https://twitter.com/fionawilsonf
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Rüeger E, Javet M, Born DP, Heyer L, Romann M. Why age categories in youth sport should be eliminated: Insights from performance development of youth female long jumpers. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1051208. [PMID: 36760524 PMCID: PMC9905234 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1051208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term sports participation and performance development are major issues in popular sports and talent development programs. This study aimed to provide longitudinal trends in youth female long jump performance development, participation, and relative age effects (RAEs), as longitudinal data for female athletes are missing. 51'894 season's best results of female long jump athletes (n = 16'189) were acquired from the Swiss Athletics online database and analyzed within a range of 6-22 years of age. To examine longitudinal performance development and RAEs, data from athletes who participated in at least three seasons were selected (n = 41'253) and analyzed. Performance development was analyzed using age groups (AGs) and exact chronological age (CA) at competition. Differences between performances of birth quarters were analyzed using 83% confidence intervals (CIs) and smallest worthwhile change. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI were used to quantify RAEs. With the traditional classification into age groups (AG), performances of athletes born between January and March (Q1) were significantly better than those born between October and December (Q4) from U8 to U17. Using exact CA resulted in similar performances in Q1 and Q4 until the U20 age category. The peak of participation was reached in the U12 category, and then decreased until the U23 category with a substantial drop at U17. Significant RAEs were observed from U8 to U19 and at U22. RAEs continuously decreased from U8 (large effect) to U14 (small effect). The present results show that differences in performance arise from the comparison of athletes in AGs. Thus, going beyond AGs and using exact CA, Q4 athletes could benefit from a realistic performance comparison, which promotes fair performance evaluation, un-biased talent development, realistic feedback, and long-term participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Rüeger
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen SFISM, Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - Marie Javet
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen SFISM, Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - Dennis-Peter Born
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen SFISM, Magglingen, Switzerland,Swiss Swimming Federation, Ittigen, Switzerland
| | - Louis Heyer
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen SFISM, Magglingen, Switzerland,Swiss Athletics Federation, Ittigen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Romann
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen SFISM, Magglingen, Switzerland,*Correspondence: Michael Romann,
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Sweeney L, Taylor J, MacNamara Á. Push and Pull Factors: Contextualising Biological Maturation and Relative Age in Talent Development Systems. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10010130. [PMID: 36670680 PMCID: PMC9857589 DOI: 10.3390/children10010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In this conceptual paper, we contextualise ongoing attempts to manage challenge dynamics in talent systems in sport. Firstly, we review the broad literature base related to biological maturation, relative age, and the proposed interventions to mitigate effects. We suggest that the relative age effect may be a population level effect, indicative of deeper phenomena, rather than having a direct effect on challenge levels. In contrast, we suggest that biological maturation has a direct effect on challenge at the individual level. Therefore, our main critique of many existing approaches to the management of challenge is a lack of individual nuance and flexibility. We suggest the necessity for talent systems to adopt a more holistic approach, conceptualising biological maturation and relative age within a broader field of "push and pull factors" that impact challenge dynamics in talent development in sport. Finally, we provide practical guidance for talent systems in their approach to relative age and biological maturation, recognising that there is no "gold standard". Instead, there is a need to recognize the highly individual and contextual nature of these concepts, focusing on strategic coherence through talent systems for the management of selection and development processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Sweeney
- School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, D09 W6Y4 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jamie Taylor
- School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, D09 W6Y4 Dublin, Ireland
- Grey Matters Performance Ltd., Stratford Upon Avon CV37 9TQ, UK
- Insight SFI Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, D09 W6Y4 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Áine MacNamara
- School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Science and Health, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, D09 W6Y4 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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The Role of Challenge in Talent Development: Understanding Impact in Response to Emotional Disturbance. PSYCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/psych4040050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The pursuit of excellence is central to most development environments, and this is particularly the case in high-performance sport. Accordingly, we examined some mechanisms for development, focusing on the nature and impact of challenge in the experiences of more or less successful high-level rugby players. (2) Methods: Retrospective interviews were conducted with two groups of players. All had been successful on the development pathway (i.e., recruited to high level academies and selected as age group internationals). Only some had progressed to senior contracts and international selection, offering a basis for contrast. (3) Results: Data suggest the importance of negative experiences in the development of performers and performance. Importantly, however, the impact is dependent on both the skills of the individual and the style, timing and context of the challenge. (4) Conclusions: Negative experiences seemed to offer developmental opportunities wider than just learning to cope, at least for those who eventually succeeded. In short, progress was dependent on an interaction between individual skill, interpretation, context and social setting. The need for coaches and others to develop the appropriate attitudes and approach to challenge is a clear implication.
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Koopmann T, Lath F, Büsch D, Schorer J. Predictive Value of Technical Throwing Skills on Nomination Status in Youth and Long-Term Career Attainment in Handball. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:6. [PMID: 35029778 PMCID: PMC8760367 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00397-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on talent in sports aims to identify predictors of future performance. This study retrospectively investigated 1) relationships between young handball field players' technical throwing skills and (a) their potential nomination to youth national teams and (b) their long-term career attainment 10 years later, and 2) associations between nomination status and career attainment. RESULTS Results from retrospectively predicting nomination status and career attainment using logistic regression analyses show that technical throwing skills were partly able to explain players' nomination status (Nagelkerke R2: females 9.2%, males 13.1%) and career attainment (Nagelkerke R2: 9.8% for female players). Here, variables throwing velocity and time on exercise showed statistically significant effects. In addition, nomination status and career attainment were shown to be associated using chi-square tests (w of .37 and .23 for female and male players, respectively) and nomination status as a predictor increased the prediction of career attainment remarkably (Nagelkerke R2: females 20.3%, males 12.7%). CONCLUSIONS Given these results, basic technical throwing skills may serve rather as a prerequisite in this age group on national level, emphasizing its importance already on lower levels and in younger age groups. Furthermore, advantages from entering the national TID system early especially for females are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Till Koopmann
- Institute of Sport Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Lath
- Institute of Sport Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Büsch
- Institute of Sport Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Schorer
- Institute of Sport Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
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15
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Kelly AL, Jackson DT, Barrell D, Burke K, Till K. The relative age effect in male and female English age-grade rugby union: Exploring the gender-specific mechanisms that underpin participation. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2021; 6:277-284. [DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2021.1955145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam L. Kelly
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
| | - Daniel T. Jackson
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
| | - Donald Barrell
- Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, UK
| | - Kate Burke
- Rugby Football Union, Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London, UK
| | - Kevin Till
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, Yorkshire, UK
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Baker J, Wilson S, Johnston K, Dehghansai N, Koenigsberg A, de Vegt S, Wattie N. Talent Research in Sport 1990-2018: A Scoping Review. Front Psychol 2020; 11:607710. [PMID: 33324305 PMCID: PMC7723867 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.607710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Several recent systematic and targeted reviews have highlighted limitations in our understanding of talent in sport. However, a comprehensive profile of where the scientific research has focused would help identify gaps in current knowledge. Our goal in this scoping review was (a) to better understand what others have done in the field of research (e.g., what groups have been examined using what research designs and in what areas), (b) to summarize the constituent areas of research in a meaningful way, (c) to help identify gaps in the research, and (d) to encourage future research to address these gaps. Peer-reviewed articles written in English that met several inclusion criteria were analyzed. A total of 1,899 articles were identified, and the descriptive findings revealed a relatively narrow focus of research on talent in sport. Specifically, the majority of examined articles focused on (a) males only, (b) the sport of soccer, (c) perceptual cognitive variables, (d) developing athletes, (e) adult samples, and (f) cross-sectional designs. For better or worse, the concept of talent remains a central element of how coaches, practitioners, and scientists think about athlete development. Findings from this scoping review highlight the continued need to explore issues related to talent identification, selection, and development in more diverse samples (e.g., female athletes and younger ages) and contexts (e.g., from Africa, Asia, and South America). There is also a clear necessity to focus on under-researched areas using alternative methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Baker
- Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stuart Wilson
- School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kathryn Johnston
- Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nima Dehghansai
- Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aaron Koenigsberg
- Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Steven de Vegt
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Nick Wattie
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, ON, Canada
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