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Purpose: To systematically review the physical, physiological, perceptual, and technical–tactical demands of official 3 × 3 basketball games. Methods: The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched to identify studies assessing physical, physiological, perceptual, and technical–tactical demands of 3 × 3 games. Data were also coded according to player sex and tournament phase. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using a modified Downs and Black checklist. Results: Thirteen articles were finally included, with a mean quality of 8.6 (1.1) out of 11. Three-by-three basketball games have an intermittent profile (1:1 work–rest ratio), with a duration of ∼15 minutes, and are characterized by short (6–8 s) ball possessions and considerable physical (17–33 accelerations, 24–44 decelerations, 62–94 changes of directions, and 17–24 jumps per game) and physiological (lactate: ∼6.2 mmol·L−1) demands. Overall, the game performance profile is similar in males and females, with minor changes happening across tournament phases. Several key technical–tactical indicators were identified as discriminating winning and losing teams, such as better shooting and defensive efficiency, low number of turnovers, and implementing tactical actions involving more players, passing first, and ending possessions with shots from outside of the arch from the top of the key. Conclusions: Three-by-three basketball is an intermittent, physically demanding sport characterized by quick plays and specific tactical constraints. This review provides information that should be considered by performance staff to improve training prescription, game tactical plans, and for player selection and talent identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of active recovery (AR) versus static stretching (SS) during post-exercise recovery in basketball. Methods: Using a counterbalanced crossover design, 17 elite youth male players completed two 90-min training sessions, followed by either AR or SS. Differences in jump height (CMJ), heart rate variability (Ln-rMSSD), muscle soreness (VAS), perceived recovery (TQR) and hormonal biomarkers (cortisol, testosterone, testosterone:cortisol ratio) between interventions were assessed at pre-session, post-session (except hormonal biomarkers), post-recovery and 24 h post-session. Differences in Ln-rMSSD were additionally assessed upon awakening on training day, and the following morning. Results: No significant differences were found between interventions at corresponding time points (p >.05). However, the within-intervention time course of recovery differed, as CMJ values were lower at post-recovery, compared with all other time points, in SS only (p <.05, effect size [ES] moderate-to-very large). Additionally, Ln-rMSSD values failed to return to baseline at post-recovery in AR only (p <.05, ES large-to-very large). Similarly, TQR scores were impaired at post-session and post-recovery in AR only (p <.05, ES moderate-to-large). No differences were reported for the remaining variables (p >.05). Conclusion: Differences between AR and SS were probably due to short-term phenomena, indicating that neither strategy was likely superior for improving recovery in the longer term. Overall, neither strategy seemed to significantly improve post-exercise recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the relationship between external and internal load during official women's rugby seven matches. Methods: Six backs (age = 24.2 [3.2] y; height = 161.5 [7.3] cm; body mass = 59.5 [5.0] kg; playing experience = 5.3 [1.5] y) and 8 forwards (age = 22.4 [2.7] y; height = 167.0 [4.8] cm; body mass = 70.6 [5.6] kg; playing experience = 5.0 [1.5] y) belonging to the women's rugby seven Brazilian national team were monitored across 3 international tournaments during the 2019–20 season, with 2 players excluded from the analysis since they did not participate in any investigated match. Total distance (TD), distance during high-intensity running 18.1 to 20.0 km·h−1 and >20 km·h−1 (sprinting), number of accelerations >1.8 m·s−2 (ACC), and of decelerations <1.8 m·s−2 were used as match load volume measures, while their relative values (TD per minute, high-intensity running per minute, sprinting per minute, ACC per minute, and decelerations per minute) were used as external load match intensity measures. Internal load intensity and volume were assessed using the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and its value multiplied by match duration (sRPE-ML), respectively. Spearman correlations and linear mixed models were used to assess the relationships between internal and external load measures. Results: A very large relationship (ρ =.830, P <.001) was found between sRPE-ML and TD, with linear mixed models showing that TD statistically affected sRPE-ML (P <.001). Linear mixed models analysis showed that ACC per minute was also affecting the sRPE-ML (P =.017), while sprinting (P =.007) and ACC per minute (P =.005) were the only 2 measures statistically affecting sRPE. However, weak relationships (trivial to large) were found for these and all other measures. Conclusions: These results highlight that TD is the main external load measure able to anticipate the internal load responses measured via sRPE-ML in elite women's rugby sevens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Assessing the relationship between external load (EL) and internal load (IL) in youth male beach handball players. Methods: A total of 11 field players from the Lithuanian U17 beach handball team were monitored across 14 training sessions and 7 matches. The following EL variables were assessed by means of inertial movement units: PlayerLoad™, accelerations, decelerations, changes of direction, and jumps and total of inertial movements. IL was assessed objectively and subjectively using the summated heart rate zones and training load calculated via session rating of perceived exertion, respectively. Spearman correlations (ρ) were used to assess the relationship between EL and IL. The interindividual variability was investigated using linear mixed models with random intercepts with IL as dependent variable, PlayerLoad™ as the independent variable, and players as random effect. Results: The lowest significant (P <.05) relationship was for high jumps with objective (ρ =.56) and subjective (ρ =.49) IL. The strongest relationship was for PlayerLoad™ with objective (ρ =.9) and subjective (ρ =.84) IL. From the linear mixed model, the estimated SD of the random intercepts was 19.78 arbitrary units (95% confidence interval, 11.75–33.31); SE = 5.26, and R2 =.47 for the objective IL and 6.03 arbitrary units (95% confidence interval, 0.00–7330.6); SE = 21.87; and R2 =.71 for the subjective IL. Conclusions: Objective and subjective IL measures can be used as a monitoring tool when EL monitoring is not possible. Coaches can predict IL based on a given EL by using the equations proposed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of foam rolling as a post-match recovery tool in basketball. Using a crossover design, 13 female players completed two simulated matches, followed by foam rolling (FR) or placebo (CON). Countermovement jump height (CMJ), heart rate variability (Ln-rMSSD), muscle soreness (VAS), perceived recovery (TQR) and fatigue (Rating-of-Fatigue) were recorded at pre-match, post-match, post-recovery and 24 h post-match. No significant effect of time*intervention and intervention were found for any variable (p > 0.05), while a significant effect of time (p < 0.01) was reported for all variables. Post-hoc analyses revealed lower CMJ and Ln-rMSSD at post-match compared with all other time points (p < 0.001), increases in pre-match VAS scores at all subsequent time points (p < 0.01), and worse TQR and Rating-of-Fatigue scores from pre-to-post-match and pre-match-to-post-recovery (p < 0.01), except for unchanged TQR values from pre-match-to-post-recovery in FR (p > 0.05). Overall, the present data suggest that foam rolling was generally ineffective for improving post-exercise recovery in female basketball players after a single match. Future research investigating the effectiveness of foam rolling in players of different sex, age and/or competitive level is warranted to provide further insight on the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the weekly fluctuations in workload and differences in workload according to playing time in elite female basketball players. Methods: A total of 29 female basketball players (mean [SD] age 21 [5] y, stature 181 [7] cm, body mass 71 [7] kg. playing experience 12 [5] y) belonging to the 7 women's basketball teams competing in the first-division Lithuanian Women's Basketball League were recruited. Individualized training loads (TLs) and game loads (GLs) were assessed using the session rating of perceived exertion after each training session and game during the entire in-season phase (24 wk). Percentage changes in total weekly TL (weekly TL + GL), weekly TL, weekly GL, chronic workload, acutexhronic workload ratio, training monotony, and training strain were calculated. Mixed linear models were used to assess differences for each dependent variable, with playing time (low vs high) used as fixed factor and subject, week, and team as random factors. Results: The highest changes in total weekly TL, weekly TL, and acutexhronic workload ratio were evident in week 13 (47%, 120%, and 49%, respectively). Chronic workload showed weekly changes <10%, whereas monotony and training strain registered highest fluctuations in weeks 17 (34%) and 15 (59%), respectively. A statistically significant difference in GL was evident between players completing low and high playing times (P = .026, moderate), whereas no significant differences (P > .05) were found for all other dependent variables. Conclusions: Coaches of elite women's basketball teams should monitor weekly changes in workload during the in-season phase to identify weeks that may predispose players to unwanted spikes and adjust player workload according to playing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aims of this study were to (1) analyze the distribution of the player load (PLTOTAL) in 3 axes of movement (PLAP, anterior-posterior; PLML, medial-lateral; PLV, vertical) during elite soccer matches, (2) investigate the effect of playing position on PL-related variables, and (3) explore the association between PLTOTAL and distance covered by the players. Hypothesis: Despite different load distribution between axes of movement, PLTOTAL might be used as a body load indicator for all playing positions. Study Design: Longitudinal study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Data were collected from elite soccer players using WIMU Pro tracking systems, which included inertial sensors. Results: The axis of movement had a significant effect on the distribution of the load (P < 0.001; conditional R 2 = 0.91), with the greatest contribution from the PLV (P < 0.001; d = 5.41-5.86). Moreover, no effect of playing position on PLTOTAL, PLV, PLML, or PLAP was observed (P > 0.05). Finally, a large correlation was found between PLTOTAL and distance covered, and the linear mixed model showed that distance may be predicted by the PLTOTAL (conditional R 2 = 0.81; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Differences in load distribution were based on the axis of movement, although playing position had no effect on any variable. The selection of either distance covered, which is representative of a 2-dimensional analysis, or PLTOTAL, which is representative of a 3-dimensional analysis, may be adequate for monitoring locomotor demands or accelerometer-derived load. Clinical Relevance: Training strategies that focus on the vertical component of match play should be adopted. In addition, given that PLTOTAL is an accelerometry-based metric, which combines the accelerations in anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, and vertical planes, strength and conditioning coaches may use this parameter as a measure of total body load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To characterize the weekly training load (TL) and well-being of college basketball players during the in-season phase. Methods: Ten (6 guards and 4 forwards) male basketball players (age 20.9 [0.9] y, stature 195.0 [8.2] cm, and body mass 91.3 [11.3] kg) from the same Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association team were recruited to participate in this study. Individualized training and game loads were assessed using the session rating of perceived exertion at the end of each training and game session, and well-being status was collected before each session. Weekly changes (%) in TL, acute-to-chronic workload ratio, and well-being were determined. Differences in TL and well-being between starting and bench players and between 1-game and 2-game weeks were calculated using magnitude-based statistics. Results: Total weekly TL and acute-to-chronic workload ratio demonstrated high week-to-week variation, with spikes up to 226% and 220%, respectively. Starting players experienced a higher (most likely negative) total weekly TL and similar (unclear) well-being status compared with bench players. Game scheduling influenced TL, with 1-game weeks demonstrating a higher (likely negative) total weekly TL and similar (most likely trivial) well-being status compared with 2-game weeks. Conclusions: These findings provide college basketball coaches information to optimize training strategies during the in-season phase. Basketball coaches should concurrently consider the number of weekly games and player status (starting vs bench player) when creating individualized periodization plans, with increases in TL potentially needed in bench players, especially in 2-game weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived usefulness, actual use and barriers to the implementation of recovery strategies among basketball practitioners. 107 participants (strength and conditioning coaches, sport scientists, performance specialists) from different countries and competitive levels completed an online survey. Most participants rated recovery strategies as either extremely (46%) or very important (49%). Active recovery, massage, foam rolling, and stretching were perceived as most useful (80, 73, 72 and 59% of participants, respectively) and were most frequently adopted (68, 61, 72 and 67%, respectively). Participants mentioned lack of devices and facilities (51%), excessive cost (51%), lack of time (27%), players' negative perception (25%) and lack of sufficient evidence (16%) as barriers to the implementation of recovery strategies. The present findings reveal that some dissociation between scientific evidence and perceived effectiveness was present among the study participants. A possible solution would be to ensure that scientific evidence-based guidelines are followed when considering the application of recovery strategies. Regarding actual use, participants favored easily implementable strategies (e.g. active recovery, stretching), rather than evidence-supported, but expensive and/or impractical strategies (e.g. whole-body cryotherapy). Possible solutions may include the use of practical tools that don't need specific facilities, the development and validation of new low-cost recovery devices, the promotion of players education regarding recovery strategies, and conducting further research to increase the scientific knowledge in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. One factor affecting successful performance in beach handball is the efficiency of shootings. As only few studies evaluated gender-related differences in shooting performance, the aim of this study was to analyse variations of shooting efficiency between males (M) and females (F) during beach handball matches. Methods. Nine matches were analysed. Overall, there were 559 (M: 353; F: 206) shots, of which 54.7 ± 9.4% were successful and 19.9 ± 7.1% were goalkeepers' saves. Type of shot, shooting area, and goal area were recorded. Percentages of differences between genders were also computed. Players' efficiency was calculated as (frequency of goals*100)/frequency of shots. Goalkeepers' efficiency was calculated as (frequency of goalkeepers' saves*100)/frequency of shots. Gender differences were ascertained by Pearson's chi-squared test for independence with Bonferroni corrections. Statistical significance of the results was accepted at p < 0.05. Results. No statistically significant gender differences were found for any parameter. Goalkeepers were most efficient (M: 23.0 ± 6.1%; F: 25.9 ± 18.0%) when receiving inflight shots. The most frequent shooting area was the front (M: 328 shots; F: 194 shots) and most shots reached lower corners of the goal (M: 139 shots; F: 77 shots). Conclusions. No differences between genders were found during semifinal and final phases of the tournament. Notational analysis proved to be a valuable tool for better coaching through the interpretation of shots in beach handball and it may be useful to examine all the aspects related to shooting, such as the shooting area and the goal area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the game-related statistics that best discriminate winning and losing teams during the regular season and playoff phase of Brazilian professional basketball. Data were retrieved from game-related statistics of 1271 games (1048 from regular season and 223 from playoffs phase) of five seasons between 2014 and 2019 of the Brazilian professional basketball league [Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB)]. All games were clustered into close, balanced, and unbalanced games. A discriminant analysis was performed. Results showed that defensive rebounds (SC = 0.407) were determinant to win close games in the regular season, while defensive rebounds, assists, and 3-point shooting efficiency were determinant (SC > 0.3) to win balanced and unbalanced games in this phase. In the playoff phase, winning teams performed more defensive rebounds and assists (SC > 0.3), having relevant contribution of 3-point shooting efficiency (SC = 0.311) in close games, and 2-point shooting efficiency (SC = 0.336) in balanced games. These findings should be useful for coaches to plan training and playing strategies emphasising the game-related statistics that are more determinant to the game outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between anthropometric (height and weight), fitness status (aerobic capacity, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test – level 1, YYIRT-L1; countermovement jump performance, CMJ) and perceived exertion (RPE) of twenty youth (under-14 and under-16) male basketball players and their technical actions (attacking balls-AB, shots-S, received balls-RB, rebounds-R, conquered balls-CB, lost balls-LB) during five small-sided games (SSGs) formats (from 1v1 to 5v5). Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients tested the relationships between the anthropometric and fitness variables and the technical actions and perceived exertion during SSGs. The results of this study revealed that both anthropometry and fitness variables are associated with technical performance during SSGs. However, correlations are not clear with the levels of perceived exertion reported by players. Coaches should be aware of such relationships to better design their SSGs format and implement basketball drills based on the specific players' characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to characterize the performance profile of 3x3 basketball and particularly to assess: a) the differences between games in live time (LT) and stoppage time (ST) phases and their ratio, and b) the game-related statistics and derived game indicators differentiating between winning and losing teams. Eight games [quarterfinals, semifinals and finals (1st and 3rd place)] of the FIBA 3x3 basketball world cup (Serbia, 17th-21st June 2017) were analysed. The LT and ST phases were categorized into three phase durations: 1-20 s, 21-40 s, >40 s. The LT/ST ratio was calculated. The game-related statistics and derived parameters were assessed through video-based notational analysis methods, and differences between winning and losing teams were calculated using a mixed linear model. The results revealed no statistically significant differences in the distribution of LT and ST phases between games, with an LT/ST ratio of 0.92±0.13. Moreover, winning teams showed a significantly higher (p<0.05) number of free throws made and attempted, team offensive ratings, and recovered balls per possession compared to losing teams. Conversely, winning teams revealed significantly lower (p<0.05) values for turnover, rebound (offensive, defensive and total), offensive rebound percentage and team defensive rating compared to losing teams. These results provide coaches and practitioners with novel and applied information regarding the performance profile of 3x3 basketball to optimize training sessions, which should be characterized by short live time phases and a work-to-rest ratio ~1 and focused on developing the ability to avoid turnovers and increase the recovered balls per possession, minimizing the scoring possibilities for the opponent team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to analyze the changes of game-related statistics in expert players across their whole sports careers. From an initial sample including 252 professional basketball players competing in Spanish first division basketball league (ACB) in the 2017–2018 season, 22 met the inclusion criteria. The following game-related statistics were studied: average points, assist, rebounds (all normalized by minute played), 3-point field goals percentage, 2-point field goals percentage, and free throws percentage per season. Each variable was individually investigated with a customized excel spreadsheet assessing individual variations and career trends were calculated. The results showed a positive trend in most of the investigated players in assists (91% of cases) and free throw percentages (73% of cases). Similar percentages of positive and negative trends were observed for all the other game-related statistics (range: 41–59% for negative and positive, respectively). In conclusion, an increase in assist and free throw performance was shown in the investigated players across their playing career. This information is essential for basketball coaches suggesting the use of most experienced players in the final moments of the game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of block periodization (BP) and traditional periodization (TP) approaches on jumping and sprinting performance in collegiate basketball players during an 8-week pre-season period. Ten collegiate male basketball players (mean±SD; age: 21.5±1.7 years; body mass: 83.5±8.9 kg; stature: 192.5±5.4 cm) from the same team were equally assigned to a training group (BP or TP). BP and TP were designed with different numbers of power sessions (BP=8; TP=16) and recovery days (BP=14; TP=8). Counter-movement jump (CMJ) and 20-m sprint performance was measured prior to training commencement (baseline) and every 2 weeks thereafter (week 2, week 4, week 6 and week 8). Within-group, between-group and individual changes were assessed using magnitude-based statistics. Substantially higher ( likely positive) CMJ scores were evident in week 8 compared to baseline, week 2 and week 4 with BP training. Substantially higher CMJ values were only observed in week 2 ( likely positive) compared to baseline, with TP training. Sprint data showed likely negative differences in week 6 compared to baseline in both TP and BP, with no substantial differences in week 8. The only performance difference between TP and BP training was in CMJ in week 8 ( very likely negative). Individual analysis showed that only three athletes demonstrated a negative predicted score (i.e. lower sprinting time) in BP, while all players following the TP model demonstrated positive predicted scores. BP training showed substantially higher jumping performance compared to TP, while no improvement in sprinting performance was observed in either training approach. Basketball coaches should consider using BP training rather than TP to train players' jumping abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Summated-Heart-Rate-Zones training load (SHRZ TL) model is used to measure internal loading; however, a major limitation of this approach is the use of broad heart rate (HR) zones to quantify exercise intensity. Therefore, this study aimed to compare SHRZ TL outcomes derived using the traditional model and modified approaches using smaller HR zones. HR responses were monitored in 15 semi-professional basketball players during preparatory training to calculate SHRZ TL using the traditional approach with 10%HRmax zones (SHRZ10) and modified approaches with 5%HRmax zones (SHRZ5) and 2.5%HRmax zones (SHRZ2.5). Significant (P < 0.001) differences were evident in SHRZ TL between SHRZ10 (254.2 ± 41.7 AU) and SHRZ5 (275.9 ± 43.3 AU, unclear, small) as well as SHRZ2.5 (286.7 ± 44.3 AU, very likely, moderate). Use of SHRZ2.5 provides novel insight regarding internal loading in basketball players and may carry greater sensitivity for detection of maladaptive and adaptive responses to training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the game-related statistics and tactical profile in winning and losing teams in NCAA division I men's basketball games. Twenty NCAA division I men's basketball close (score difference: 1-9 points) games were analyzed during the 2013/14 season. For each game, the game-related statistics were collected from the official teams' box scores. Number of ball possessions, offensive and defensive ratings and the Four Factors (effective field goal percentage; offensive rebounding percentage, recovered balls per ball possession, free throw rate) were also calculated. The tactical parameters evaluated were: ball reversal, dribble in key area, post entry, on-ball screen, off-ball screen, and hand off. Differences between winning and losing teams were calculated using a magnitude-based approach. Winning teams showed a likely higher percentage of 3-point goals made, number of defensive rebounds and steals and a very likely higher number of free throws made and free throws attempted. Furthermore, winning teams showed a likely higher team offensive rating and effective field goal percentage and a very likely higher free throw rate compared to losing teams. Finally, the results revealed a likely higher number of ball reversals and post entries in winning teams compared to losing teams. This study highlighted the game-related statistics and the tactical actions differentiating between winning and losing teams in NCAA Division I men's basketball close games. Coaches should use these results to optimize their training sessions, focusing on those variables that might increase the possibility to win close games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focused on the strategies adopted by Italian 'Serie A' soccer clubs during the non-competitive period. Thus, duration (i.e., number of days) of the specific non-competitive periods (i.e., off- plus pre-season, off-season, pre-season, summer camp), the number of games (i.e., friendly, official and polled games) and days between games (i.e., ≤ 3, 4-5, or ≥ 6 days between two consecutive games) of the entire non-competitive period were recorded and compared by clubs participating in the European Championships (EU), only 'Serie A' (A) and promoted from 'Serie B' (B) during five and single seasons (i.e., 2009/10-2013/14). Due to the short B off-season duration (2009/10-2013/14, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14, p≤.001), effects between clubs emerged also for the off- plus preseason (2009/10-2013/14, EU vs A, p≤.01, EU vs B, p≤.01, A vs B, p≤.001; 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14, p≤.001). Nevertheless, no difference between clubs resulted for the pre-season. Reduced duration of summer camps was reported by the EU (i.e., 2009/10- 2013/14, 2009/10, 2013/14, p≤.001). A higher number of official games were played by EU than A (i.e., 2009/10- 2013/14, p≤.001; 2010/11, p≤.01). No effect emerged for the days between games. Therefore, despite the longer 'Serie B' schedule and EU preliminary UEFA games that determined the off-season restriction, clubs demonstrated the tendency to guarantee satisfactory pre-season duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the scoring strategies differentiating between winning and losing teams during FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 in relation to different game scores. Data were gathered for all games of FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 from the official website. The investigated scoring strategies were fast break points (FBP); points in the paint (PP); points from turnover (PT); second chance points (SCP); and points from the bench (PB). Games were classified with cluster analysis based on their score difference as close, balanced, and unbalanced and the differences in the scoring strategies between winning and losing teams were assessed using magnitude-based statistics. Results revealed no substantial differences in FBP in any investigated cluster. Furthermore, winning teams showed a substantially higher number of PP and PT (in close and unbalanced games) and SCP (in balanced and unbalanced games) compared to losing teams. Finally, winning teams scored substantially lower and higher number of BPs in close games and unbalanced games, respectively, compared to losing teams. In conclusion, all the investigated scoring strategies discriminate between winning and losing teams in elite women’s basketball except for FBP. These results provide useful information for basketball coaches to optimize their training sessions and game strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]