Analysis of Madrid Primary Health-Care staff for the implementation of exercise prescription

OBJECTIVE

To assess the self-perception of nurses and general practitioners (GPs) toward Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP) in Madrid Primary Health-Care (PHC).

DESIGN

A survey-cohort study. SITE: Nurses and GPs of Madrid PHC System.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 319 GPs and 285 nurses' responders.

MEASUREMENTS

Data were analyzed under a classification tree analysis by four predictor variables: (i) Health professional (Nurses/GPs); (ii) Exercise prescription collaboration with all health professionals: physicians, nurses, psychologists, physical therapists, sports medicine physicians, sports scientists, nutritionists, and teachers (Yes/No); (iii) PA promotion collaboration with Sports Scientists (Yes/No); and (iv) The stage of change of PHC staff to PA promotion (0-4 Likert scale).

RESULTS

Regarding the predictor variable (i), responders without PA guidelines knowledge and positive attitude to collaborate with nurses in PA promotion are more GPs of female sex (nurses n=33 and GPs n=175) than male sex (nurses n=3 and GPs n=59) (p<.001). For the predictor variable (ii) only 9.30% of PHC staff with a positive attitude to collaborate with all health professionals in PA promotion and exercise prescription. For the predictor variable (iii) was shown low collaboration with sports physicians and sports scientists under a multidisciplinary PAP approach (26.50% responders). Finally, in the predictor variable (iv) Staff maintaining PAP for at least 6 months, self-considered active, and with PAP knowledge want to collaborate with Sports scientists (Yes=233; No=133).

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses and GPs are conscious of health-related PA benefits despite the lack of PAP knowledge and lack of willingness to collaborate with other health personnel, exercise professionals, and community resources available.

Analysis of defensive playing styles in the professional Chinese Football Super League

Describing and measuring different team styles of play during matches is a key step towards a more predictive and prescriptive performance analysis. The current study aimed to identify and measure different defensive playing styles in professional football via Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The sample comprised all 240 matches played in the Chinese Football Super League (CSL) during the 2018 season. Seventeen key performance indicators (KPIs), 15 defense-related and 2 physical-related were identified from sixty-two defensive performance indicators. Those metrices were significantly different between when teams lost and did not lose (p<0.05, ES=0.03-0.22). The value of Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin for KPIs was 0.81. Then PCA model based on 17 KPIs outputted eight principal factors representing 7 different styles of play (factor 6 and 8 represented one style) and explaining 83.01% of the total variance. Of all styles, defense close to own goal, which included clearance, ball gain in the zone 1, deep completion and unsuccessful cross of the opponent, was the most dominant style (31.92% of the total variance). The champion of the league (Shanghai SIPG FC) showed better scores in all styles of play, while the last ranked team (Guizhou Hengfeng) got the highest score in defense close to the own goal. The study indicated that a team's defensive style could be defined by specific KPIs, and teams are suggested to attune their defending styles consciously rather than maintaining a consistent strategy so as to achieve better performance. Moreover, the categorization of defensive styles could be used during scouting and match preparation.

Characterizing player's playing styles based on player vectors for each playing position in the Chinese Football Super League

Characterizing playing style is important for football clubs on scouting, monitoring and match preparation. Previous studies considered a player's style as a combination of technical performances, failing to consider the spatial information. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the playing styles of each playing position in the Chinese Football Super League (CSL) matches, integrating a recently adopted Player Vectors framework. Data of 960 matches from 2016-2019 CSL were used. Match ratings, and 10 types of match events with the corresponding coordinates for all the line-up players whose on-pitch time exceeded 45 minutes were extracted. Players were first clustered into eight positions. A player vector was constructed for each player in each match based on the Player Vectors using Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NMF). Another NMF process was run on the player vectors to extract different types of playing styles. The resulting player vectors discovered 18 different playing styles in the CSL. Six performance indicators of each style were investigated to observe their contributions. In general, the playing styles of forwards and midfielders are in line with football performance evolution trends, while the styles of defenders should be reconsidered. Multifunctional playing styles were also found in high-rated CSL players.

Fluctuations in External Peak Demands Across Quarters During Basketball Games

The purpose of this study was to compare external peak demands (PDs) across quarters (Q) in basketball. Thirteen elite, junior, male basketball players were monitored using electronic performance tracking systems. There were studied intervals for different time windows to determine the external PD for distance (m); player load; distance covered in four different zones; accelerations; and decelerations. A mixed linear model was run to identify differences among quarters, and the auto-correlation function was carried out to determine fluctuations across the whole game. The results showed significant differences between Q1 vs. Q2 for distance, player load, and standing–walking distance; between Q1 vs. Q3 for distance, player load, and HSR; between Q1 vs. Q4 for distance, player load, standing–walking, and HSR; and between Q3 vs. Q4 for distance and player load. These findings suggest that external PD for running-based demands (distance, player load, and high-speed running) decrease across basketball games with the most notable declines occurring between the first and fourth quarters. Nevertheless, it is important to note that non-significant differences were found between quarters for several external PD variables (jogging, running, acceleration, and deceleration) across different time windows. Findings from the present study reinforce the importance of considering specific PD variables for different functions due to the specific insight each provides.

Long-term influence of technical, physical performance indicators and situational variables on match outcome in male professional Chinese soccer

This study aimed to determine whether the role of technical, physical performance indicators and situational variables in determining match outcome has varied from a long-term analysis (seasons 2012 to 2017) of the Chinese Soccer Super League (CSL). The sample included 1,429 matches where 17 technical performance-related indicators, 11 physical performance-related indicators and two situational variables (match location and quality of opposition) were analysed. Three binary logistic regression models (inclusion of different variables) were used to measure the level of association between factors and match outcome over the six seasons studied. Results of models 1 and 2 revealed that shots on target, possession, total distance in ball possession, total distance out of ball possession, and match location exerted a decreased influence on winning the matches from 2012 to 2014 seasons. However, these indicators play a more important role in winning matches from 2014 to 2017 seasons. Additionally, the quality of opposition has a continuously increased negative effect on the match outcome. In model 3, more variables, such as high-speed distance, high-speed out of ball possession, had a meaningful influence on winning the match. These results provide valuable information about performance indicators and situational variables on winning the matches from a long-term approach.

Effect of a Seeding System on Competitive Performance of Elite Players During Major Tennis Tournaments

The performance of professional tennis players in the four major Grand Slam tournaments has always been an important research topic, which advances the understanding of the current development of tennis. However, there is little known about the difference between higher-ranked and lower-ranked players considering match performance statistics. The study was aimed to explore the technical, tactical, and physical performance indicators that best discriminate seeded and non-seeded male players in Grand Slams. A total of 549 matches played by 189 individual players during 2015–2017 Grand Slam men’s singles were sampled, with corresponding match statistics gathered for each player observation, concerning players’ serving, returning, net point, break point, efficiency, and physical performance. The results showed that the seeded players outperformed the non-seeded players in serve and return, break point, net point, and efficiency-related indicators, while the following indicators contributed most to the separation of two player categories: serve and return of serve points won (%), ace (%), peak serve speed, net points won (%), break point per return game, break point saved, winner and unforced error ratio, and dominance ratio. The research findings evidenced the decreased competitive balance in men’s competition during Grand Slams due to a rank-based seeding system, whereas coaches could use the information to fine-tune the training benchmarks and match planning.

Evolutionary Trends of Players' Technical Characteristics in the UEFA Champions League

The current study aimed to investigate the evolutionary trends of players' technical performances in the UEFA Champions League. Match statistics of 18 technical performance indicators from 1,125 matches (2,489 players, 16,247 full match observations) from the group and knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League (season 2009/2010 to 2017/2018) were analysed. Separate Poisson regression models were run in the generalised mixed linear modelling to compare the differences in technical performances among seasons, and the autocorrelation function was used to identify the correlations within technical variables. Results demonstrated that players' match performances in variables of shots and shots on target showed trivial changes over the nine seasons. The defending related variables showed either downward trends or negligible changes, and the passing- and attacking-related variables showed different evolving paths throughout the course of the nine seasons. These findings may indicate that European teams are now more focussed on the control of match play, creating offensive space by increasing passing frequency and accuracy rather than crossing the ball from the wings into the penalty box. The significant autocorrelations were only detected in the attacking- and passing-related variables of crossing, though ball and aerial wins, they displayed persistence patterns among the nine seasons.

Situational and Positional Effects on the Technical Variation of Players in the UEFA Champions League

This study aimed to identify the situational and positional effects on the variation of players’ technical performance in the UEFA Champions League from a long-term perspective. The technical performance of full match observations from outfield players in the UEFA Champions League from season 2009/2010 to 2016/2017 was analysed. The coefficient of variation of each variable of each player in each season was calculated to evaluate the match-to-match variation of technical performance. The variation of technical performance between players was compared across five playing positions and five situational variables using the non-clinical magnitude-based inference. Results showed that variables related to goal scoring, passing and organising from five playing positions showed a relatively higher variation among five competing contexts (ES: −0.72 ± 0.38 – 0.82 ± 0.61). Quality of team, quality of opponent and match outcome showed relatively greater influences than competition stage and match location on the variation of a player’s technical performance (ES: −0.72 ± 0.38 – 0.57 ± 0.56). The technical performances of wide players (full backs and wide midfielders) were more variable between the group and knockout stage (ES: −0.37 ± 0.32 – 0.28 ± 0.19). This study provides an important understanding of the associations among the variation of technical indicators, playing positions and situational variables. These profiles of technical variation could be used by coaches and analysts for talent identification, player recruitment, pre-match preparation and post-match evaluation.

Comparison of the Physical Demands of Friendly Matches and Different Types On-Field Integrated Training Sessions in Professional Soccer Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among physical demands of two friendly matches (FMs) and three task training sessions (TS1,2,3) combining in a different way: a Small-Sided Game (SSG), Mini-Goals (MG), a ball Circuit Training (CT) and a Large-Sided Game (LSG): SSG+MG+LSG (TS1), SSG+CT+LSG (TS2) and MG+CT+LSG (TS3). The TS and match demands in running intensities were monitored in fourteen professional soccer players (age = 23.2 ± 2.7 years, height = 178 ± 6 cm, body mass = 73.2 ± 6.9 kg, mean and SD, respectively) using 10-Hz global positioning system devices, and players' perception of exertion was recorded after each session or match using a visual analogue scale. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA with a Bonferroni correction coupled with magnitude-based inferences were used. A principal component (PC) analysis was conducted on all variables to account for covariance. Three PCs were retained, explaining 76% of the variance: Component 1 explained 46.9% with the associated variables: Total Distance (TD) and distance covered in ranges of speed from >2.2 to <5 m/s, Player Load and Work Rest Ratio; component 2 explained 19.7% and was composed of TD at > 5 m/s and maximal running speed (MRS); and component 3 explained 9.5% and was represented by TD < 2.2 m/s, decelerations and accelerations. The ANOVA results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among TS vs. FM in TD3, TD4, TD5, and TD > 5, TD, deceleration rate, acceleration rate, maximal running speed, exertion index, work rest ratio, and self-reported exertion. Therefore, the training routines did not replicate the main set of high intensity efforts experienced in competitive conditions. Additionally, PC analysis could be applied in order to select the most representative training and competitive conditions.

Relative Age Effect in the Girls' Volleyball U18 World Championship

The relative age effect (RAE), within the sporting scope, refers to the possible advantages of participation and performance of athletes born in the first months of the year of selection in relation to others within the same age category. The aim of the present study was to investigate the RAE in girls' volleyball players participating in the U-18 World Championship, analysing the differences between the medal teams and other teams in the tournament, and considering this phenomenon in relation to the continents. Data collection was obtained from the website of the International Volleyball Federation with a sample made of 1654 youth players in the last six world championships (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017). A greater representation of athletes born in the first months of the year of all the world championships was observed. In the comparison among the continents, it was observed that in Africa, there was a more equal distribution of quartiles compared to America, Asia and Europe. It should be noted that there was a higher percentage of medalist athletes born at the beginning of the year in comparison to the countries that placed in the last three positions of the championship. Therefore, in U-18 female volleyball, there is an advantage to have the closest birth age at the beginning of the competitive biennium.

Design, validation, and reliability of an observational notational instrument for the football goalkeeper’s defensive and offensive technical-tactical actions

The aim of this study was to design and validate an observational instrument used to analyse the in-game behaviour of the football goalkeeper (GK) in defence and attack. The validation and reliability testing processes were carried out by twelve experts through five steps. Contents validity was calculated using Aiken’s V and the kappa index was used to analyse reliability. The observational tool was divided into three different content blocks: GK’s offensive actions, GK’s defensive actions, and opponent’s actions taken before a GK’s defensive action. Only three out of the total of 24 items achieved low values that, after modifications, recorded optimal values (values higher than .90) in accordance with the Aiken’s V. Following step one, new proposals were evaluated after a pilot test. The reliability test scored optimal values (values higher than .85). An observational sheet was developed to manage the quantitative and qualitative assessments of experts, and the proposed tool was accepted as valid and reliable.

Key Anthropometric and Physical Determinants for Different Playing Positions During National Basketball Association Draft Combine Test

Annual draft combine test of National Basketball Association (NBA) is a key player testing process where prospective players with extraordinary athletic abilities are evaluated and the assessment results would further inform the determination of prospective players for the league during draft day. Nonetheless, key attributes from the combine test that distinguished successful players in the draft from those unselected has yet to be investigated. The study was aimed to: (i) compare the difference between NBA drafted and undrafted players from five playing positions, considering anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness ability during draft combine test; and (ii) determine the key combine test factors that most effectively discriminate between draft groups. A total of 3,610 players participating in the 2000-2018 NBA draft combine test were included. Independent t-test was applied to compare difference between drafted and non-drafted players in variables related to anthropometrics, and strength and agility test. A descriptive discriminant analysis was subsequently used to identify which variables could best discriminate between two draft groups in each playing position. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. The drafted players from five positions outperformed the undrafted in height, wingspan, vertical jump height and reach, line agility and three-quarter sprint test (p < 0.01, ES = 0.26-0.87). The discriminant functions for each position (p < 0.001, Λ = 0.81-0.83) were emphasized by specific variables that discriminated both draft groups. The findings revealed that in addition to height and wingspan, leg power served as key determinants for being drafted as guards, as did agility and speed for power forwards and centers.

Reliability of Teams' Game-Related Statistics in Basketball: Number of Games Required and Minimal Detectable Change

In basketball, game-related statistics are the most common measure of performance. However, the literature assessing their reliability is scarce. Purpose: Analyze the number of games required to obtain a good relative and absolute reliability of teams' game-related statistics. Method: A total of 884 games from the 2015-2016 to 2017-2018 seasons of the Spanish men's professional league were analyzed using all games and clustered by scoring difference. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for each variable. The number of games required to detect a change and to achieve good relative reliability was calculated using minimal detectable change and Spearman-Brown prophecy formula respectively. Results: Using all games, the results showed that the minimal number of games required in each group was 30 to detect a medium change (d > .5), 187 for a small change (d > .2), and 100 for good relative reliability (ICC ≥ .75). Using balanced and unbalanced games, the minimal number of games required in each group was respectively 31 and 30 to detect a medium change (d > .5), 190 and 188 for a small change (d > .2), and 191 and 121 for good relative reliability (ICC ≥ .75). Conclusions: The sample needs to consist of at least 30 games in each group to detect a medium size change, and at least 190 games to detect a small size change. To be able to rank teams with good reliability, at least 100 games are required when including both balanced and unbalanced games.

The Validity and Reliability of Live Football Match Statistics From Champdas Master Match Analysis System

The aim of the present study was to investigate the validity of match variables and the reliability of Champdas Master System used by trained operators in live association football match. Twenty professional football coaches voluntarily participated in the validation of match variables used in the System. Four well-trained operators divided into two groups that independently analyzed a match of Spanish La Liga. The Aiken’s V averaged at 0.84 ± 0.03 and 0.85 ± 0.03 for the validation of indicators. The high Kappa values (Operator 1: 0.92, 0.90; Operator 2: 0.91, 0.88), high intra-class correlation coefficients (varied from 0.93 to 1.00), and low typical errors (varied from 0.01 to 0.34) between the first and second data collection represented a high level of intra-operator reliability. The Kappa values for the inter-operator reliability of were 0.97 and 0.89. The intra-class correlation coefficients and typical errors ranged from 0.90 to 1.00 and ranged from 0.01 to 0.24 for two independent operators within two data collections. The results suggest that the Champdas Master system can be used validly and reliably to gather live football match statistics by well-trained operators. Therefore, the data obtained by the company can be used by coaches, managers, researchers and performance analysts as valid match statistics from players and teams during their professional tasks and investigations.

Analysis of elite soccer players' performance before and after signing a new contract

The aim of the current study was to analyse performance differences of football players 2-years prior and the year after signing a new contract (the following year) while taking playing position, nationality, player’s role, team ability, and age into account. The sample was comprised of 249 players (n = 109 defenders, n = 113 midfielders; and n = 27 forwards) from four of the major European Leagues (Bundesliga, English FA Premier League, Ligue 1, and La Liga) during the seasons 2008 to 2015. The dependent variables studied were: shooting accuracy, defense (the sum of defensive actions, tackles, blocks, and interceptions), yellow cards, red cards, passing accuracy, tackle success, and minutes played per match. Two-step cluster analysis allowed classifying the sample into three groups of defenders (national important, foreign important, and less important players) and four groups of midfielders and forwards (national important, foreign important, national less important, and foreign less important players). Magnitude Based Inference (MBI) was used to test the differences between player’s performances during the years of analyses. The main results (very likely and most likely effects) showed better performance in the year prior to signing a new contract than the previous year for foreign important defenders (decreased number of red cards), national important midfielders (increased number of minutes played), foreign important forwards (increased minutes played and defense), and national important forwards (increased minutes played). In addition, performance was lower the year after signing the contract compared to the previous one for less important defenders (decreasing defense), national less important midfielders (decreased minutes played), and foreign less important forwards (decreased defense). On the other hand, the players showed better performance in defense and more minutes played the year after signing the contract for less important defenders, national less important midfielders, and foreign less important forwards. These results may assist coaches to decide on when a new contract should be signed or the duration of the contract.

Variation of match statistics and football teams’ match performance in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League from 2010 to 2017

The aim of this study was to identify the relationships between the variation of match variables and teams’ match performance. Data from all 768 matches played at the group stage of the UEFA Champions League from season 2009/1010 to 2016/2017 were analysed. The non-clinical magnitude-based inferences were used to identify the differences of technical variation between the teams. Autocorrelation function, correlation analysis and generalised linear model were used to examine the relationships between the variation of match variables and teams’ match performance. Results showed that the qualified teams demonstrated a more stable match performance on the variables related to goal scoring, attacking and passing, while the non-qualified teams displayed a more stable match performance on the variables related to defending. The coefficients of variation (CV) of all the variables related to goal scoring and the variables related to attacking and passing showed negative relationships with the teams’ match performance, while the CVs of the variables related to defending showed positive relationships with the teams’ match performance. Findings of this study can provide useful information about the fluctuation of match variables, contributing to the development of specific training interventions to enhance teams’ performance in key indicators.

Physical and technical differences between domestic and foreign soccer players according to playing positions in the China Super League

Physical demands and technical skills of different playing positions within soccer match-play have been rarely studied in competitions from Asia that have unique restrictions that limit the number of foreign players per team. Therefore, the aims of this study were to identify the technical and physical differences between domestic and foreign soccer players according to playing-positions in the China Super League (CSL); and to classify domestic and foreign players (best/worst) based on their match performance characteristics. Data were provided by Amisco Sports Analysis Services (n = 3468 observations). Discriminant and ANOVA analyses showed important differences between domestic and foreign players in the CSL in terms of physical and technical performance indicators for various playing positions. The unique match performance profiles of domestic and foreign players within the CSL highlighted important features for coaches and managers to improve the recruitment process within a league that implements a restrictive foreign player policy.

The Impact of Rule Modifications on Elite Basketball Teams' Performance

Rule modifications in basketball are used to develop the sport, and FIBA changes the basketball regulations periodically and constantly in search of a more attractive game. The objectives of this study were as follows: i) to characterise and identify the technical-tactical performance indicators which discriminated the game style according to the effect of rule modifications; and ii) to analyse the persistence of these indicators according to rule modifications over time. Analyses were made of all the editions of the current competition system of the Copa Del Rey in Spanish basketball. One hundred and forty matches were analysed, starting from the 1995-96 to the 2014-15 season. Data were gathered from the official competition web page (www.acb.com) The variables analysed included rule modifications, the number of ball possessions, points scored, one, two and 3-point field goals made and attempted, total rebounds, defensive and offensive rebounds, assists, steals, turnovers, blocked shots, dunks and committed and received personal fouls, score differences, as well as one, two and 3-point field-goal percentages. Several analyses were carried out: descriptive analysis to characterise the sample; ANOVA to identify differences between periods; discriminant analysis to determine technical-tactical performance indicators which best discriminated between each competition term and rule change period; and finally autocorrelation function and cross-correlation were used to estimate the persistency of performance indicators over time. Results show that rule changes affect the way basketball is played. Nevertheless, players and coaches are the ones who determine functional behavior in basketball.

Performance profiles of professional female tennis players in grand slams

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to (i) analyze the match performance of professional female tennis players in different Grand Slams; (ii) model the relationships between match performance variables and relative quality; and (iii) build typical performance profiles for those players in Grand Slams.

METHOD

Data of a total of 1369 matches were collected within 2014-2017 four Grand Slams (Australian Open: n = 499; Roland Garros: n = 249; Wimbledon: n = 249 and US Open, n = 372). Correlations between 37 performance variables and relative quality (difference of expected rounds between two competing players of given ranking) were determined and automatically classified into two groups of magnitudes via two-step cluster analysis. Higher-correlated variables were used to build players' typical performance profiles via regression-based technique to give percentage evaluation scores (%ES), which means the percentage of matches where a performance variable value would be expected to be lower than the observed value considering the RQ of two competing players.

RESULTS

Players had more service winners, double faults, return winners and return unforced errors in the Australian Open and US Open, implying a "fast-fast" serve strategy, and higher dominance ratio and better serving performance in Wimbledon. While receiving players had better chances to break opponents' service game in Roland Garros. Distance covered became similar in all Grand Slams. All studied variables showed obvious correlation with RQ expect for those of physical performance.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings (i) indicate that female game in Grand Slams remained to be a contest over baseline, although players had good efficiency at net; (ii) demonstrate the influence of relative quality on serve and return, break point, net point and efficiency performance; and (iii) evidence the usefulness of applying %ES to evaluate performance of individual player.

Shaq is not Alone: Free-Throws in the Final Moments of a Basketball Game

It has been previously observed that basketball free-throw (FT) shooting efficiency decreases towards the end of the game. The aim of the current study was to explore possible determinants for this distinctive pattern during close games (point differential of equal or under 2 points during the final minute of the game). A sample of shots attempted by 92 players in the Spanish professional basketball league (ACB) was collected. Several personal (age, experience, playing position and career FT percentage) and contextual (team ability, competition stage, game location, seconds remaining and score differential) variables were considered for the analysis of the data. The effects of the predictor variables on the players' performance were analyzed according to two game contexts (FT attempted during the final minute or the last pair of FTs) using binomial logistic regression analysis. The results showed that during the final minute the only statistically significant variable was being in the center playing position (OR = 1.58), which decreased the FT shooting percentage compared to forwards and guards. In addition, the results during the last pair of FTs showed that the playing position of guards (OR = 1.70) and centers (OR = 2.22) was significant (a decrease in their FT percentage). Conversely, the score differential when tied (OR = -1.17) or losing (OR = -2.43) was significant, reflecting a lower probability of missing the shot. The results were interpreted and discussed from the viewpoints of crisis theory and the literature on choking in athletic performance.

Effect of Pitch Size on Technical-Tactical Actions of the Goalkeeper in Small-Sided Games

The aim of this paper was to determine how the size of the pitch affected technical and tactical actions of the goalkeeper when playing small-sided games. The participants were 13 male youth players, including 3 goalkeepers. Three different pitch sizes were used (62 x 44 m; 50 x 35 m; 32 x 23 m). On each pitch, the players played three matches of 8 minutes, with 5-minute breaks between matches. Numerous variables were recorded and examined: defensive and offensive technical and tactical actions, opponent’s shooting zone, length and zone of the offensive action, and goal zone where the shoot was directed. An ad hoc observational tool was used. A descriptive analysis was described. The Fisher’s exact test was used when the expected distribution was below 5 or included values below 1%. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The results showed that the technical-tactical actions of the goalkeeper differed among pitch sizes. In defensive actions, when the pitch was larger, the 1-on-1 situations took precedence, whereas when the pitch was smaller, the proportion of blocks increased. In offensive actions, the goalkeepers did not show a wide variety of actions when the pitch was larger, but when the pitch was smaller, passes with a hand or foot increased. These results show that the size should be taken into account when planning and designing tasks.

Analysis of Training Plans in Basketball: Gender and Formation Stage Differences

Scientific literature has stated the presence of various stages in athletes sportive development, with different objectives in each one of them. This should lead coaches to different training plans according to the athlete’s formation stage. The aim of this study was to analyse training plans and identify differences in basketball objectives according to formative stages (U’12 and U’14) in boys and girls. A total of 1,976 training tasks were collected and analysed, for a total of four teams (girls and boys of U’12 and U’14 categories) during an entire season. Pedagogical variables, game phases, game situations, training means and content were studied. The results showed significant differences between genders. Girls’ teams performed more tasks on offense and technical skills. By contrast, boys’ teams performed more defensive tasks and tactical contents. The 1-on-0 and 1-on-1 were the most repeated game situations in all teams. Coaches used different training tasks according to gender and age. In male U’12 teams, drills predominated, whereas in the other categories, games predominated. For boys’ teams, the contents were tactical oriented, and for girls’ teams, the contents were oriented toward skill acquisition. Studying the pedagogical variables of the training process allowed for identification of the utility of training, assessment, and modification of this process.

Short- and long-term effects of using shooting straps on free-throw accuracy of young female basketball players

This study identified the short- and long-term effects of using a shooting strap on the accuracy of freethrows performed by U15 female basketball players during training and competition. Thirty six female<br>basketball player volunteers (aged 14.3±0.5 years) from the Lithuanian Schoolchildren Basketball League were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group used a shooting strap that immobilized movements of the supporting hand while shooting. The control group performed freethrows without any training aid. Learning and transfer of performance was assessed before and after the intervention training sessions (4-week intervention program applied 4 times per week), and on a retention test after one year. Results showed that: (a) free-throw accuracy was higher after one month and after one year of intervention than before the intervention training program in both practice and competition; (b) the experimental group scored better in practice and competition than the control group after one month and one year of the intervention; and (c) free-throw accuracy was higher during training sessions than during&nbsp;competition. The identified short-term and long-term improvements in free-throw shooting accuracy support the usage of shooting straps. The use of shooting straps and external assisting devices might allow adjusting programs of training to provide fluent free-throw accuracy progresses from youth to senior categories.

Exploring the effects of substituting basketball players in high-level teams

Substituting basketball players during competition is a key process to optimise collective performance. Available research on this topic is scarce, probably due to the difficulty in isolating these effects; thus, the aim of this study was to identify the temporal effects of substitutions in basketball (Spanish professional basketball league). The sample was composed of 1118 substitutions gathered from 21 basketball games. The analysed variables were coach-controlled (player and team's personal fouls, player in and player out roles, player's in and out minutes on-court and timeout situation); on-court (foul committed, free throws, 2- and 3-point field-goal effectiveness) and situational variables (scoreline, quality of opposition, game location and game quarter). The results showed positive scoring performances after the substitution for all the analyses. During the first quarter, there were significant effects for fouls committed, scoreline and game location after the substitution. The player's out personal fouls, free-throw effectiveness, player in, minutes on-court player in, timeout situation and 3-point field-goal effectiveness were significant during the second quarter. The team's personal fouls, game location, and scoreline were identified as important in the third quarter. The fourth quarter did not show significant effects on the independent variables. Current findings allow optimising coaches' plans and team management of on-court and bench players throughout the game.

Effects of team timeouts on the teams’ scoring performance in elite handball close games

This study identified temporal effects (immediate, short-term, and medium-term effect) of team timeouts on elite handball scoring performance in reference to several situational variables that may influence performance: match status, game location, quality of the opposition, game period, and game type. The sample consisted of 646 team timeouts from 142 close games (score differences less than or equal to five goals) of the 2011/2012 men’s Spanish Professional Handball League (ASOBAL League). For each team timeout, the goals scored and conceded within the previous and post timeout 1st, 3rd and 5th ball possessions were recorded for the teams that called a timeout and for their opponents. Multiple linear regression models were used for analysis. The results showed positive effects on goals scored for the teams that called a timeout, with increases of 0.59, 1.40 and 1.85 goals for the periods within the previous and post team timeout 1st, 3rd and 5th ball possessions. Conversely, significant negative effects on goals scored were found for the opposing teams, with decreases of 0.59, 1.43 and 2.04 goals for the same periods, respectively. Unexpectedly, the influence of situational variables on scoring performance of the teams was only registered for certain game periods. These findings could be useful for a better team timeout management during games and competitions.

From a Static to a Dynamic Perspective in Handball Match Analysis: a Systematic Review

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the scientific literature on handball match analysis and to identify potential research areas for future work. Data were collected from Web of Science, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, EBSCO, and ProQuest databases. The initial search found 148 journal articles. Only the papers focused on handball match analysis regarding tactical and technical aspects were considered, for a final list of 25 publications. The complexity approach under which each considered publication was conducted was taken into account (i.e., static vs. dynamic). Therein, authors, main analysis, number of performance indicators under study, considered situational variables, statistics and/or analysis methods, type of competition, number of matches, and sex of participants were distinguished for classification purposes. Research on handball match analysis has evolved over the years, mainly due to the great technological advances. Studies conducted under the classical static complexity approach are the most extended. Studies performed under the relatively new dynamic complexity approach are growing. The present review identified the following main guidelines for future work on handball match analysis: conducting more studies focused on the defensive profile; analyzing handball national leagues and international club competitions; performing more studies in female handball; including game situational variables into the analysis (i.e., game type, match status, game location, quality of opposition, game period); incorporating critical events of the game into the analysis (e.g., team timeouts, exclusions); and, conducting further research from the promising dynamic complexity perspective.

Effectiveness during ball screens in elite basketball games

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