Ball Control Research Articles

Influence of Release Parameters on Pitch Location in Skilled Baseball Pitching.

This study explored the mechanical factors that determine accuracy of a baseball pitching. In particular, we focused on the mechanical parameters at ball release, referred to as release parameters. The aim was to understand which parameter has the most deterministic influence on pitch location by measuring the release parameters during actual pitching and developing a simulation that predicts the pitch location from given release parameters. By comparing the fluctuation of the simulated pitch location when varying each release parameter, it was found that the elevation pitching angle and speed significantly influenced the vertical pitch location, and the azimuth pitching angle significantly influenced the horizontal pitch location. Moreover, a regression model was obtained to predict the pitch location, and it became clear that the significant predictors for the vertical pitch location were the elevation pitching angle, the speed, and spin axis, and those for the horizontal pitch location were the azimuth pitching angle, the spin axis, and horizontal release point. Therefore, it was suggested that the parameter most affecting pitch location weas pitching angle. On the other hand, multiple regression analyses revealed that the relation between release parameters varied between pitchers. The result is expected to contribute to an understanding of the mechanisms underlying accurate ball control skill in baseball pitching.

Sliding Mode Control Versus Fractional-Order Sliding Mode Control: Applied to a Magnetic Levitation System

This paper focuses on the comparative performances between a Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) and a Fractional-Order SMC (FOSMC). Both the SMC and FOSMC are applied to position control of a ferromagnetic ball against gravity in a Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) system. This paper is the extended version of Roy et al. (in: 2017 Indian control conference (ICC), pp 473–478, 2017). In addition to the contribution of Roy et al. (2017), this paper (i) shows the better potential of an FOSMC over a SMC which is illustrated analytically and (ii) finds the bounds of uncertainty of the parameters of the MagLev system using frequency domain analysis. Experimental results validate the theoretical propositions. The comparative analysis based on these results reveals that the FOSMC performs better than the SMC in terms of tracking accuracy, speed of response, chattering, control effort, and control energy.

OPTIMIZATION OF PID PARAMETERS BASED ON PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION FOR BALL AND BEAM SYSTEM

This paper introduces the application of an optimization technique, known as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to the problem of tuning the Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller for a linearized ball and beam control system. After describing the basic principles of the Particle Swarm Optimization, the proposed method concentrates on finding the optimal solution of PID controller in the cascade control loop of the Ball and Beam Control System. Ball and Beam control system tends to balance a ball on a particular position on the beam as defined by the user. The efficiency of Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm for tuning the controller will be compared with a classical method, Trial and Error method. The comparison is based on the time response performance. The two tuning methods have been developed by simulation study using Matlab\ m-file software. The evaluations show that Evolutionary method Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm gives a much better response than trial and error method.

Effects of Proprioceptive Training on Agility Performance in Male Football Players

Background and Purpose: Football is a high intensity intermittent sport which requires the successful andeffective execution of the technical skill like agility, change of direction, acceleration, deceleration, suddenstops and shots largely depends on the football players’ ability to control their balance and to adapt betterand faster to their ever changing bodily postures and positions in the pitch. So to maximize the footballperformance the possible strategy could be proprioceptive training. Hence, the purpose of this research wasto see the effects of proprioceptive training on agility performance in male football players.Method: 90 football players participated were randomly selected and divided in two groups, experimental(n=45) and control group (n=45). Experimental group underwent Proprioceptive training on bosu ball withtheir regular football training program and control group underwent regular football training program.Athletes were trained for 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Agility assessment at pre and post intervention wasdone for all subjects using T-agility test.Results: The results revealed a significant differences in comparison between pre and post agility forexperimental group with p-value 0.000 (< 0.05) and insignificant difference for control group with p-value0.220 (> 0.05).Conclusion: Proprioceptive training was effective in decreasing the agility time in male football players.

Design of Rolling Ball Control System Based on PID Algorithm

The ball and plate system is a medium for researching automation control. As a multivariable, non-linear control object, the sphere studies how its fixed-point control and trajectory motion have great significance for automatic control. The software part of a ball and plate system designed in this paper adopts PID control. The hardware part uses STM32F103RCT6 as the main control chip. The position of the ball is obtained through the four-wire resistive screen and the HC05 Bluetooth module is used to communicate with the mobile phone. The corresponding state of the system is displayed by the TFT liquid crystal module. The fixed point control of the small ball and the specified trajectory movement are realized. The fixed point control can change the fixed point of the small ball at any time by clicking the mobile phone screen, and the specified trajectory movement can be controlled by the cricket system button or the mobile APP control.

The adolescent motor performance development of elite female soccer players: A study of prognostic relevance for future success in adulthood using multilevel modelling

ABSTRACT Considering the scarce empirical evidence regarding talent predictors in female youth soccer, the present study aimed to investigate the long-term prognostic validity of elite female soccer players’ adolescent motor performance for future success in adulthood. Additionally, the three-year development of highly talented girls’ motor performance and the predictive value of this motor development for reaching a professional adult performance level (APL) was analysed. Overall, N = 737 female players participated in nationwide motor diagnostics (sprinting, agility, dribbling, ball control, shooting) within the German Soccer Association’s talent identification and development programme at least twice between the age groups Under-12 (U12) and U15. Based on their APL at least four years later, participants were assigned to a professional (first German division, 6.2%) or non-professional group (lower divisions, 93.8%). Multilevel regression analyses revealed a general prognostic relevance for the investigated parameters with respect to players’ APL. In addition, there was a non-linear improvement in participants’ motor performance across all variables from U12 to U15. However, non-significant interactions between APL and these improvements indicate motor performance development itself cannot adequately predict players’ future success in adulthood. Findings provide insightful information that can help coaches foster optimal support for young female soccer players’ development.

Analysis of Successful Offensive Play Patterns by the Spanish Soccer Team.

Victory is the ultimate aim in soccer and therefore when a team wins an elite European or world championship, attempts will invariably be made to emulate the winning team’s style of play. In this study, we performed an in‐depth analysis of play by the Spanish soccer team during the 2012 UEFA European Championship, where it was crowned champion. Using observational methodology and T‐pattern analysis, we identified hidden patterns of play that ended in a goal for the Spanish team. A generalizability coefficient (e2) of 0.986 demonstrated that the offensive patterns detected are robust and highly generalizable. These patterns were formed by technical actions consisting of ball control and pass, with alternations between short and long passes, in the central area of the rival pitch, with use of both wings to achieve width of play and prioritization of width over depth of play. We also found patterns showing that goals and shots at goal were made on a ball delivered from the opposite direction to the shot and were not preceded by a technical action.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Single Implant Mandibular Overdenture Retained by CM LOC versus Ball Attachment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

AIM:This randomised clinical study aimed to detect whether CMLOC attachment could improve Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQOL) when compared to ball attachment.METHODS:Eighty edentulous patients were recruited to receive a single symphyseal implant for mandibular overdenture, after three months, randomisation was done to divide them into two groups; Dalbo ball (control group) and Cendres and Metaux locator (CM-LOC) (intervention) attachments respectively, oral health impact profile for edentulous patients (OHIP-EDENT)questionnaire was recorded before implant placement, two weeks after pick up, at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.RESULTS:Results revealed a lack of statistical significance between the two groups except for psychological discomfort at 2 weeks after pick-up (p-value = 0.029)CONCLUSION:Single implant overdenture is a simple, reliable treatment modality for treating edentulous mandible and both CM LOC and Ball attachments are good alternatives for such treatment modality.

Design of rolling ball control system based on OpenMV

The ball-on-plate system, a non-linear control system with a 2-degree of freedom, is crucial for understanding the control system applications. As increase of the non-linearity with the degree of freedoms, the system can be used to test and identify different aspects of controls. This paper describes the design and implementation of a ball-on-plate system based on OpenMV that includes machine vision modules. Camera OV7725 with chip model of STM32F765 in OpenMV detects and calculates ball position on the plate in real time, and then the OpenMV sends the position data of the ball to the main Micro Controller Unit through a serial port. The MCU calculates the data with a cascade PID controller, and outputs the PWM wave to control the rotation angle of the steering engine. The steering engine drives two vertical parallelogram linkage mechanisms to manipulate the motion of the plate. Thus, the system can exactly control the motion state and position of the ball on the plate in real time.

Pengaruh Metode Latihan Gaya Komando dan Metode Latihan Gaya Eksplorasi Terhadap Keterampilan Dasar Bermain sepak bola SSB BINHAR Kerinci

The purpose of this study was to reveal the effect of the command method and exploration method as well as basic skills of playing football. Population of this study was football player of ssb binhar kerinci in totaling 90 people. sampling technique in this study used purposive sampling. This technique was done based on consideration of the researcher. Total sample in this research were 48 people. to measure the ability of playing football which consists of four forms of the test were dribling, short passed test, shooting and ball control.
 Analyis research data showed that: There was no significance difference between players who were trained using command method with players who were trained using exploration method

Improving the Intelligent Control of Magnetic Levitiation Ball Using Artificial Neural Network

Forecasting the time series behavior of magnetic levitation system has been a major research objective for the last five decades. This is due to the challenges presented as a result of its dynamic nature in motion. Initially this problem was supposed to be solves by control engineering researchers using predictive control modeling. However, due to the robust nature of the technological application (high speed train, maglev ball, e.t.c), precision in the control system has been a major challenge according to Earnshaw’s theorem. This paper improves intelligent control of a magnetic levitation (ball) system using artificial neural network. First the maglev system plant is identified and then a Neuro controller is designed to predict the dynamic behavior of this system using feedback linearization process. The system will be design and simulated using neural network tool and Mathlab.

Prognostic relevance of motor tests in elite girls’ soccer: a five-year prospective cohort study within the German talent promotion program

ABSTRACTIntroduction: While research has provided valuable information about talent predictors, there is a gap regarding female soccer. This study analyzed the prognostic relevance of motor tests for players’ future selection level in female soccer and assessed the role of sex as a moderator variable.Methods: Within the German talent promotion program, N = 499 U12 girls participated in motor diagnostics (sprint, agility, dribbling, ball control, shooting). Five years later, 14.2% of them made the youth national team (NT), 18.8% the regional association team (RA), and 66.9% were not further selected (NS). The tests’ predictive validity for achieving one of these levels was analyzed using ANOVAs with post-hoc tests and logistic regressions. Subsequently, results were compared to data from previous research with N = 22,843 male U12 players.Results: Girls’ performances in the motor diagnostics significantly discriminated between all three selection levels. Future NT players outperformed NS (d = 1.04) and RA players (d = 0.55), who, in turn, performed better than NS players (d = 0.47). Exception for dribbling, the motor tests demonstrated predictive validity independent of sex.Discussion: Although diagnostics are not sensitive enough to determine individual decisions for talent selection, they provide objective information to supplement coaches’ work.

The Relationship Between Cognitive Functions and Sport-Specific Motor Skills in Elite Youth Soccer Players.

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between basic cognitive functions and sport-specific motor skills in elite youth soccer players. A total of 15 elite youth soccer players aged 11–13 years performed a computer-based test battery measuring the attention window (AW), perceptual load (PL), working memory capacity (WMC), and multiple object tracking (MOT). Another set of tests was used to asses speed abilities and football-specific technical skills (sprint, change of direction, dribbling, ball control, shooting, and juggling). Spearman’s correlation tests showed that the diagonal AW was positively associated with dribbling skills (rs = 0.656) which indicates that a broader AW could be beneficial for highly demanding motor skills like dribbling. WMC was positively related to dribbling (rs = 0.562), ball control (rs = 0.669), and ball juggling (rs = 0.727). Additionally, the cumulated score of all cognitive tests was positively related to the cumulated motor test score (rs = 0.614) which supports the interplay of physical and psychological skills. Our findings highlight the need for more, and especially longitudinal, studies to enhance the knowledge of cognition-motor skill relationships for talent identification, talent development, and performance in soccer.

The Comparison of athletic and technical performances of pre-pubescent soccer players according to their positions

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the athletic and technical performances of pre-pubescent players according to their positions. Methods: Forty-five soccer players (age=10.4±1.70 years; sports age=3.1±1.42 years; body height = 141.1±13.12 cm; body weight = 34.6±10.15 kg) were participated in the study voluntarily. In the evaluation of athletic performance, speed, agility, balance, jump, shot strength and core strength tests were used. In the evaluation of technical performance, dribbling, ball control and passing tests were used. The average and standard deviation values of the variables were determined by descriptive statistics. The normality of the distribution was tested with skewness and skewness values, and all data were normally distributed. Therefore, O ne-Way analysis of variance was used to compare the data. Results: No significant difference was found in the comparison of the components of the athletic performances of the players according to their positions (p>0.05). No significant differences were found in the technical performance of dribbling, ball control and passing components (p>0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that there was no difference between athletic and technical performance values of the soccer players in the pre-pubescent period. Specially designed training programs that develop the athletic and technical performances required by the soccer players positions can contribute to the development of these characteristics.

The Roles of Growth, Maturation, Physical Fitness, and Technical Skills on Selection for a Portuguese Under-14 Years Basketball Team.

This study investigated the roles of growth, maturation, physical fitness, and technical skills on selection onto an under-14 years basketball team. The sample consisted of 150 male players, aged 13.3 ± 0.7 years, divided into selected (SE—top players chosen by coaching staff to form an elite regional team) and non-selected (NSE—remaining players) groups. Anthropometry, body composition, biological maturation, and training experience data were collected using standard procedures. Physical fitness was assessed using the Yo-Yo IE2, sit-ups, handgrip, squat jump, countermovement jump, 3 kg medicine ball throw, 20 m sprint, and T-Test. Technical skills were acquired using the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD)’s basketball-specific test battery. Groups were compared using a Student’s t test and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), with training experience and biological maturation as covariates. A forward stepwise discriminant function analysis was employed to identify variables that maximized the separation between groups. The results showed that SE players were taller, had greater fat-free mass, greater strength, power, and agility, and were technically more skillful compared with NSE players (p < 0.05) when controlling for training experience and maturation. It was also found that players were best discriminated by the 3 kg medicine ball throw and control dribble, revealing the importance of qualified training to achieve excellence in youth basketball. 92.7% of the basketballers were correctly classified into their original groups. It is therefore confirmed that the additional effects of training experience and biological maturation positively influenced the performance of young basketball players. We recommend that coaches focus not only on players’ body sizes, but also on their skill level, especially during adolescence, when selecting teams in order to promote sustainable long-term development.

Adolescent characteristics of youth soccer players: do they vary with playing status in young adulthood?

ABSTRACTAdolescent characteristics of young adult soccer players (n = 35) were compared with those of youth teammates (n = 124) no longer involved in soccer. Former U-13 players active in soccer as young adults were slightly later in maturation and performed better in several functional and soccer skills than youth teammates. Former U-15 players active in soccer as young adults did not differ in maturity status from youth teammates but were chronologically older and performed better in agility and ball control. Young adult regional and national players in both age groups were rated significantly higher on the potential for success by their youth coaches, and national players were rated significantly higher than regional players. The results highlight the need for study of interactions among coaches, youth training and playing environments and the growth, maturity, functional, skill and behavioural characteristics of youth players, and how these interactions may influence persistence in soccer and later playing status.

ATTACKING PERFORMANCE PROFILE OF FOOTBALL TEAMS IN DIFFERENT NATIONAL LEAGUES ACCORDING TO UEFA RANKINGS FOR CLUB COMPETITIONS

The aim of this study was to compare the attacking performance profiles of the football teams playing in the national leagues of different rankings, defined on the basis of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) coefficient regarding club competitions. Applying the method of random sampling, one national league belonging to the first group – 4 participants in the Champions League and 3 teams participating in the Europa League (CL4+EL3; Germany), one belonging to the second group – CL3+EL3 (France), one belonging to the third group (CL2+EL3; Austria) and one from the fourth group – CL1+EL3 (Serbia) were selected. The analysis included all championship matches within the mentioned national competitions during the 2016/2017 season, which was a total of 1162 matches. The variables related to ball possession, passing game structure and efficacy and goal scoring attacks were monitored (19 variables in total). The results of this study have shown that there are significant differences in the organization of attacking games by the teams competing in the leagues of different rankings. It can be concluded that the players of the teams from the German and French leagues possess higher quality in technical and tactical sense, and are trained to play extremely fast, with a high degree of success in ball control.

How Much Does Experience Matter in NCAA Division I Volleyball? A Retrospective Study

ABSTRACTPurpose: To evaluate the relationship between years of collegiate playing experience and success of NCAA Division I volleyball programs. Methods: Data were gathered from the 2010–2015 seasons for each volleyball program in the “power five” conferences. Players that were involved in at least 66% of the sets were selected for analysis. Each player’s years of college experience were tabulated and a team average experience score was created. This score was correlated with the end of season Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). Years with a significant correlation between success and experience were further analyzed for differences in on-court statistics by years of experience. Results: The range for team average experience score was 2.52–2.66. Only the 2012 season showed a moderate correlation between the team average score and RPI (ρ = −0.421, p = .001), indicating that more experienced teams finished with a higher national ranking. Within this year, teams with more experience had a statistically significant (p < .05) higher season win percentage, higher conference win percentage, higher hitting percentage, more kills/set, and more assists/set than teams with low or only moderate experience. Conclusions: These data suggest that more collegiate playing experience does not always result in a significantly more successful season, but trends indicate that a relationship does exist between experience and success. In the one year that showed significance, more experienced teams had more favorable statistics related to skills that terminate play (e.g., kills) rather than ball control skills (e.g., digs and passing).

Forearm muscle activation, ulnar nerve at the elbow and forearm fatigue in overhand sports

ABSTRACT This study examined the morphologic changes of the ulnar nerve in different elbow positions by ultrasonography and the effects of fatigue on forearm muscle control during overhand movements. We enrolled 12 tennis players who performed flat serves and 15 baseball pitchers who performed fastball pitching. The motion capture was conducted with 14 reflective markers attached on anatomic landmarks of the participant for tennis serve and baseball pitching data collection. The distance from the nerve to the medial condyle between the tennis players and baseball pitchers showed significant differences (p = 0.006) as the elbow flexed to 90°. The differences are due to the baseball player’s repetitive pitching motion while such motion does not apply to tennis player. Activity of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) during the cocking phase in the tennis serves showed significant differences (p = 0.022) between the nonfatigued and fatigued states; the maximal value was observed in the fatigued state. The significant increase in the ECR activity in the fatigued state might be responsible for grasp-and-release activities and maintaining the wrist joint stability when performing overhand movements. Forearm fatigue influenced their overhand motion ability in accurate ball control, although it did not decrease the ball speed.

Formation-based modelling and simulation of success in soccer

Abstract The players’ positions of tactical groups in soccer can be mapped to formation-patterns by means of artificial neural networks (Kohonen, 1995). This way, the hundreds of positional situations of one half of a match can be reduced to about 20 to 30 types of formations (Grunz, Perl &amp; Memmert, 2012; Perl, 2015), the coincidences of which can be used for describing and simulating tactical processes of the teams (Memmert, Lemmink &amp; Sampaio, 2017): Developing and changing formations in the interaction with the opponent activities can be understood as a tactical game in the success context of ball control, space control and finally generating dangerous situations. As such it can be simulated using mathematical approaches like Monte Carlo-simulation and game theory in order to generate optimal strategic patterns. However, in accordance with results from game theory it turns out that in most cases the one optimal strategy does not exist (e.g. see Durlauf &amp; Blume, 2010). Instead, a variety of partial strategies with different frequencies were necessary – an approach that is mathematically interesting but has nothing to do with soccer reality. An alternative approach, which is developed in the following, is to interrupt the strictness of a single strategic concept by creative elements, which improves flexible response to opponent activities as well as prevents from being analyzed by the opponent team. The results of respective simulation reach from improving strategic behaviour to recognizing strategic patterns and in particular to analyzing role and meaning of creative elements.