Search

Estimated ages at take-off (TO) and at peak height velocity (PHV) based on two models and maturity status based upon age at PHV and skeletal age (SA) were compared in a longitudinal sample of male soccer players. In addition, estimated ages at PHV in 13 longitudinal samples of soccer players were compared. The longitudinal height records of 58 players of European ancestry, measured annually on four or five occasions between 11 and 16 years, were modeled with Superimposition by Translation and Rotation (SITAR) and Functional Principal Component Analysis (FPCA) to estimate ages at TO and PHV. SAs were assessed with the Fels method. Ages at PHV in 13 longitudinal samples of soccer players (Europe 7, Japan 6) were evaluated with meta-analysis. Estimated ages at TO, 11.2± 0.8 (SITAR) and 11.0± 0.8 (FCPA) years, and at PHV, 13.6± 0.9 (SITAR) and 13.7±0.0 (FCPA) years, were similar. An earlier age at PHV was associated with advanced skeletal maturity status (rho = -0.77 at ~14 years). Ages at PHV among European players indicated a north (later) – south (earlier) gradient, and were later than ages at PHV among Japanese players. In summary, ages at TO and PHV were similar with SITAR and FPCA, and ages at PHV were most strongly correlated with SA at ~14 years. Mean ages at PHV showed a north-south gradient among European samples, and were later compared to Japanese samples.

Baseline characteristics of 31 healthy male U15 soccer players who were classified as select or non-select at the end of the season were compared. Players were 14.4 ± 0.54 years (13.6–15.3 years) at baseline; characteristics included body size, proportions and composition, estimated maturity status, several functional capacities, and coach classifications of potential in the sport. Decisions regarding selection or nonselection were made about two months after baseline. Select and non-select U15 soccer players differed significantly in estimated maturity status, body size, proportions and estimated muscle mass, functional tests related to speed, power and strength, and coach evaluation of potential, specifically tactical skills on offense and skills associated with creativity and decision making. When age and biological maturity status were statistically controlled, select and non-select players differed significantly only on the vertical jump, grip strength, and coach ratings of tactical skills on offense and of creativity and decision making. Results of stepwise discriminant analysis highlighted the importance of coach evaluation of tactical skills associated with offense, and of power and strength in distinguishing select from non-select players. The results highlight the dvantages of advanced biological maturity status among adolescent male soccer players and also the importance of oach perceptions of talent. The latter implies a need for further study of the basis of coach perceptions, specifically how they are influenced by and perhaps interact with player characteristics at different ages, and how the perceptions influence playing time and player behaviors and interactions.

BACKGROUND: Information about competitive loads of amputee soccer players are very limited. This element should be one of the base to prepare appropriate training program according to individual needs of players, as well aims of season. The main aim of this pilot study was to describe the characteristics of selected elements of the internal competitive load of football players after unilateral amputations.METHODS: The subject involved a group of 15 Polish National Amp Football (PNAF) players after unilateral amputations of the upper or lower limbs. The age, height and weight were 27.1±8.4 years, 176.2±7.3 cm, 72.0±14.2 kg, respectively. The information were recorded during match between PNAF Team and representative of Polish Clubs, using Polar Team 2Pro System. The data base was analyzed using standard tools and differences among variables was checked by Wilcoxon test.RESULTS: During whole games value of HRmean was 132.6±10.56 bpm with a range from 87.3±10.6 bpm to 182.3±10.69 bpm and energy expenditure was 612.7±164.86 kcal. General, Values of observed variables were higher in the 2nd part of the match but differences among them was not significance.CONCLUSION: Characterizing the competitive effort will allow to diagnose and determine the nature of the work to use it as specific requirements of the discipline. It can be expected that these information will contribute to the improvement the training process for AMP Footballers and optimize training of the disabled people.

The assessment of footballers effectiveness is the key element of control at every step of their training, regardless of on what level they are. What seems essential is the prediction of footballers' actions, the height of which is achieved in the time directly preceding taking part in competition. Therefore, twenty footballers took part in the study which involved efficiency tests concerning maximum speed in 5 meters and 20 meters races as well as endurance measured by Beep Test. The tests were conducted at the end of lead time. Additionally, the effectiveness of action was measured in the initial perdion. No significant correlations were found between the tested variables – speed tests and effectiveness of game. A significant relationship was found only between the endurance measured by Beep Test. Summing up, the only factor significantly correlated to the effectiveness of footballers' action was endurance and it can be therefore seen as crucial in terms of motor preparation, at the tested sport level.

The analysis of literature showed that while football (soccer) has many articles about different match analysis, field hockey has little such publications. Mainly West European Country teams or teamsfrom other continents are studied. Still, there is no such information in reference to eastern hockey, particularly about high level competitors in Poland. Hence, the main aim of this study was to work out the characteristics of external and internal loads on Polish National Team field hockey players, representing a eastern European country. In field hockey, important information about competitive efforts must be taken into consideration to ensure correct design of the training process. For kinematics analysis (distance and velocity) Erdman’s method was used, to analyze EE and HR Polar Vantage with software Polar Precision Performance were used. The results were worked out in a basic statistical way and to software Statictica 8.0, was used. It was stated that average distance covered by a player in a match is about 10,080 m (between 9,700 and 10,500 m), mean and instantaneous velocity were 2.40 m/s (between 2.29 and 2.50 m/s) and 8.92 m/s (between 8.49 and 9.22 m/s), EE average value was 947 kcal (between 874 and 1051 kcal), average value of HR and maximal value of HR were 135 bmp (between 126 and 142 bmp) and 187 bmp (between 184 and 189 bmp) respectively. The individual differences in results and playing position were noted. The results of this research bring important and necessary data for preparing precise training programs in field hockey. It can be assumed that using the information provided will allow for optimal preparation of the players to take part in competitions.

The analysis of literature showed that while football (soccer) has many articles about different match analysis, field hockey has little such publications. Mainly West European Country teams or teams from other continents are studied. Still, there is no such information in reference to eastern hockey, particularly about high level competitors in Poland. Hence, the main aim of this study was to work out the characteristics of external and internal loads on Polish National Team field hockey players, representing a eastern European country. In field hockey, important information about competitive efforts must be taken into consideration to ensure correct design of the training process. For kinematics analysis (distance and velocity) Erdman's method was used, to analyze EE and HR Polar Vantage with software Polar Precision Performance were used. The results were worked out in a basic statistical way and to software Statictica 8.0, was used. It was stated that average distance covered by a player in a match is about 10,080 m (between 9,700 and 10,500 m), mean and instantaneous velocity were 2.40 m/s (between 2.29 and 2.50 m/s) and 8.92 m/s (between 8.49 and 9.22 m/s), EE average value was 947 kcal (between 874 and 1051 kcal), average value of HR and maximal value of HR were 135 bmp (between 126 and 142 bmp) and 187 bmp (between 184 and 189 bmp) respectively. The individual differences in results and playing position were noted. The results of this research bring important and necessary data for preparing precise training programs in field hockey. It can be assumed that using the information provided will allow for optimal preparation of the players to take part in competitions.

Swimming speed is determined by many factors, including weight preparation of the swimmer which is one of the most important ones. This power is directly related to the speed a swimmer can reach in water, that is the value of thrust. The aim of the study was to establish the level of thrust and swimming speed of the 2nd year students (n=20) of the University School of Physical Education (USPE) in Poznan and to compare them with the results of study from 1983 in which the 4th year students (n=20) of the USPE in Poznan were studied. The current study was carried out in the context of the long-term changes in swimming technique. Research methods: measurement of thrust in real conditions was performed using a prototype device for the measurement of thrust of a swimmer which makes it possible to register the force in the water environment; swimming speed was established on the basis of the time needed to cover the distance of 25 metres, according to the regulations of the Polish Swimming Association. Conclusions: the students taking part in the 1983 study had higher values of thrust, but a lower speed than the students taking part in the 2006 study, which suggests that apart from the thrust the technique of swimming has a important influence of the swimming speed.

Swimming speed is determined by many factors, including weight preparation of the swimmer which is one of the most important ones. This power is directly related to the speed a swimmer can reach in water, that is the value of thrust. The aim of the study was to establish the level of thrust and swimming speed of the 2nd year students (n=20) of the University School of Physical Education (USPE) in Poznań and to compare them with the results of study from 1983 in which the 4th year students (n=20) of the USPE in Poznań were studied. The current study was carried out in the context of the long-term changes in swimming technique. Research methods: measurement of thrust in real conditions was performed using a prototype device for the measurement of thrust of a swimmer which makes it possible to register the force in the water environment; swimming speed was established on the basis of the time needed to cover the distance of 25 metres, according to the regulations of the Polish Swimming Association. Conclusions: the students taking part in the 1983 study had higher values of thrust, but a lower speed than the students taking part in the 2006 study, which suggests that apart from the thrust the technique of swimming has a important influence of the swimming speed.