Search

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of game-based approaches on game performance, fundamental movement skills, health-related indicators, and physical activity outcomes among children (5–12 years) when delivered in the primary physical education school setting. Method: A systematic search of six electronic databases without date limitation was conducted on June 11, 2021. Results: Among included studies (N = 17), positive outcomes were found for children's game performance, fundamental movement skills, physical and mental health, and/or physical activity. Game-based approaches intervention success appears to be related to the contents of teacher training, especially the inclusion of a theory-based syllabus, mentoring, and reflection sessions. Conclusions: The findings of this review confirm that hybrid sport education-invasion games interventions delivered in primary schools are beneficial for improving a range of student outcomes. To improve physical self-perception, intrinsic motivation, well-being, physiological, and potential psychological outcomes for children, it is necessary to explore more game-based approaches' longitudinal and intervention research with high quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Curcumin ingestion can mitigate muscle damage, soreness, and inflammation following a laboratory-based eccentric exercise. Similar effects were observed in recent field-based studies wherein responses were evaluated after a soccer match. However, various potential confounding factors, such as matching opponent skill levels and daily training conditions, may have influenced the outcomes. In the present study, we investigated whether curcumin intake ameliorates changes in muscle damage markers following a soccer match while controlling for the potential confounding factors. Methods: Fifteen collegiate athletes were tested in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over manner. They were recruited from the same college soccer team and thus followed the same daily training regimen and competition levels. Furthermore, athletes positioning during matches were counterbalanced. They consumed either 180 mg/day of curcumin or a placebo starting 1 h before the match and continuing for 2 days after a match (two 45-min plays and a 15-min half-time). Muscle soreness, jump performance (including countermovement jump and rebound jump index), and inflammatory and muscle damage markers (high-sensitive C-reactive protein, serum creatine kinase activity, and urinary N-terminal fragment of titin concentration) were evaluated before and after the match. The washout period between matches was set at 1 week. Results: After the match, all markers showed similarity between the placebo and curcumin conditions (all P > 0.208). Conclusion: These findings indicate that ingesting 180 mg/day of curcumin may not expedite recovery from muscle damage elicited by soccer matches in collegiate soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the fourth quarters in the close games in the regular NBA games in the last decade, ranging from the 2013-14 season to the 2022-2023 season. A close game is categorically defined by a scenario where the point differential is confined within a 10-point margin at the onset of the fourth quarter and narrows further to a 5-point disparity by the end of the game. In total, 2,295 close games were identified in this study. Advanced game statistics, including offensive rate, defensive rate, assistance ratio, pace of game, and true shooting percentage, etc., are obtained from the NBA box scores using a python script. Understanding key factors that determine the outcome of the basketball games is critical, as such can be used to develop predictive models for coaches to design game strategies. This study developed a Bayesian Logistic Modeling approach to estimate the winning probability of a basketball team in the fourth quarter, using the pace of the last quarter and a team's shooting percentage. The accuracy of the model is used to evaluate if the model can correctly classify game outcome based on the identified game statistics in the fourth quarter of a game. The binary outcome of the close game is modeled as a Bernoulli distribution. Results reveal that the True Positive Rate and False Positive Rate is 0.93 and 0.07, respectively. Insights from this study can be used to help design coaching strategies in basketball games, illuminating potential tactical pivots that could tilt the game in their favor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mobile applications (apps) may help students develop their motor skills by using instant, augmented feedback. This study incorporated an app technology that may support students' skill and game play development during a badminton unit. Methods: Two eighth-grade classes participated in the study (the teacher only used the app in Class A; students used the app in Class B). The Poole forehand overhead clear shot skill test, game performance assessment instrument, and opportunity to respond observation tool were used to measure students' skill and game improvement in the study. Students in both intervention classes improved in the clear shot skill, game performance assessment instrument scores, and opportunity to respond rates throughout the badminton unit. Further research on the use of such app technologies should focus on how the apps can be innovative to foster student learning in game play within a variety of contexts in physical education settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the effects of gameplay dynamics on players’ visual attention. We examined gameplay dynamics related to the game system, player, and context, which have the potential to influence visual attention. We divided the game interface into four areas of interest, namely avatar, obstacles, game score, and text explaining the game. We investigated how data from four designated areas of interest varied for different eye-gaze measures, including the total duration of fixations, the time to first fixation, and the number of fixations. Data were collected from 32 participants through the Tobii Pro Fusion eye tracker and questionnaires. Overall, the total fixation duration was highest for obstacles, followed by avatar, game score, and text area. This was similar to the time to first fixation metric, as the participants predominantly directed their attention to game elements in the same order. Gamers and high-in-game performers developed covert attention that was skewed and transitional, expanding from the avatar to the obstacles. In contrast, non-gamers, low-in-game performers, and participants with low-in-game experience focused their visual attention mostly on the game score and text area.

Background and Study Aim. The significance of analyzing statistical indicators is paramount, as they provide valuable insights into the distinguishing performance factors of teams. The purpose of this study: 1) to identify statistically significant differences between relevant performance factors among winning, drawing, and losing teams in the 2022 Football World Cup in Qatar; 2) explore indicators that are most strongly associated with the game results in this tournament. Material and Methods. A total of 64 matches and 32 participating teams were analyzed. The variables included in the research were: total shots, shots on target, shots off target, effectiveness, passes, passes completed, crosses, crosses against, offsides committed, offsides received, fouls received, ball possession, fouls committed, corners, corners against, yellow cards and red cards. The results are extracted from the official FIFA website. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the ordinal logistic regression with elastic net were used for data calculation. Results. The results indicate that winning teams have statistically significantly higher mean values of variables related to goals scored: total shots (p < 0.05), shots on target (p < 0.01), and effectiveness (p < 0.01). According to the information-based model selection criteria AIC (Akaike information criterion) and BIC (Bayesian information criterion) effectiveness and shots on target are the most important variables regarding game results. They, along with corners, are best associated with successful teams. In contrast, crosses, ball possession, corners against, and yellow cards are associated with less successful teams. Results suggest that teams with high ball possession and large number of crosses, but fewer shots on target, have weaker results than teams with more shots on target and less ball possession. Conclusions. The study underscores the significance of certain performance indicators, such as total shots, shots on target, and effectiveness, in predicting a team's success. These findings provide valuable insights for coaches and teams to focus on specific aspects of their game to enhance their chances of winning. Additionally, understanding the impact of variables like ball possession, crosses, corners, and yellow cards emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded strategy for achieving success in international football tournaments.

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of students' mental health, sports passion, and athlete role models on the connection between sports education and their game performance. This research aims to address the inconsistencies identified in the existing body of knowledge through previous studies. Twenty colleges in Iraq collected the data set, which included a total of 184 people. A questionnaire using a Likert scale was chosen to collect data through a simple random sampling method. The research findings were analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21. Various statistical tests, including descriptive findings, Pearson's correlation, model summary, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and coefficients, were employed to examine the data. The study revealed that students' mental health, passion for sports, and the presence of athlete role models play a crucial role in influencing the relationship between their sports education and game performance. This study aims to address the existing gaps in knowledge that have led to inconsistencies in the literature. Policymakers in Iraq must prioritise the sports education of students, considering their enthusiasm for sports and mental well-being, while also providing them with positive role models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Previous evidence indicates that it appears to be possible to identify a pattern of success (playing styles) in football using principal components analysis or k-means clustering approaches. However, until now, little is known about the topic in teams that participated in football world cups. Aim of Study. This study aimed to verify if a successful playing style exists in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (2022-WC). The second aim is to intensify playing style behavior between Confederations. Material and Methods. Data was collected from the 32 teams that competed in the 2022-WC. The 2022-WC resulted in 64 games and produced a total of 128 data points and 68 variables. A machine learning approach (k-means cluster) was used to identify playing style behaviors in the 2022-WC competition. Results. The k-mean clustering identified three different playing style during ball possession and without ball possession game phases (all P < 0.001). Also, we identify significant associations (all P ≤ 0.016) between the team’s playing style and their strength in the 2022-WC (i.e., FIFA ranking and 2022-WC final classification). With ball possession playing style, successful teams adopt high ball possession, building games, and high player movement (offering to receive and to receive the ball). In contrast, unsuccessful teams tend to adopt direct play, set pieces, and lower player movement. Without ball possession playing style, successful teams adopt high-block and high-press, counter-press, and recovery, while unsuccessful teams adopt low-block or mid-block and lower-press (passive approach to recover the ball). Finally, a significative association between confederations (all P < 0.01) and playing style exists during 2022-WC. In conclusion, in the 2022-WC, playing style is significantly associated with team strength and confederations. Conclusions. A clear successful playing style existed in the 2022-WC, and this information should provide direction for the national team’s preparation for the next FIFA WC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Health Sport Rehabilitation is the property of H.S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed to compare soccer players' tactical performance according to their positional roles in the field test of FUT-SAT. The sample consisted of 54 male players from elite youth clubs (Medellín-Colombia), U16 and U17 categories. Participants trained five times per week (Tier 3). We used the System of Tactical Assessment (FUT-SAT), which evaluates tactical behaviour and performance through core tactical principles of soccer. The field test is structured in a numerical configuration of a goalkeeper + 3 players vs. 3 players + a goalkeeper played during 4 min on a playing field 36 m long by 27 m wide. All teams were structured with one player in each positional role (one defender, one midfielder, and one forward). To determine the differences between the positional roles, the following factors were analysed: the number of actions, the percentage of correct actions, the place of action related to the principles, and the Tactical Performance Index of core tactical principles. A total of 2891 tactical actions distributed in nine games were analysed. A Kruskal-Wallis test for the independent groups (defenders, midfielders, and forwards) or a one-way ANOVA was used. There was no difference in soccer players' tactical performance and behaviour between players of different positional roles in the field test of FUT-SAT. Therefore, teams need to be evaluated with the system of play with players in all field sectors in medium or large sided games. The system of play can be chosen according to the category given that competitions are held in reduced spaces and with fewer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the effect of TG+E on increasing DM and SE among basketball athletes through true experimental research with a 12 week randomized controlled trial design. The participants involved basketball athletes from the Pasundan Teacher Training and Education College (Indonesia), totaling forty people. Participants were allocated in TG+E (n = 20) and CG (n = 20) groups. The instruments for measuring DM and SE were direct observation and camera recording. Non-parameteric with the Mann–Whitney U test was chosen for analysis between TG+E and CG in the initial-test and final-test. The results of this study showed significant differences in all DM and SE variables in TG+E from initial-test until final-test related to Inside shooting (p < 0.05), Outer shooting (p < 0.05), Passing to zone (p < 0.05), 6.25 m passing (p < 0.05), Far passing (p < 0.05) and Dribbling to zone (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, in CG the differences only occurred in DM and SE which was related to Passing to zone (p < 0.05), 6.25 m passing (p < 0.05), and there was no difference in other aspects. Thus, we emphasize TG+E as an alternative and training solution to improve the quality of DM and SE among basketball athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both the Sport Education (SE) model and Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) have been connected to the theory of situated learning, which is a game-centered curricular model. TGfU emphasizes tactical awareness, decision making, and skill execution. The SE model provides a complete season during physical education (PE) lessons. Therefore, it is worth exploring the integration of TGfU with SE (TGfU-SE) model in PE courses, and whether the hybrid TGfU-SE model can achieve better learning effects for students than the TGfU model alone. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare the difference in learning effects between the TGfU-SE model and the TGfU model on students' learning motivation, sport enjoyment, responsibility, and game performance. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design to compare different learning effects between the experimental group (TGfU-SE) and the control group (TGfU). The participants lived in Taiwan, including two junior high school PE teachers and four PE classes with a total of 90 students (TGfU-SE group, n = 46; TGfU group, n = 44). Each teacher taught two PE classes, one with an experimental group and one with a control group. This study used four research instruments, including the Responsibility Scale in Physical Education (RSPE), Learning Motivation Scale in Physical Education (LMSPE), Sport Enjoyment Scale in Physical Education (SESPE), and Game Performance assessment instrument (GPAI). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and the independent t-test were used to analyze the data. Results: The results of this study showed that the TGfU-SE model had more positive learning effects on students' learning motivation, sport enjoyment, responsibility, and game performance than the TGfU model. Conclusion: we concluded that the TGfU-SE model had a more positive influence on students' learning performance than the TGfU model. It is suggested that the hybrid TGfU-SE model could be implemented effectively in the PE curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within team sports, players' ability to inhibit inappropriate behavioral responses and flexibly adapt to upcoming challenges relates significantly to their game performance. As such, there have been calls for cognitively fostering programs to form the basis of game teaching and coaching practice. However, only few studies have tested so far the effects of purposefully designed perceptual-cognitive interventions on players' tactical performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a chess-based intervention designed to train invasion-game athletes' executive functions (EFs) could positively impact their tactical game behaviors. Twenty-six invasion-game athletes, 19 to 20 years old (M = 20.58, SD = 1.74) participated in the study and were randomly assigned to a chess group (ChG) (n = 13) and a control group (CG) (n = 13). The ChG participated in a 10-week chess training program designed to foster EFs, while the CG received no special treatment. Pre-and-post measures were completed using: (a) core EF tests and (b) the game performance assessment instrument. After the intervention, the ChG group showed improvement in working memory and selective attention (cool EFs; higher memory span, fewer errors on incongruent stimuli), as well as decision-making and flexibility in passing (tactical behaviors; more appropriate passes, variety in passes), whereas no such changes were recorded for the CG. Further, there were no differential changes in cognitive flexibility and affective decision making (cool and hot EFs), as well as support, originality and fluency in passing (tactical behaviors) for the two groups as a function of time. By embracing the idea of situated cognition, the current study provides some initial evidence for the linkage between perceptual-cognitive training and team sport performance, suggesting that EFs – as fundamental cognitive processes – can be trained to work in conjunction with the cognitive components of game performance within sport settings. The results of this work are discussed in the context of cognitive and game teaching research, extending current knowledge and understanding of how lab-based and sport training methods can be effectively combined and delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of video applications for increasing motivation and game performance in children playing basketball. The study has been conducted on the basis of youth sports schools of Anqing city, Anhui province, People's Republic of China (PRC) in May–August 2020. The authors of this research selected two teams (control and experimental groups) with 11–12 years old participants. Each team included 12 junior male athletes. The study used the game performance assessment tool (GPAT) and Sport motivation questionnaire (SMQ) both for pre-test and post-test (before and after experimantal interventional). As a result, the study identified a positive effect of the use of video applications on game performance and motivation indicators for the experimental group (p < 0.05). This program can be used in a wide range of sports clubs and teams associated with basketball, both by individual players or teams and by coaches of these teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinematic and contextual information is important for players as they can use these for anticipation and facilitating motor responses. The interaction of the use of this information with an understanding of how the mind works in elite players is crucial but difficult to obtain by empirical research methods. The aim was to: (i) explore and identify anticipatory information sources among professional tennis players, (ii) verify findings of Vernon et al. 1 and elaborate on these findings based upon the perspective of European players and coaches. We interviewed 9 active or former professional players (current coaches) for 30–60 min each, replicating the same methodology and questions as Vernon. 1 An open-coding analysis approach was used, with codes to identify common themes extracted from the transcribed interviews. Our findings were generally in support of Vernon's findings, verifying the importance of ball toss kinematics, contextual information sources such as the score or weather, as well as the importance of constantly updating the available kinematic and contextual information sources throughout the match. We elaborate on these findings by providing more detail regarding Vernon's findings, and add new sources of information mentioned by the interviewed players such as server's rear foot position and server's gaze. Participants shared information about their returning strategies, how they build pressure on the server, and their own service return practice, noting that this is not practiced as much as they would like it to be. Overall, focus on developing and improving visual anticipation skill is limited, even at this level of expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of body composition, particularly body fat percentage (BF%) and fat-free mass (FFM), on physical fitness and players' on-court performance in U-14 elite Portuguese basketball players. A total of 166 male basketball players (age, 13.80 ± 0.38 years) and 131 female basketball players (age, 13.57 ± 0.55 years) from under-14 (U-14) elite regional teams were evaluated. Differences between body composition groups, regarding physical tests and performance-related variables, adjusted for years at age peak velocity (YAPHV), were evaluated using ANCOVA tests, for male and female players. Results showed that: (i) low body fat male players jumped significantly higher and had more relative jumping power, were faster, and had better game performance than higher body fat male players, (ii) higher fat-free mass male players revealed significantly higher upper body strength and gained more rebounds than other players, (iii) higher body fat female players threw the medicinal ball further than other female players, and (iv) higher fat-free mass female players had significantly more upper body strength and jumped significantly lower than low fat-free mass female players. In conclusion, BF% seems to be oppositely associated with physical fitness and on-court performance in male basketball players, and FFM seems to be related to upper body strength in both sexes. Coaches should promote interventions that target lower BF% and ideal FFM mass values to improve physical and on-court performance in youth basketball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Kinanthropologica is the property of University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Education, Department of Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Mediterranean Journal of Sport Science (MJSS) is the property of Mediterranean Journal of Sport Science (MJSS) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The limited amount of research on the influence of social status during group work in physical education has typically focused on interactions and power. What is less understood is whether social status has an impact on various physical education outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine physical activity, game performance, and knowledge outcomes of high- and low-status fifth-grade students during a physical education field hockey unit delivered utilising the Sport Education model. 44 students completed sociometric peer nomination surveys to determine the social status hierarchy of all students in the class. Students wore accelerometers to measure moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during the unit. Pre- and post-unit game performance and knowledge were assessed through the Team Sport Assessment Procedure and cognitive tests, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed no significant difference between high- and low-status students' average MVPA over all phases of the unit (pre-season, season and post-season), while analysis of covariances revealed significant differences in game performance and field hockey knowledge based on social status. Results suggest while physical activity levels were similar between high- and low-status students, some lower-status students were at risk in terms of developing skills and knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the impact of sleep and training load of Division - 1 women’s basketball players on their game performance and injury prediction using machine learning algorithms. The data was collected during a pandemic-condensed season with unpredictable interruptions to the games and athletic training schedules. We collected data from sleep monitoring devices, training data from coaches, injury reports from medical staff, and weekly survey data from athletes for 22 weeks. With proper data imputation, interpretable feature set, data balancing, and classifiers, we showed that we could predict game performance and injuries with more than 90% accuracy. More importantly, our F1 and F2 scores of 0.94 and 0.83 for game performance and injuries, respectively, show that we can use the prediction for informative analysis in the future for coaches to make insightful decisions. Our data analysis also showed that collegiate athletes sleep less than the recommended hours (6-7 instead of 8 hours). This coupled with a long hiatus in games and training increases the risk of injury. Varied training and higher heart rate variability (due to better quality sleep) indicated a better performance, while athletes with poor sleep patterns, were more prone to injuries.

Sport-specific skills display diurnal variation across various team sports such as badminton and tennis serving accuracy and soccer dribbling, volleying, and chipping execution. However, the effects of athlete chronotype on in-game sport-specific skill performance according to time of day across team sports is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the effect of player chronotype on in-game basketball performance during evening games. Professional male basketball players (n = 11) completed a morningness–eveningness questionnaire and were categorized according to chronotype (morning-type: n = 4; neither-type: n = 6; evening-type: n = 1). Box score data from the 2019/20 season were utilized to determine individual in-game performance during evening games played after 18:00 h. Composite metrics (i.e., effective field goal percentage, offensive rating, defensive rating, and player efficiency) were used as indicators of player performance. Non-significant (p ≥ 0.21) differences were evident between M-types and N-types for most performance measures. Small to very large effects were observed in the number of rebounds favoring M-types, and three-point shots attempted and made, assists, and steals favored N-types. In-game performance appeared to not be affected by chronotype (i.e., M-type vs. N-type) in evening games among professional male basketball players. The lack of observed effect between chronotype and in-game performance suggest coaching staff may not need to consider player chronotype when developing a match strategy or assigning player roles if largely dealing with M-types and N-types. However, to ensure the greatest specificity, coaching staff may endeavor to schedule habitual training times in line with that of competition in an effort to align player circadian rhythms to games.

This study aimed to explore relationships between fitness, on-ice physical abilities and game performance among elite junior male ice hockey players. Twenty-one major junior ice hockey players (18.9 ± 1.4 years old) participated in the study. Measures including five fitness tests (anthropometric measures, pull up test, bench press test, broad jump, vertical jump) and three on-ice skating tests (multi-stage aerobic skating test, 44-m sprint test, and backward skating test) were assessed during their pre-season training camp. Game performance metrics (collected during the regular season) were collected using InStat software. Results of the (on-ice and off-ice) functional performance test protocol and on-ice tests were analyzed by evaluating correlation coefficients in multiple areas of game performance: 1) physical implication (body checks), 2) offensive contribution (expected goals for, types of zone entries), and 3) defensive actions (blocked shots, expected goals against). They revealed that performance in the broad jump test was associated with skating speed. Some significant correlations were also observed between on-ice test performance indicators such as received body checks, expected goals and blocked shots. In summary, results indicate that on-ice test protocols were associated with players' performance in multiple aspects of the game. Partial correlation analyses revealed that some of these relationships were specific to the player's position. Forward skating was associated with forwards' offensive play, and backward skating was specifically related with defensemen's performance (offense and defense). The addition of on-ice physical tests appears essential for interpreting the results of ice hockey players' physical tests and integrating these results into players' physical preparation and the in-season follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of body composition, particularly body fat percentage (BF%) and fat-free mass (FFM), on physical fitness and players’ on-court performance in U-14 elite Portuguese basketball players. A total of 166 male basketball players (age, 13.80 ± 0.38 years) and 131 female basketball players (age, 13.57 ± 0.55 years) from under-14 (U-14) elite regional teams were evaluated. Differences between body composition groups, regarding physical tests and performance-related variables, adjusted for years at age peak velocity (YAPHV), were evaluated using ANCOVA tests, for male and female players. Results showed that: (i) low body fat male players jumped significantly higher and had more relative jumping power, were faster, and had better game performance than higher body fat male players, (ii) higher fat-free mass male players revealed significantly higher upper body strength and gained more rebounds than other players, (iii) higher body fat female players threw the medicinal ball further than other female players, and (iv) higher fat-free mass female players had significantly more upper body strength and jumped significantly lower than low fat-free mass female players. In conclusion, BF% seems to be oppositely associated with physical fitness and on-court performance in male basketball players, and FFM seems to be related to upper body strength in both sexes. Coaches should promote interventions that target lower BF% and ideal FFM mass values to improve physical and on-court performance in youth basketball.

Introduction: The server in a badminton match is partly constrained by the accuracy of the outcome of his serves unless the opponent lets the shuttlecock impact the ground. Because the opponent hits the ball before the impact, the server has very limited feedback about the short serve accuracy. The short serve should be aimed as close as possible to the short service line. The practice can differ from the match conditions, as the serve is usually performed with various accuracy. Aim of Study: The aim is to find out if limiting the visual feedback affects the serve outcome in a badminton practice. Material and Methods: Ten competitive badminton players (29.4±5.7 years) with badminton experience of 10.4±3.9 years took part in the study. Altogether, each participant served 80 backhand short serves (20 with occlusion, 20 without occlusion, 20 without occlusion, followed by 20 with occlusion) on the court. Occlusion glasses blocked the server's vision in the moment of racket-shuttlecock impact. The shuttlecock impact on the court was recorded with the video camera and analyzed in Kinovea software. Results: The results showed a significant difference between the accuracy of serves without the occlusion (27.6±9.9 cm) compared to the visual occlusion (32.2±12.5 cm); t(9)=2.43, p=0.05, d=0.43. Conclusion: Visual feedback has a significant effect on the backhand short serve accuracy. Visual constrain of the serve outcome reduced the accuracy of the serves. In a practice match, the receiver could sometimes randomly let the shuttlecock impact the ground to provide feedback to the server. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of the Study: The aim of the study is the examination of the relationship between vertical jump and core performances compared to shooting test and shoot accuracy. Method: The research group comprise of elite female athletes (n=10) competing in the Turkish Basketball Federation Women's 1st League. In the study vertical jump, plank test (core), and shooting test measurements were included. The vertical jump performances of the athletes were measured by usingthe Smart Speed® brand device; the Smart Jump® measuring mat. the "Sport-Specific Core Muscle Strength and Stabilization" test was used to test the athletes' core performance. The "Aahperd" shooting test was used to determine the athletes' shooting performance. In addition, the average points per game values to shooting accuracy of the athletes were obtained from the official competition data they played in the 2020-2021 season. The relationship between vertical jump and plank test scores compared to shooting test and shooting accuracy was analyzed statistically (p<0.05). SPSS package program (IBM, 24.0 v) was used for statistical analysis of the data. Findings: According to skewness, and kurtosis coefficients distribution of the datas resulted to be normal (mesocurtical) (±3). Based on the normality of the datas, in order to determine correlations between variables Pearson correlation analysis was used. Conclusion: As a result, it was determined that there was a high level of positive correlation between the vertical jump test and the Aahperd shooting test and the average points per a game values of the athletes participating in the study (p<0.05). In addition, it was determined that there was no significant relationship between the results of the plank (core) test, the average points per a game values and the results of the Aahperd shooting test (p>0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of individual game performance is a necessary part of the coachÂ's daily work. It can provide the coach with accurate and detailed information and data on the league requirements for the individual game performance of a player. This information is essential for the creation and optimization of the training process. In this study, we examined the technical-tactical profile of elite goalkeepers in professional soccer. The research group consisted of selected goalkeepers (n = 12) from four European soccer leagues (i.e., English, German, Spanish and Italian). The goalkeepers were observed at all home competition matches during the 2019/2020 season (a total of 406 matches). We recorded and evaluated the chosen aspects of the goalkeepersÂ' game performance, i.e., the number and success rate of defensive, offensive and all game activities. To acquire research results, we used the method of indirect observation of chosen game activities developed by the InStat technologies. We used one-way ANOVA tests, the post hoc Tuckey HSD test and the Z-score test for two population proportions to process and evaluate the research data. The level of statistical significance was set at the 5% level. We found significant differences in the number of goalkeepersÂ' game activities and in the success rate of defensive and offensive game activities. We did not find any significant differences in the overall success rate of game activities. This research confirms trends and developments in the goalkeepersÂ' game and indicates increasing demands placed on the goalkeepersÂ' game. These demands are mainly regarding the success rate of solving game situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Kinanthropologica is the property of University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Education, Department of Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

High-intensity exercise risks lowering salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (s-SIgA), and a lower s-SIgA level is associated with upper respiratory tract infections. Volleyball training camps have reported s-SIgA level reduction. Nonetheless, the relationship between jump performance and s-SIgA remains unclear. This observational study aimed to investigate the effect of a single volleyball game on the s-SIgA response and the relationship between in-game jump performance and changes in s-SIgA secretion. Thirteen elite collegiate female volleyball players (mean age, 20.6 ± 1.4 years) participated. Pre- and post-match saliva samples and questionnaires were collected; s-SIgA concentrations were quantified from saliva samples, and s-SIgA secretion rates were calculated. Jump data were measured using the jump load management platform "VERT Coach". Jump performance was assessed by the number of jumps, total work, and work per time. Preand post-match s-SIgA secretion rates did not significantly change (44.7 ± 17.4 and 47.1 ± 21.7 µg/min, respectively); however, s-SIgA secretion rates decreased in 8 of 13 players. Changes in s-SIgA secretion rates did not significantly correlate with any jump performance. Our results suggest that a single volleyball game did not affect s-SIgA response and that in-game jump performance in female volleyball players was not associated with s-SIgA response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sport-specific skills display diurnal variation across various team sports such as badminton and tennis serving accuracy and soccer dribbling, volleying, and chipping execution. However, the effects of athlete chronotype on in-game sport-specific skill performance according to time of day across team sports is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the effect of player chronotype on in-game basketball performance during evening games. Professional male basketball players (n = 11) completed a morningness-eveningness questionnaire and were categorized according to chronotype (morning-type: n = 4; neither-type: n = 6; evening-type: n = 1). Box score data from the 2019/20 season were utilized to determine individual in-game performance during evening games played after 18:00 h. Composite metrics (i.e., effective field goal percentage, offensive rating, defensive rating, and player efficiency) were used as indicators of player performance. Nonsignificant (p >0.21) differences were evident between M-types and N-types for most performance measures. Small to very large effects were observed in the number of rebounds favoring M-types, and three-point shots attempted and made, assists, and steals favored N-types. In-game performance appeared to not be affected by chronotype (i.e., M-type vs. N-type) in evening games among professional male basketball players. The lack of observed effect between chronotype and in-game performance suggest coaching staff may not need to consider player chronotype when developing a match strategy or assigning player roles if largely dealing with M-types and N-types. However, to ensure the greatest specificity, coaching staff may endeavor to schedule habitual training times in line with that of competition in an effort to align player circadian rhythms to games. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variables impacting the efficiency of the offensive phase of the game in ice hockey may be determining factor for both the training process and game strategies. The research aimed to acquire and expand the knowledge about selected goal-scoring characteristics in the National Hockey League. A total of 511 even-strength goals were recorded in 129 randomly selected games in a regular-season 2020/2021 by indirect observation. Goals were differentiated by selected variable dimensions: location of the offensive team's puck possession gain before scoring a goal, game situation preceding a goal, and the number of passes of the offensive team preceding a goal. Data were analyzed by performing a one– way ANOVA. Post hoc multiple comparisons were performed using the Tukey HSD test. The significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was used. Significant differences were found within all variable dimensions (p= 0.00001). In terms of the puck possession gain location, zone 1 (along the boards in the offensive zone) was the zone with the significantly highest mean score (p= 0.00305). Offensive zone play was significantly the game situation preceding most of the goals (p= 0.00000). The interval of the passes that preceded most of the recorded goals was the interval of 1 – 2 passes (p= 0.00000). Acquired results point out the dominance of particular variables and may help coaches to determine the content of the training process and game strategies. Based on the assumption of the realization of similar research in different environments in terms of the quality and age category, if the analogy would be found between the results of the present study and the results of potential studies, we can state the trends applicable to youth training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to examine sleep characteristics of esport players and the stipulated effects of game performance on consecutive sleep characteristics using residual dynamic structural equation modeling (RDSEM). A sample of 27 Counterstrike players with a mean age of 18½ years participated in the current study. Sleep was detected over a period of 56 days with a Somnofy sleep monitor that utilizes an impulse radio ultra-wideband puls radar and Dopler technology, and weekly game performance was reported by the players. The results showed that esport players' sleep characteristics were in the lower levels of recommended guidelines and that sleep onset started later and sleep offset ended later in the morning compared with athletes from other traditional sports. The esport players displayed stable patterns in sleep onset, sleep offset, time in bed, sleep efficiency and non-REM respiration rates per minute (NREM RPM). On the between-person level, esport players with better game performance spent more time sleeping (r = 0.55) and scored lower on NREM RPM (r = −0.44). Unstandardized within-person cross-lagged paths showed that better game performance predicted subsequent earlier sleep offset. The within-level standardized estimates of the cross-lagged paths revealed that participants with better game performance spent subsequently more time in deep sleep (0.20), less time in light sleep (−0.14), less time in bed (−0.16), and displayed lower NREM RPM (−0.21), earlier sleep offset (−0.21), and onset (−0.09). The findings of better game performance being related to better sleep are discussed in terms of existing knowledge on how stress responses elicitated by poor performance might impact on non-REM respiration rates and sleep.

This study examined the fourth quarters in the close games in the regular NBA games in the last decade, ranging from the 2013-14 season to the 2022-2023 season. A close game is categorically defined by a scenario where the point differential is confined within a 10-point margin at the onset of the fourth quarter and narrows further to a 5-point disparity by the end of the game. In total, 2,295 close games were identified in this study. Advanced game statistics, including offensive rate, defensive rate, assistance ratio, pace of game, and true shooting percentage, etc., are obtained from the NBA box scores using a python script. Understanding key factors that determine the outcome of the basketball games is critical, as such can be used to develop predictive models for coaches to design game strategies. This study developed a Bayesian Logistic Modeling approach to estimate the winning probability of a basketball team in the fourth quarter, using the pace of the last quarter and a team's shooting percentage. The accuracy of the model is used to evaluate if the model can correctly classify game outcome based on the identified game statistics in the fourth quarter of a game. The binary outcome of the close game is modeled as a Bernoulli distribution. Results reveal that the True Positive Rate and False Positive Rate is 0.93 and 0.07, respectively. Insights from this study can be used to help design coaching strategies in basketball games, illuminating potential tactical pivots that could tilt the game in their favor., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wang, Zheng and Li.)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of modification strategies based on the pedagogical principles of the Teaching Games for Understanding approach on tactical constraints of four 3v3 soccer small-sided games. The Game performance of 21 U-10 players was analyzed in a game similar to the adult game; one based on keeping-the-ball; another on penetrating-the-defense; and one on attacking-the-goal. Results showed that the modification of tactical problems had a significantly different effect on tactical-context adaptation (p < .005) and for developing passing, dribbling, shooting and getting free skills (p < .005). Small-sided games focused on keeping-the-ball and attacking-the-goal revealed a tactical complexity that was significantly different to the rest of the games (p < .005). With regard to the further investigation of the quality representative task design, these findings highlight the importance of knowing the effects that modification has on tactical constraints and the tactical complexity/technical difficulty involved in developing behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the paper was to examine the effects of student skill level on knowledge, decision making, skill execution and game performance in a minivolleyball Sport Education season. Forty-eight secondary school students from two classes participated in a 12 lesson season. Knowledge, decision-making and skill execution (components of game play) were evaluated prior to and on completion of the season. Paired t test analysis showed that the game performance components of decision making and game play achieved significant gains. Further, results of the regression analyses detected that the sigmoidal model was indeed superior to the linear model for (a) skill execution, (b) game play, and (c) knowledge, by explaining 4.0, 2.8, and 3.25 times more of the variance respectively. That is, improvements of the highest and lowest skilled students were less significant than those of more moderate levels. This outcome, accompanied by a lack of general improvement in skill execution, suggests that future research should examine in more detail the progressive development of the tasks and learning experiences incorporated during seasons of Sport Education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Identification of talent in soccer is a continuous process, and searching for new tools enables the selection of future professional players. Because perceptual-cognitive abilities are crucial for the mastery of soccer, there should be tools enabling the identification of those skills. Objective: The aim of the study was to define the prognostic value of a laboratory test for assessing psychomotor skills in the selection of 11-14-yearold elite soccer players. Materials and methods: In total, 64 players in four age categories (U12-U15) participated in this study. They were selected from among a group of 432 players based on their results in physical fitness tests. The study was conducted in two one-day research sessions. On the first day, using the Determination Test (DT) from the Vienna Test System, the levels of the players' psychomotor performances were assessed, and on the second day, their soccer skills were assessed in 4 vs. 4 games with goalkeepers on a pitch with an artificial surface. The players were randomly divided into teams of four (with unchanging goalkeepers), and each of them played six 7-minute matches. Their game was evaluated by five expert coaches using the Soccer Game Performance Assessment Instrument observation sheet (SGPAI). Pearson's linear correlation was used to examine the correlation between the results of the DT test and the expert rating. Results: Satisfactory correlation between the number of correct reactions obtained by the DT test and the expert rating of their game skills was found in players of all ages, except for the oldest group, and the strength of this relationship decreased with the tested players' ages. Conclusions: The Vienna Test System determination test is a useful tool in the selection of young soccer players, especially those in the youngest age categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unclear why some people learn faster than others. We performed two independent studies in which we investigated the neural basis of real-time strategy (RTS) gaming and neural predictors of RTS game skill acquisition. In the first (cross-sectional) study, we found that experts in the RTS game StarCraft® II (SC2) had a larger lenticular nucleus volume (LNV) than non-RTS players. We followed a cross-validation procedure where we used the volume of regions identified in the first study to predict the quality of learning a new, complex skill (SC2) in a sample of individuals who were naive to RTS games (a second (training) study). Our findings provide new insights into how the LNV, which is associated with motor as well as cognitive functions, can be utilized to predict successful skill learning and be applied to a much broader context than just video games, such as contributing to optimizing cognitive training interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-game learning supports aim to help students solve game levels (i.e., game-related supports), and connect to underlying content (i.e., content-related and hybrid supports). Students with different levels of prior knowledge may have different needs for in-game supports. In this study, we designed a 2D physics game with game-related, content-related, and hybrid supports to explore the relationships among students' prior knowledge, their access of learning supports, learning outcomes, and game performance. Our sample included 199 ninth- to eleventh-grade students from a K-12 school in the southeastern US. Our findings indicated that students, regardless of their degree of prior knowledge, tended to access supports that directly addressed the solution of game levels (game-related supports) rather than those which presented content (content-related and hybrid supports). We found that the more frequently students accessed the hybrid supports, the greater their knowledge acquisition, and the more game levels they solved. We found no significant relations between the access of game-related and content-related supports and students' learning and game performance. Moreover, students with high prior knowledge tended to use hybrid supports more frequently than those with low prior knowledge. Implications of our findings and suggestions regarding future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tanabe, Y, Shimizu, K, Kondo, E, Yasumatsu, M, Nakamura, D, Sagayama, H, and Takahashi, H. Urinary N-terminal fragment of titin reflects muscle damage after a soccer match in male collegiate soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(2): 360-365, 2021-Previous studies have demonstrated that noninvasive urinary N-terminal fragment of titin (U-titin) concentration highly correlates with serum creatine kinase (CK) activity, a classic invasive muscle damage marker. This finding indicates that U-titin could be used to estimate muscle damage. However, these results were achieved using a laboratory-based eccentric exercise model. Therefore, it remains unclear whether U-titin is useful for evaluating muscle damage occurring in field sports events. As a result, we evaluated whether U-titin concentration closely relates to serum CK activity after a soccer match. Seventeen collegiate soccer players (age: 20 ± 1 year; height: 172 ± 6 cm; body mass: 65 ± 5 kg; Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 2, 1,135 ± 196 m) completed a test match (2 halves of 45 minutes separated by 15 minutes of normal half-time). U-titin concentration, serum CK activity, countermovement jump performance, and muscle soreness were assessed 2 hours before the match and 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the match. U-titin concentrations and CK activity similarly increased at 24 hours and returned to the baseline value at 48 hours after the match. Moreover, the percentage of changes in U-titin concentration from baseline after the match significantly and positively correlated with serum CK activity (r = 0.82, p < 0.05). These results suggest that the noninvasive marker U-titin can be used to assess muscle damage conditions in field sports events, such as soccer matches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Kinanthropologica is the property of University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Education, Department of Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Athletes in the National Basketball Association (NBA) are subjected to high levels of mechanical stress increasing their risk of injury. The purpose of this study was to see how certain lower extremity injuries affect in-game performance in relation to each NBA athlete's demographics. The hypothesis was that NBA players' post-injury performance would differ depending on their demographics and the type of injury sustained., Methods: Descriptive epidemiology study of NBA injury list designations from the 2010/2011 season to the 2018/2019 season. About 255 lower leg injuries that met the inclusion criteria were selected from the injury lists spanning from the 2010/2011 season to the 2018/2019 season. These included ligamentous knee injuries, knee sprains, knee strains, knee hyperextensions, patellar injuries, ankle injuries, and Achilles injuries. The change in performance was determined by comparing mean game scores before and after injury with single-tailed, heteroscedastic t-testing and 95% confidence intervals for mean values., Results: An overall statistically significant decrease in mean game score from 9.82 to 8.75 was seen in all included players (p = 0.01). Only athletes taller than the mean height (199.85 cm; p = 0.01) and heavier than the mean weight (101.63 kg; p = 0.02) showed a significant decline in performance. Ankle and knee injuries both resulted in a significant loss in game score (p = 0.04), with ankle injuries resulting in a greater average decline (-1.76 post-injury) than knee injuries (-1.34 post-injury)., Conclusions: These findings suggest that treatment regimens should reflect the type of injury and demographics of the specific NBA player injured. Further research is warranted to determine if treatment may be more efficacious when streamlined based on player size and injury type., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Ceasar et al.)

Students need diverse learning processes and different class modes to present diverse development in current teaching environment. In traditional education, physical education teachers mainly stress on students' skill performance that most of time in the teaching process time sequence is used for skill teaching. Learning group in a team is the heterogeneous combination, with distinct degree of team members. Students therefore have the opportunity to precede different levels of discussion. Such a process allows students helping each other to enhance participants' motivation through positive peer relationship. Sport education model is operated with teams, in which team members would develop suitable tactics and strategies through continuous discussions. Such discussions could assist in solving problems in real games to further achieve group goals. Such thinking, assisting individuals in achieving the goal, conforms to the point of view proposed in critical thinking. Experimental design model is applied to the quasi-experimental study. 246 students of a university in Fujian Province, as the experimental subjects, are preceded the 16-week (3 hours per week for total 48 hours) experimental teaching research. According to the results, suggestions are proposed, expecting to promote students' game performance and enhance the critical thinking disposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining performance indicators within team sports is considerably important as it facilitates the underlying training methodologies of sports performance. The value of understanding individual contribution and the relevant physical factors is of importance when structuring appropriate strength and conditioning training. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between physical performance and game performance, as well as examining the relationships of physical performance and game performance dependent on competition level. This research project was a case study conducted with a team’s game performance measured across a full season. Twelve elite adolescent male ice hockey players (17.92 ± 0.9 years, 185 ± 8.45 cm, 83.17 ± 8.61 kg) participated in the study after giving informed consent. Physical performance was measured using four tests (horizontal jump, single-leg lateral jump, 15-meter sprint, corner S test), while game performance was calculated through the statistical equation Point Shares. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Physical performance did not depict any strong indications of overall game performance. Instead, results illustrated an inverse relationship between plyometric performance and offensive point shares. However, on-ice agility may be a relevant indicator of game performance dependent on competition level for individuals and sub-groups. Thus, the findings suggest that explaining individual performance within team sports is a highly complex issue that needs further investigation.

The purpose of this study was to design and validate the Basketball Offensive Game Performance Instrument (BOGPI) that assesses an individual player's offensive game performance competency in basketball. Twelve physical education teacher education (PETE) students playing two 10-minute, 3 vs. 3 basketball games were videotaped at end of a basketball unit in one physical education teaching methods course. Two investigators independently coded each player's offensive game behaviors with BOGPI. The interrater reliability of the BOGPI was 99% and the alpha reliability coefficient for the total scale of the BOGPI was .95. The content validity evidence of the BOGPI was established by six experienced experts' judgment. The results of this study indicate that the BOGPI is a theoretically sound and psychometrically supported measure that can be used by researchers and teacher educators to assess the preservice teachers' offensive game performance ability in basketball. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive gaming, better known as electronic sports (esports), is rapidly growing in popularity. We systematically reviewed the available literature regarding the psychological aspects of esports using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) evidence-based reporting checklist and a Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcomes (PICO) framework with the following inclusion criteria: (i) published between 1994 and 2018; (ii) empirical investigation (as the current state of research is dense with positions and opinions but has few empirical investigations); and (iii) focussed on esports games that are associated with either cognitive performance or game performance. The goal of our research was twofold: to present a summary of the empirical evidence addressing the psychological characteristics of both cognitive and game performance in esports, and to integrate esports in the field of sport psychology. More specifically, our goals were to highlight the interplay of psychological aspects of performance and esports and to clearly define the theoretical foundations of the psychological aspects of esports performance. Underlining the differences from video gaming will inform future research directions and stimulate the development of high-quality practice in the applied field of sports and exercise psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This quasi-experimental study investigated the effects of enhancing digital game-based science learning with the predict-observe-explain (POE) inquiry scaffolds. One hundred twenty seventh-grade students were assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The two groups of students played the same game, but the experimental group additionally followed a POE inquiry guide in the gameplay. Students' in-game performance and inquiry behaviors were examined along with their conceptual understanding of the physics concepts addressed in the game. The findings suggested that the group that followed the POE guide performed significantly better in both conceptual understanding and game performance. The analysis of the two groups' inquiry behavioral data revealed different learning pathways, which shed light on how the inquiry scaffolds helped students in GBL. The article ends with practical implications for implementing game-based science learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]