Competitive Experience Research Articles

The Motivation of Crossfit Practitioners for Competition

CrossFit is an emerging trend that has captured the attention of many studies in recent years. Despite the high number of research papers covering different aspects of the sport, the motivation of participants in CrossFit competitions remains a topic that is not talked about enough. The purpose of this study is to analyze how competition influences the motivation of CrossFiters. We applied a questionnaire who contains a number of 27 items on a 5-point Likert scale to observe how the participants’ motivation influences their view on the competition. The results indicate that all four variables used to define the motivation of competitors (enjoyment to compete, self-perception, challenges, CrossFit community) are significant, while loss of motivation is not a significant factor. Regarding gender, there is a significant difference between the groups in terms of CrossFit community perception (p 0.05). In conclusion, competitive experience plays a crucial role in self-perception, competitive satisfaction, and appreciation of the CrossFit community. Keywords: enjoyment, self-perception, challenge, community

The lasting effect of childhood circus memories: nostalgia and guilt

ABSTRACT Traditional Big Top Circus has experienced a decline in popularity due to changing attitudes to its former elements and to the competition from other accessible forms of entertainment. Our study explores how childhood memories of circus experiences are retold and how these are revisited in the light of changing social values and life experiences. Data was generated through sixteen discussion groups with a total of eighty people over the age of 65 who had experienced circus in their childhood. Thematic analysis found that the circus experience still creates vivid memories decades later. These memories are based around emotions engendered by the sights, sounds and smells of the circus but also the fear of danger and the unknown. Our participants fondly remembered who they were with, highlighting the importance of the relational and social aspects in such leisure experiences. These factors induced a strong sense of nostalgia, but this was tainted by the recognition that what was enjoyed then may no longer be socially acceptable. We conclude that for traditional circus to remain relevant, it needs to harness the strength of nostalgia but separate this from guilt at what circus once included. In a highly competitive live experience, environment circus needs to create heightened sensory experiences (including fear), alongside family togetherness appealing to multiple generations with potentially different values.

Impact of various training programs on lower limb biomechanics in adolescent Latin dancers

Latin dance attracts many young dancers globally. While these adolescents exhibit flexibility and imitation skills, their muscular strength and neuromuscular control often fall short, making complex movements challenging. Thus, incorporating functional training methods is essential for enhancing performance and reducing injury risk. This study, a total of 30 adolescent female Latin dancers aged 12–14 years with at least one year of training and competition experience were recruited for this study and randomly divided into two groups: One group of 15 students (average height 154.37 ± 3.82 cm, average weight 45.31 ± 5.29 kg) received traditional Latin dance training, and the other group of 15 students (15 students average height 154.73 ± 4.28 cm, average weight 44.63 ± 4.37 kg) received traditional Latin dance training and based on traditional Latin dance training, functional exercise was carried out for 12 weeks. A Vicon motion capture system, force platform, and electromyography were used to collect biomechanical data. Paired samples t-tests assessed significant differences between groups pre- and post-intervention. The experimental group showed significant improvements post-intervention: in the sagittal plane, ankle joint angles improved by 14.01% to 52.21% (p < 0.001); in the coronal plane, knee joint angles increased by 0% to 31.21% (p < 0.001) and 66.67% to 100% (p < 0.001); in the horizontal plane, hip joint angles improved by 4.99% to 76.00% (p < 0.001). Muscle activation showed significant increases in gastrocnemius lateral (p = 0.016), gluteus maximus (p = 0.001), tibialis anterior (p = 0.014), and rectus femoris (p < 0.001). Functional training enhances joint flexibility, muscle activation, balance, and overall performance in adolescent Latin dancers. Integrating functional training into regular routines can improve athletic performance and lower injury risk, informing the development of targeted training programs.

The Impact of Training Distances (20 m, 50 m, and 70 m) on Concentration and Anaerobic Endurance in Archery Sub-Elite Athletes

This study aims to investigate the effects of a new training method for archery athletes with different distances, namely 20 meters, 50 meters, and 70 meters, in improving concentration and anaerobic endurance. The pre- and post-control group design was used in this study with the sample selection method using the purposive sampling technique. The criteria for participants in this study include: actively practicing archery, aged 14-20 years, having at least 5 years of archery competition experience, domiciled in East Java Province, not injured, and willing to participate in the study until the end. 40 sub-elite archery athletes (20 males, 20 females) became participants in this study and were divided into 4 groups: conventional training (CON), training with a shooting distance of 20 m (NEAR), training with a shooting distance of 50 m (MID), and training with a shooting distance of 70 m (LONG) training groups. Each group underwent a 12-week training program specific to their assigned distance. The instrument used to measure concentration is the standardised archery mirror drawing test and to measure anaerobic endurance using the RAST test instrument. The results of the paired sample t-test analysis showed that in the anaerobic endurance variable, the NEAR, MID, and LONG groups had a p-value <0.05, while the CON group had a p-value > 0.05. In the concentration variable (time), all groups had a p-value <0.05, while in the concentration variable (error), there were only two groups (NEAR and CON) that had a p-value <0.05. The Anova Test results showed a significant difference between the CON and MID groups and CON and LONG (p <0.05) in the anaerobic endurance, while in the concentration (time) there was a significant difference between the CON and LONG groups and NEAR and LONG (p<0.05). In conclusion, the MID and LONG groups significantly improve anaerobic endurance and concentration, two important factors for archery success. Longer training distances appear to have a more pronounced effect on concentration.

Сучасні аспекти формування збірних команд у баскетболі

The main factor in the development of team game sports, including basketball, is the presence of globalization, professionalization and commercialization processes, which significantly affects the performance of national teams in the most important international starts. Changes in the system of competitive basketball activities have led to a significant expansion of the system of international competitions, which requires from coaches a reasonable approach to the formation of national teams as a basis for successful performance in the Games of the Olympics and World Championships. Material and Methods. The study analyzed the competitive performance of 21 men's and 19 women's national basketball teams that participated in the Olympic Games and World Championships from 1936 to 2020. In order to determine the peculiarities of the formation of national teams in basketball, we analyzed the data of 264 players (men and women) who became medalists of the Olympic Games in the period from 1976 to 2024. Results. The results of the study indicate that the main leaders in modern basketball are the USA men's and women's national teams with the highest percentage of winning medals in the Olympics (31.7% and 30.5%) and World Championships (21.0% and 24.6%). The main focus of the formation of the USA national teams for participation in the Olympic Games coaches - the availability of experience in international competitions (the number of Olympic cycles that the athlete spent as a member of the national team) and the age of athletes. Based on the performance of the men's and women's teams, a trend of increasing number of athletes over the age of 32 is identified, where the maximum value for men (5 players) is observed in 2024 and for women (4) in 2016. Conclusions. The analysis of basketball development shows that the use of modern international experience in the rational formation of national teams allowed to establish that the integral component is the age of players, professional experience of participation in international competitions as part of the national team, as well as the universalization of player training. At this stage of basketball development, there is a tendency to increase the age of female athletes who are members of national teams, which provides an effective rotation over several Olympic cycles

Developing Statistical Thinking in Schoolchildren: From Theory to Practice

Since 2022, the school course «Probability and Statistics» has been taught as a compulsory subject in all schools in Russia, and questions on it are included in the Unified State Exam. However, international experience in teaching the basics of statistics shows that this is not an easy task. It includes not only teaching students how to prove the theorems of mathematical statistics and explain the calculation of the median and variance, but also contributes to the development of statistical thinking in them – the ability to make decisions based on the analysis of empirical data. According to the authors, the statistical community cannot and should not replace teachers who promote the teaching of statistics at school, but it has the opportunity to make a significant contribution to this process.The article presents the experience of the All-Russian School competition on statistics «Trend», the All-Russian teacher competition for the best practices in teaching statistics «We train the best!», with the support of the territorial bodies of state statistics in St. Petersburg, Kirov and Rostov regions; master classes for hundreds of teachers teaching statistics in grades 7–11. In addition, the article presents plans for organizing a competition on civil statistics aimed at developing skills in working with statistical data, as well as teaching the basics of statistical analysis, the use of visualization tools, and the formation of citizenship through familiarity with objective statistical information

Serving up Success: Assessing and Improving Tennis Athlete Development Pathways

The primary purpose of this study was to look into what makes tennis players develop and succeed, as well as the most significant problems and obstacles they face on their way to becoming better. Using a mix of methods, numeric and qualitative data were gathered from 526 tennis players from various school programs and levels of experience. The quantitative data was technical, primarily training, tactical skills, mental preparation, competitive experience, teaching, and support networks. On the other hand, the qualitative conversations looked into how athletes felt about these things on a deeper level and perceptions of the coaches on their view of the current development of atheletes and how they could be improved were also the focus of this study. Meanwhile, the players who answered were male and female, from various school backgrounds, and most of them had competed for one to two years. The study found that athletes liked all parts of training but needed more access to expert coaches. These training sites required to be updated had more chances to compete and had trouble balancing their athletic and academic obligations. Qualitative results showed more problems, such as mental stress from high-level racing and not enough help for recovering from injuries. Results showed that there are significant holes in the current growth paths for tennis players. It stressed the importance of making it easier for them to get tools, mental health support, and up-to-date training devices. Based on these results, a complete program was created to remove these obstacles and improve athletic growth.

Variations in Personality Traits Among Top Judo Referees from 2018 to 2022 Based on Gender Differences

The personality traits of top judo referees are crucial for fair decision-making in elite competitions, shaping the experience for athletes, coaches, and spectators. This study examines potential differences in personality traits among 63 referees from the World Judo Tour between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. Factors analyzed include completing the IJF Academy course Level 1, elite athlete status, number of officiated events, performance ratings, and participation in the Olympic or Paralympic Games. Our research shows that older referees tend to exhibit greater extraversion, whereas less experienced officials show lower levels of this trait. Referees with limited experience generally demonstrate higher agreeableness than their more experienced counterparts. Female referees and those with top performance ratings display greater conscientiousness than male referees. Completing the IJF Academy course is associated with lower neuroticism, while lower performance ratings are linked to higher neuroticism. Openness tends to decrease with increased officiating experience, with less experienced referees showing higher levels of this trait. In conclusion, competitive experience, training completion, and officiating tenure are associated with specific personality traits among judo referees, highlighting the importance of continuous training for effective officiating. The analysis of personality traits revealed no statistically significant differences between male and female referees in the dimensions measured by the BFI (Big Five Inventory). This indicates that the levels of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness were similar for both genders, with no significant variation in how these traits were expressed.

Post-Lunch Napping as a Strategy to Enhance Physiological Performance and Cognitive Function in Elite Volleyball Players

Background and Objectives: Volleyball demands high levels of anaerobic strength, flexibility, agility, and mental focus. Adequate sleep has been shown to enhance athletic performance and cognitive function. This study investigates the impact of post-lunch naps of varying durations (25 and 45 min) on the physiological performance and cognitive focus of elite volleyball players. Materials and Methods: Sixteen elite volleyball players (8 male, 8 female) with at least 7 years of competitive experience participated in a randomized crossover study. They underwent three experimental conditions: no nap (No-Nap), a 25-min nap (N25), and a 45-min nap (N45). Physical performance was measured through counter-movement jumps (CMJ) and volleyball agility tests, while cognitive function was assessed using the D2 attention test. Statistical analysis included repeated measures ANOVA to examine the differences between nap conditions and gender-specific responses. Results: Significant improvements in both physical performance and cognitive focus were observed in the N25 and N45 conditions compared to the No-Nap condition (indicating the effectiveness of short naps in enhancing both physical and mental performance). Males outperformed females in most physical metrics, while females scored higher on the D2 attention test (suggesting possible gender-specific responses to napping). The 25-min nap showed slightly better results in terms of sleep quality and subsequent performance (confirming that shorter naps may be more beneficial). Conclusions: Post-lunch naps, especially of 25 or 45 min, enhance both physiological and cognitive performance in elite volleyball players. These findings suggest that integrating short naps into athletes’ training regimens can improve performance and focus, with potential gender-specific benefits. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and variations across other sports.

The Relationship of Preseason Upper Extremity Function, Pain and Training on Normalized DIII Collegiate Swimming Performance.

Shoulder injuries comprise the largest proportion of swimming injuries and there is a large percentage of swimmers participating with pain. Therefore, it is assumed that shoulder pain decreases performance, but studies have not compared collegiate swimmers' performance with and without pain. 1) Determine if individual swimmer's shoulder pain and function are associated with a change in normalized swimming performance over a season.2) Determine if differences in normalized swimming performance exist among 3 collegiate teams. 3) Qualitatively describe and compare team's training regimes. Cross sectional study. Swimmers completed pre-(T1) and post-season (T2) surveys including pain ratings and shoulder function using the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) shoulder and elbow questionnaire. Swimming times were obtained from published meet results. Coaches reported training programs through interviews and tracking logs. 52 NCAA Division III swimmers from 3 teams. Stepwise linear regression was used to determine if pain and function related to performance. Team demographics and normalized swimming performance (reduction in time per lap from season's beginning to end) were compared with ANOVAs with post-hoc tests. Initial KJOC scores, but not pain, related to individual swimming performance. Differences in team performance were found (p=0.006), with Team 3 having greatest reduction in time (1.01 sec/lap), lower percentage of females, a more experienced coach and a periodization schedule with large increases and decreases in yardage. There was a main effect (p=0.043) for baseline demographics with Team 3's swimmers being taller and having longer competitive experience. The initial KJOC score predicting swimming performance improvement demonstrates the need for athletic trainers to prioritize enhancement of pre-season function. Endurance training induced hypoalgesia and motivation may explain the lack of effect of shoulder pain on performance. Further research is needed to elucidate optimal periodization and dryland training.

Selected Determinants of Diet Health Quality among Female Athletes Practising Team Sports.

This study's aim was an analysis regarding selected determinants of diet health quality in a group of elite Polish female team sport players. Relationships were assessed between age, sport experience, personal resources and personality traits with regard to the Big Five model and the pro-Health (pHDI-10) and non-Healthy (nHDI-14) Diet Indices. This study was conducted among 181 women (median age-25 years; sport experience-7 years) with the use of the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire (KomPAN), Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC-B) and NEO-PI-R personality inventory. Statistical analysis was carried out via the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Kruskal-Wallis's ANOVA, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and forward stepwise regression at a significance level of α = 0.05. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the value of the pro-Health Diet Index (pHDI-10) was positively explained by professional experience and extraversion, while negatively by openness to experiences (12% of the pHDI-10 variance). In turn, a higher value of the non-Healthy Diet Index (nHDI-14) was associated with the discipline of basketball (2% of the nHDI-14 variance). In summary, the demonstrated diet health quality was low and the predictive significance of competitive experience as well as type of discipline and selected personality traits was exhibited for diet quality among female team sport players.

Role of gaze behaviors, body movements, and bicycle movements during cycling on a straight and narrow path

Cycling requires the integration of gaze behaviors, body movements, and bicycle movements. However, whether these movements contribute to skilled cycling performance, such as cycling on straight and narrow paths are uncertain. The present study aimed to differentiate optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) from vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) that characterize the relationship between eye and head movements during cycling on straight and narrow path, and to identify gaze behaviors, body movements, and bicycle movements that contribute to cycling performance. Nineteen participants with no prior competitive experience cycled three times on a 12-cm wide path. The participants were asked to avoid deviating from the path as much as possible. The measured variables were gaze behavior in a sagittal plane, body movement, and bicycle movement. As a result, OKN was observed among 16 of the 19 participants. The cross-correlation between the eye and head did not show negative value, indicating the absence of VOR. These results suggest that the participants moved their eyes while keeping their heads stable during cycling on a straight and narrow path. In the results of the multiple regression analysis, the variables with small standard deviations (SD) of the steering angle and upward eye position were related to a lower deviation from the path. These results suggest that a small SD of the steering angle and directed gaze in the forward direction may contribute to skilled cycling.

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Online In-Game Purchase on Mobile Phone: The Role of Flow Experience and Gaming Addiction (2024)

This study investigates factors influencing compulsive in-game purchases among Indonesian internet users, particularly Generation Z, and their societal impacts. It explores competitive behavior and flow experience in online gaming addiction, compulsive in-game purchases, and the link between them. Using quota sampling, 206 participants completed tailored questionnaires assessing online game addiction, flow, compulsive buying, and competitiveness. Structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze relationships between these constructs, revealing significant links between gaming addiction, flow experiences, and compulsive online purchasing. Competitive gaming may moderate the relationship between flow experience and compulsive buying.

Assessment of Angular and Straight Linear Rowing Ergometers at Different Intensities of Exercise.

We aimed to conduct a biophysical comparison of angular (Biorower) and linear (Concept2) rowing ergometers across a wide spectrum of exercise intensities. Sixteen (eleven male) skilled rowers, aged 29.8 ± 8.6 and 23.6 ± 1.5 years, with international competitive experience, performed 7 × 3 min bouts with 30 W increments and 60 s intervals, plus 1 min of all-out rowing on both machines with 48 h in between. The ventilatory and kinematical variables were measured breath-by-breath using a telemetric portable gas analyzer and determined using a full-body markerless system, respectively. Similar values of oxygen uptake were observed between ergometers across all intensity domains (e.g., 60.36 ± 8.40 vs. 58.14 ± 7.55 mL/min/kg for the Biorower and Concept2 at severe intensity). The rowing rate was higher on the Biorower vs. Concept2 at heavy and severe intensities (27.88 ± 3.22 vs. 25.69 ± 1.99 and 30.63 ± 3.18 vs. 28.94 ± 2.29). Other differences in kinematics were observed across all intensity domains, particularly in the thorax angle at the finish (e.g., 19.44 ± 4.49 vs. 27.51 ± 7.59° for the Biorower compared to Concep2 at heavy intensity), likely due to closer alignment of the Biorower with an on-water rowing technique. The overall perceived effort was lower on the Biorower when compared to the Concept2 (14.38 ± 1.76 vs. 15.88 ± 1.88). Rowers presented similar cardiorespiratory function on both rowing ergometers, while important biomechanical differences were observed, possibly due to the Biorower's closer alignment with an on-water rowing technique.

The issue of energy metabolism featues of athletes specializing in virous types of gymnastics

This study examines research conducted by both domestic and international scholars on the training processes of gymnasts across various disciplines. The primary objective is to identify the characteristics of bioenergetic support influencing gymnastic performance. Contemporary research suggests that an athlete's physical capacity is contingent upon several factors, including the nature of motor activity performed during training drills, age, gender, and competitive experience. Statistical analysis demonstrates that drill duration in men's artistic gymnastics ranges from 5 seconds (vault) to 70 seconds (floor exercise), while women's routines vary between 5 seconds (vault) and 90 seconds (balance beam and floor exercise). Callisthenic drills require significantly more time, with duration ranging from 90 seconds (individual events) to 150 seconds (group events). Gymnastic training encompasses a wide age range, typically from 4 to 20 years, most commonly between 9 and 16 years. Notably, many female gymnasts reach their competitive peak during their mid-to-late teens, while males typically peak around 20 years old. The research indicates a proportional increase in training duration and intensity alongside age and competitive level. Studies investigating energy consumption in male artistic gymnasts reveal the highest consumption during floor exercises, followed by vault, still rings, horizontal bar, and parallel bars. Similarly, floor exercise consumes the most energy in women's artistic gymnastics, followed by bars, balance beam, and vault. Furthermore, research suggests that anaerobic energy support dominates during vault, pommel horse, parallel bars, and still rings exercises, while aerobic mechanisms underpin floor exercises and callisthenics. Notably, oxidative metabolism appears to have minimal direct impact on competitive callisthenic performance but plays a crucial role in glycogen conservation during extended, intensive training sessions for elite female gymnasts.

From trial to triumph! A longitudinal design eliciting social impact perspective for sustained usage of gamified fitness apps

PurposeAs fitness apps have integrated gamification elements into their design to transform exercise into a compelling and competitive experience, this study draws on the expectation confirmation model (ECM) and self-determination theory (SDT) to propose a comprehensive framework for sustained usage by satisfying the psychological needs of users.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal study design is utilized where data from 598 fitness app users were gathered over two distinct phases separated by 24 weeks, where data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings until phase 1 depict that motivational affordances significantly affect mastery, autonomy and relatedness, which in turn exert a significant influence on flow. Identification and compliance have a more pronounced effect in phase 2 compared to stage 1 of the analysis.Research limitations/implicationsIndividuals are more prone to being swayed by fellow members of their social group who share an affiliation with fitness apps, leading them to sustain their usage of fitness apps. These insights can potentially guide app developers and marketers in formulating strategies based on modifiable factors to foster sustained growth for gamified fitness apps.Originality/valueThis study takes a novel stance by employing social impact theory (SIT) in a longitudinal setting to reveal how users react to identification and compliance effects during initial and post-adoption usage of gamified fitness apps.

Hip joint motion amplitude control based on exponential product formula

Background: Handball is a team sport, and during a game, there is a lot of direct squabbling and close contact between the players. Objective: The goal of the research is to determine how handball training affected several aspects of physical fitness. The study also investigates the relationship between playing handball, passive hip range of motion (ROM), and the development of radiologically detectable hip osteoarthritis (OA) in formerly elite handball players. The research employed the exponential product algorithm for evaluating bilateral radiographs to classify and diagnose hip OA. This technique most likely evaluated subchondral sclerosis, osteophyte formation, joint space narrowing, and other radiological signs of OA in the individuals’ hip joints. Methods: The relationship among the risk of hip OA in long-term top handball players is explored, as well as the connections among hip ROM, OA, and pain. The research was conducted using a sample size of 20 ex-professional handball players and 39 control subjects. Information on demographics, loading patterns during exercise, and history of lower limb joint injury were gathered via a questionnaire. The inclusion criteria for individuals consisted former professional handball players with significant elite-level competitive experience, as well as control subjects with no background of high-impact sports. Confounding characteristics such as age, gender, and previous lower limb joint injuries were carefully controlled for using extensive demographic and injury history evaluations. To identify and categorize hip OA, bilateral radiographs were analyzed using the exponential product algorithm. The goniometer was used to assess the bilateral passive hip ROM. Long-term participation in elite handball at a high level was found to have a strong correlation with the hip development of osteoarthritis (OA). Sixty percent of handball players had been identified with OA in at least one hip joint, compared to only thirteen percent of control patients. Results: Hip flexion and medial rotation in the handball players were significantly decreased, whereas abduction, extension, and lateral rotation were increased considerably compared to the control values. When doing daily activities, the hip joints of the handball players with OA were less painful than those of the OA-afflicted control participants. Retired handball players seem to be at a much higher risk than the general population for developing early hip OA. Conclusion: The repetitive nature of handball-specific movements may result in anomalies that are seldom seen in the general population, which makes diagnosing pain and discomfort a challenging diagnostic challenge for sports physicians.

Defining elite esports athletes: a scoping review

ABSTRACT In this scoping review, we aimed to (1) provide clarity on terms used to describe elite esport samples, (2) identify the indicators used to describe elite esport samples, (3) collate rationales provided for defining esports samples as elite, and (4) draw conclusions on how to define elite esport samples. Electronic database and manual searches conducted for the final time in March 2024 yielded 7,802 records. Sixty-three studies published since 2012, with 1,768 e’athletes, satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. In total, 71% of the studies did not define ‘elite’ when classifying their samples. In the remaining studies, elite esport samples were defined through four categories: (1) highest level of competition, (2) professional status, (3) in-game achievement, and (4) domain experience. Of the 63 studies, 29 classified their samples as elite through one category, and 34 included justifications incorporating two or more categories. We propose a 2-step working elite classification system for esports samples that considers a player's highest level of competition and success at that level. Furthermore, we propose a set of reporting guidelines for elite e'athletes, which encourages researchers to unpack: (1) the success of the e’athletes, and (2) the prominence of the esport. HIGHLIGHTS There was a significant incongruity in the terminology used to classify high-level esports samples and inconsistent justifications for why the sample was elite. A 2-step elite classification system for esports samples that considers the player's highest level of competition and success at that level is proposed to help researchers classify their samples. We propose a set of reporting guidelines for elite esport athletes, which advises researchers to unpack: (1) the success of the athletes, and (2) the prominence of the esports.

Elite tennis player's perceptions of coaching effectiveness

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of six elite Chinese tennis players and their perspectives of coaching effectiveness within their sport. We collected data using two approaches: semi-structured interviews and player documents (e.g., detailed biographies, competition experience, and performance statistics). Data were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis to identify the coaches’ knowledge and behaviors that elite Chinese players considered to be effective and ineffective within the training and competitive landscape. We constructed two overarching themes to represent elite tennis player's perceptions regarding coaching effectiveness: (1) perceived coaching roles (i.e., the coach as a planner, teacher, and strategist), and (2) coaching as a social phenomenon (i.e., interpersonal styles and networks, effective and ineffective behaviors). Theoretically, this study aligns with the 3 + 1Cs model of the coach–athlete relationship and enriches the literature on coaching effectiveness in elite tennis. Practically, this study underscores the value of coaching knowledge and behaviors in shaping player's competitive performance and sociopsychological abilities and identifies recommendations for coaches and players to develop harmonious and meaningful relationships within the elite tennis context.

Open innovation in the tourism field: A systematic literature review

Open innovation shapes how organizations innovate and compete, particularly in the dynamic tourism sector. Despite its potential, the theoretical framework for open innovation in tourism is still developing, and there is a need for further understanding of its applications in the tourism sector. This research aims to define the dimensions of open innovation in tourism to understand how these practices can be tailored to meet the sector's unique challenges. Through a systematic literature review of 17 articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases (2016–2023), the study confirms the critical role of open innovation in enhancing tourism competitiveness by enabling adaptation to market changes. Key findings include the importance of collaboration and co-creation among tourism industry stakeholders, which is crucial due to the sector's constant evolution driven by consumer preferences, technological advancements, and competition. Thirteen of the reviewed studies emphasize this aspect, while others highlight the role of digital technologies in modernizing and improving tourism processes, thereby creating innovative services for digitally connected consumers. Additionally, fostering an innovation culture and sustainability is essential for integrating innovative practices that consider future environmental and societal impacts. The research identifies four dimensions of open innovation crucial for tourism: digital technologies, collaboration and co-creation, innovation culture, and sustainability. These dimensions help guide strategies for developing competitive and memorable tourist experiences. The study underscores the complexity and relevance of open innovation as a strategy for tourism development, with the identified themes paving the way for innovation and sustainable success in the sector.