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This study examined the effects of coach encouragement (CE) on psychophysiological responses and technical actions in different small-sided soccer games (SSGs) in young soccer players. Twenty male soccer players (17.3 ± 1.4 years of age) performed four bouts of 2, 3 and 4-a-side SSGs with two minutes of rest between bouts at three-day intervals. Heart rate (HR) responses and technical actions were continuously monitored and recorded during all SSGs. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE), enjoyment (PACES), and mood (Profile of Mood of States: POMS) were also determined at the end of the last bout of each SSGs. Results demonstrated that CE + SSGs induced higher psychophysiological responses such as HR, RPE, and PACES responses (p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 0,76 to 2,25 [moderate to very large effect]). Furthermore, the CE + SSGs demonstrated significantly higher technical actions in terms of successful passes and shots (p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 0,84 to 3,25 [moderate to very large effect]) when compared to SSGs without CE (CE-SSGs). Conversely, the CE-SSGs induced higher unpleasant mood responses in terms of tension, anger, and fatigue in young soccer players. The results of this study suggest that if coaches want players to perform under higher-intensity conditions, they should encourage players in game-based training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mouth rinsing (MR) with a carbohydrate solution is one of the most popular methods athletes use to improve their game-based performance due to its acute ergogenic effect. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the carbohydrate MR intervention on psychophysiological responses and kinematic profiles during intermittent (INT) and continuous (CON) 4-a-side small-sided soccer games (SSGs). Methods: Thirty-two adolescent soccer players (age: 16.5 ± 0.5 years) played six bouts of 4-a-side SSGs with MRINT or MRCON at 3-day intervals in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, and crossover study design. Psychophysiological responses and kinematic profiles were continuously recorded during all games. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE), the rating scale of mental effort (RSME), and the physical enjoyment scores (PES) were also determined at the end of each game. Results: The MRCON induced higher psychophysiological responses such as RPE, internal training load (ITL), and RSME (p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 0.50 to 1.04 [small to moderate effect]). Conversely, the MRINT induced higher PES (p ≤ 0.05, d values = 1.44 [large effect]) compared to MRCON. Although the MR intervention led to similar improvements in the performance of 4-a-side MRINT and MRCON, there was no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the MR intervention can be used as an effective ergogenic supplement for acute game performance enhancement, regardless of the game's structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effects of coach encouragement (CE) on the physical and technical performance of young tennis players. Twenty nationally ranked male tennis players (age: 13.6 ± 0.3 years, height: 160.9 ± 7.9 cm, body mass: 52.5 ± 7.6 kg,) participated in the present study. The physical and technical tests were conducted both with and without CE, using a randomized crossover design. Participants attended two sessions for performance assessments, undergoing a series of tests, including the hit and turn tennis test (HTTT), international tennis number test (ITN), counter-movement jump (CMJ) test, 20-m sprint tests, and the T-drill agility test. A paired t-test results demonstrated significant improvements in VO2max, CMJ height, 20-m sprint times, T-drill agility, and ITN scores under CE conditions compared to tests conducted without CE (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that CE positively influences physical and technical performances. Moreover, the effects of CE were more pronounced in long-duration exercises (HTTT and ITN), highlighting the crucial role of motivational support from coaches in the development of young athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to (i) verify the effects of an on-court training program on the International Tennis Number (ITN) of young tennis players, as well as on a set of change of direction, linear sprint, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) variables, and (ii) identify the main predictors of ITN. The sample consisted of 20 young male tennis players (mean age, 13.62 ± 0.23 years). Players underwent a 6-week on-court training program. The ITN and a number of change of direction variables (T-drill and repeated sprint ability), linear sprint (5 m, 10 m, and 20 m distances), and VO2max were measured. All variables improved significantly between the pre- and posttest (p < 0.001). The ITN (7.98 ± 6.06%, d = 0.82) and VO2max (6.77 ± 1.21%, d = 1.53) showed the greatest relative improvement with moderate to large effect sizes. The hierarchical linear model retained the time (estimate = 18.90, p < 0.001) and the T-drill (estimate = -64.77, p < 0.001) as significant predictors of the ITN. This indicates that the ITN improved significantly over the 6-week training program and that the T-drill test was the best and most significant predictor. Coaches and researchers are encouraged to monitor the ITN along with other physical fitness and technical variables. They can also use the T-drill test to understand the ITN of their players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of positive and negative coach encouragement (CE) on young soccer players' physical test performance and technical abilities. A single-blind, time-parallel experimental research model was developed. Nineteen young soccer players (age = 16.95 ± 0.78 years) voluntarily participated in the study. This study was conducted in two stages. In the first part, soccer players were subjected to different tests to determine their speed, agility, jumping, balance, and aerobic fitness level without any encouragement from the coach. These tests were performed with the CE in the second part. According to the study findings, positive CE was more effective than negative CE on the aerobic fitness level, sprint, jump, and zig-zag without ball test performances (p<0.05). The results of this study emphasize the significance of verbal CE in enhancing the physical and technical capabilities of young soccer players. By providing positive and motivating feedback, coaches can positively impact players' performance and contribute to their overall development and success in sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]