Elite Team Research Articles

Physical and performance indicators between backs and forwards in a subelite Rugby Union Team

Backs and forwards have different physical and performance demands in Rugby Union, which are well documented in elite teams. However, in subelite teams, this comparison is scarce. The aim of study was to compare physical and performance indicators during matches in backs and forwards from a subelite Rugby Union Team. Twenty-five professional rugby athletes (backs, N.=12; forwards, N.=13) from a subelite team were evaluated for: 1) body mass and height; 2) sprinting speed of 10 meters; 3) sprint momentum; 4) 1RM of bench press, chin-up and squat exercises; and 5) yo-yo fitness test. Performance indicators during matches (number of passes, carries, tackles, attacking rucks and ball possessions) were evaluated. A Student's t-test was used to compare variable between positions. We found that forwards are taller (P=0.01), heavier (P<0.001), have stronger upper limbs (P=0.02), perform more tackles (P<0.001) and participate in more attacking rucks (P<0.001), while backs are faster (P=0.005), have higher sprint momentum (P<0.001), aerobic power (P=0.01) and have more ball possessions (P=0.02). This study demonstrated that backs and forwards from a subelite national team have different physical characteristics and perform different actions during the matches.

The Relationship Between the Perceived Motivational Climate in Elite Collegiate Sport and Athlete Psychological Coping Skills

Psychological coping skills in sport are believed to be central to athlete performance and well-being. This study examined the relationship between the perceived motivational climate in elite collegiate sport teams and player psychological coping skills use. Division I athletes (N = 467) completed a questionnaire examining their perceptions of how caring, task-, and ego-involving their teams were and their use of sport specific psychological coping skills (i.e., coping with adversity, peaking under pressure, goal setting/mental preparation, concentration, freedom from worry, confidence/achievement motivation, and coachability). Structural equation modeling revealed positive relationships between perceptions of a task-involving climate and confidence/achievement motivation (β = 0.42) and goal setting/mental preparation (β = 0.27). Caring climate perceptions were positively associated with coachability (β = 0.34). These findings illustrate how encouraging athletes and coaches to create a caring, task-involving climate may facilitate athletes’ use of psychological coping skills and set athletes up to perform their best and have a positive sporting experience.

Age of Early Specialization, Competitive Volume, Injury, and Sleep Habits in Youth Sport: A Preliminary Study of US Youth Basketball.

Background:Concerns for youth sports in the United States often focus on early sport specialization, overemphasis on competition, injuries, and burnout. Little research has addressed relationships among the preceding and other concerns, including time away from organized sport, sleep, and perceptions of physical and psychological well-being.Hypothesis:There is an association between reported competitive gameplay volume and specialization, injury, and fatigue among elite youth basketball players.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; convenience sample.Level of Evidence:Level 4.Methods:An anonymous questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of youth basketball players between 13 and 18 years of age from across the United States. Participants were queried about multiple factors, including the extent of their participation in organized basketball and other sports, time away from organized basketball, injury, sleep, and feelings of exhaustion related to basketball participation.Results:A total of 772 participants (145 girls, 627 boys) completed a survey. All participants played for a select or elite club basketball team and/or a high school basketball team. Overall, 49% played more than 50 games within the past year. A total of 73% were specialized in basketball, 58% prior to age 14 years, and 35% prior to age 11 years. In all, 70% reported less than 1 month away from organized basketball within the past year, and 28% reported no time away. A total of 54% reported sleeping less than the recommended 8 hours each night during the school year. Within the prior year, 55% reported feeling physically exhausted and 45% reported feeling mentally exhausted from basketball. Regression analysis did not find any significant relationships between early specialization prior to age 14 years and basketball-related injury or feelings of mental or physical exhaustion.Conclusion:In this select group of youth basketball players, the majority specialized in basketball prior to age 14 years and reported a large number of competitive events with little time away from organized basketball.Clinical Relevance:The results from a sample of highly competitive youth basketball players indicate issues that warrant further attention and research regarding the potential impact of specialization, frequent competitions, lack of time away from organized sport, and perceptions of well-being in young athletes.

Special Memories From My Favorite TI Microprocessor Design Project

Reports on the design and development of Texas Instrument's (x86) Pentium-successor-class chip product line. In the mid-1990s, Texas Instruments (TI) set about designing a (x86) Pentium-successor-class chip targeted at capturing a big chunk of the burgeoning PC market. A top-notch team was assembled from both existing TIers and key experienced hires. Our new team was given significant independence within TI to empower us to move quickly and think “out of the box” where appropriate. It was very exciting to work on this elite team. Team members would come to work early or leave late—or both—without even being asked.

Invest in our future! Exploring the athletes’ perspectives and experiences of injury prevention practices in women playing elite Australian Football

Background: Women playing in the national elite Australian Football League for Women (AFLW) have a ten times greater risk of serious knee injury than men. Efficacious injury prevention programs exist for team ball-sports, yet their implementation is generally poor. Little is known about how women playing elite team ball-sports perceive and experience injury prevention programs in practice. Understanding the end-user’s (athlete’s) perspective is essential to improve program uptake and adherence. In this study we explored the athletes’ perspectives and experiences of injury prevention practices in the AFLW.

Synthetic playing surfaces increase the incidence of match injuries in an elite Rugby Union team

ObjectivesTo examine differences in match injury incidence between three playing surfaces in elite Rugby Union. DesignProspective cohort. MethodsMatch injury incidence was assessed in 89 elite Rugby Union players over two-seasons of professional competition (44 matches, 1014 h player exposure). Match injury incidence was assessed on three different playing surfaces; natural grass, hybrid (natural grass combined with approximately 3% synthetic fibres) and fully synthetic (sand and rubber infill). Overall injury incidence, contact and non-contact injury incidence, and the incidence of minor (≤7 d lost) and major (≥8 d lost) injuries were considered using mixed effect models. ResultsOverall match injury incidence doubled on hybrid and synthetic surfaces compared to natural grass (hybrid: OR = 2.58 [95% CI 1.65–4.03], p < 0.001; synthetic: OR = 2.16 [95% CI 1.07–4.37], p = 0.033). Furthermore, the odds of sustaining a contact injury on a pitch containing any synthetic content also increased compared to natural grass (hybrid: OR = 2.31 [95% CI 1.41–3.78], p = 0.001; synthetic: OR = 2.19 [95% CI 1.00–4.77], p = 0.049). The hybrid surface elicited a four times greater likelihood of non-contact injury incidence compared to natural grass (OR = 4.18 [95% CI 1.16–15.04], p = 0.028). However, the playing surface did not affect the severity of match injuries (all p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe present study suggests that even a small percentage (3%) of synthetic content in the playing surface significantly increases match injury incidence, with an effect seen on both contact and non-contact injury incidence. These findings are important to enable practitioners to be aware of the injury implications of playing matches on hybrid and synthetic pitches.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN WORKLOAD AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN MALAYSIA ELITE FIREFIGHTER

Emergency responders are frequently exposed to life-threatening risks when attending to critical incident events causing an increasing number of psychological health issues among emergency responders. However, few studies are related to workload and its association with Malaysian emergency responders' mental health problems. Hence, the study objective is to identify the level of workload, determine the level of psychological well-being and their association with Malaysian firefighters. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Grade A and B stations firefighters in Kota Bharu Kelantan using a validated NASA-TLX and DASS-21 questionnaire through a purposive sampling method. Respondents were divided into standard operations teams and elite teams such as Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). Results show that although EMRS, the medical team has the highest overall workload demand, firefighters deemed performance and effort demand a significant workload demand comparing to others. It is also found that most firefighters have higher anxiety issues comparing to depression and stress, where 30% to 61% of respondents develop a certain level of anxiety corresponding to only 15% to 39% for depression and 13% to 28% for stress. Hence, it is suggested that further research should be conducted in investigating and understanding the contributing factors towards Malaysian firefighters’ psychological health problems so that they can be managed or even prevented.

Understanding coach-athlete conflict: an ethnodrama to illustrate conflict in elite sport

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to gain greater understanding of interpersonal conflict between managers and players within an elite team sport environment. We consider conflict from multiple perspectives, and disseminate findings in an accessible way to encourage those involved in team sport to engage with the material. Through the adoption of a narrative inquiry approach, autobiographical extracts recalling incidences of conflict from a manager (Sir Alex Ferguson) and certain key players (e.g. David Beckham) have been analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, with finding presented through the mean of ethnodrama scenes. Such scenes were developed as a dialogue between Ferguson and his players, to illustrate the episodes of conflict through the eyes of both the players and Ferguson, with creative non-fiction techniques used to further bring the script to life. These scripts reflect the differences in the interpretation of the same conflict situations and allow the reader to reflect on the determinants of these conflicts, and the resulting consequences. It is hoped that the ethnodrama enhances further understanding of leader-athlete conflict in elite sport, through illustrating examples of conflict from different perspectives. In addition, the findings provide a stimulus for those working in sports teams to reflect on their own experiences of conflict and consider how such conflict might be prevented or managed.

Football: Exploring passion, grit and mindset in elite and junior players

The main goal of the study was to explore the relationship between passion, grit and mindset in a group of football players in Norway. The sample had 49 participants. In two different groups in relation to age and level. Sogndal elite team (N = 22) (Elite) and Sogndal Junior team (N = 27) (Junior). To assess the level of passion the passion scale was used, an eight-item scale. To measure grit the Grit-S scale was used. The scale has 8 items. Mindset was measured with the Theories of Intelligence Scale (TIS). The scale has 8-items. To measure harmonious and obsessive passion The Passion scale was used. The results show that the elite team did have the highest score in four out of five factors. Significant difference between elite and Junior was, however, not found. The results indicate significant correlations between the variables; passion - grit (r = 0.418, p < .01), passion - harmonious passion (r = 0.624, p < .01), grit-mindset (r = 0.309, p < .05) and grit - harmonious passion (r = 0.473, p < .01). Elite: a significant correlation for the variables passion - harmonious passion (r = 0.558, p < .01), grit and harmonious passion (r = 0.440, p < .05) and harmonious - obsessive passion (r = . 608, p < .01). Junior: a significant correlation for the variables passion - grit (r = 0.647, p < .01), passion - harmonious passion (r = . 702, p < .01), and grit - harmonious passion (r = 0.558, p < .01). Fischer r-to-z transformation indicate significant difference between elite and junior group for the correlation passion-grit (p = .04) and harmonious - obsessive passion (p = .01). The findings are discussed in relation to previous research exploring the relationships between passion, grit and mindset in achievement contexts. Consequently, the differences found in association between passion and grit, might imply that different personality traits may be characteristic for football players at different levels.

The Team Handball Game-Based Performance Test Is Better than the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test to Measure Match-Related Activities in Female Adult Top-Elite Field Team Handball Players

In team handball, suitable tests determining the match-related physical performance are essential for the planning of optimal physical training regimens. Thus, the aims of the present study were (a) to determine the relationships between the physical and physiological test results from a team handball game-based performance test (GBPT), the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1 test) and a separate linear 30-m single sprint performance test (SSPT) in female adult top-elite field team handball players, in order to establish the significance (validity) of tests for measuring relevant elements for team handball match-play; and (b) to compare and evaluate the results from the aforementioned tests for the same players in relation to the different playing positions. Twenty-three female adult top-elite field team handball players from the Danish Premier Female Team Handball League performed the GBPT, the Yo-Yo IR1 test and the 30-m SSPT test on separate days. As main findings, significant correlations between the GBPT and the Yo-Yo IR1 test in about 1/3 of the variables were found, indicating that the Yo-Yo IR1 test is reflecting most of the locomotive match activities in female adult top-elite team handball. However, the Yo-Yo IR1 test results were not correlated to the GBPT in any of the match-related activities in the team handball GBPT that included technical playing actions such as tackles, passes, jumping and shooting during specialized movements in offence and defence. Overall, the results revealed that the GBPT is better than the Yo-Yo IR1 test to evaluate female adult top-elite field team handball players’ ability to perform physical match-related activities including both locomotive and technical playing actions executed as during competitive match-play. Similar to the Yo-Yo IR1 test, the 30-m SSPT was not correlated to any of the team handball GBPT activities, which included technical playing actions. These data suggest that the SSPT only to a certain extent can measure the individual sprint capacity of elite team handball players. In addition, unexpectedly no significant differences between the various playing positions were found neither for the GBPT, the SSPT nor the Yo-Yo IR1 test. However, several effects sizes indicated that the lack of positional differences primarily was due to the relatively small sample size in each playing position and the composition of the specific group of players. In conclusion, this study clearly indicated that team handball specific physical performance, as measured by the GBPT, and general physical performance, as measured by the Yo-Yo IR1 test and the 30-m SSPT, are different components. This must be taken in consideration when using physical test results for the planning of optimal physical training regimens in elite team handball.

A specific neuromuscular warm-up focusing on ankle sprain injuries in elite basketball

A review of previous research was carried out to discover strategies to prevent ankle injuries in basketball. Studies about neuromuscular and proprioceptive exercises were investigated to ascertain the benefits and limitations. The main goal of this publication is to propose a weekly ankle-specific neuromuscular programme for an elite basketball team, including this ankle proposal during teams’ pre-basketball training warm-up sessions.

Medio-Lateral Hamstring Muscle Activity in Unilateral vs.Bilateral Strength Exercises in Female Team Handball Players - A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundReduced activation of the hamstring muscles and specifically the medial semitendinosus muscle (ST) has been shown to be a risk factor for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Specific hamstring strength exercises may show high ST activity, however the effect of unilateral vs. bilateral exercise execution on ST activation remains unknown.PurposeTo investigate selected lower limb strengthening exercises performed either unilaterally or bilaterally to identify 1) which exercise elicited the highest hamstring activation, 2) which exercise elicited the highest ST activation, and 3) to examine if unilateral exercise execution altered the medio-lateral hamstring activation pattern. Furthermore, the kinematic characteristics of each specific exercise and execution modality were determined to reveal possible causes for differences in medio-lateral hamstring activation between the different exercise conditions.Study designCross-sectional study.MethodsSingle-session repeated measures were obtained in a randomized manner. Twenty-three female elite team handball players were recruited. Hamstring electromyographic (EMG) activity and 3D kinematics were obtained during selected lower limb exercises (hip thrust, kettlebell swing, Romanian deadlift). Hamstring EMG activity, normalized to maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (nEMG), and inter-muscular activation difference between the ST and lateral hamstring biceps femoris (BF) were compared across exercises using two-way repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsBilateral hip thrust demonstrated highest overall hamstring activity (68.9±16.6 %). Kettlebell swing (Δ13%-point, p<0.01) and Romanian deadlift (Δ20-24%-point, p<0.01) demonstrated greater ST-BF activation differences (Δ=ST-BF) in favor of ST compared to hip thrust (Δ2-7%). Positive correlations were observed between knee joint angle and ST activity in kettlebell swing and deadlift.ConclusionKettlebell swing, deadlift and hip thrust all produced high activation of the hamstring muscles. Kettlebell swing and both deadlift exercises were superior in activating ST over BF, favoring these exercises in the prevention of non-contact ACL injury in female athletes, which should be evaluated in future intervention studies.Level of evidence3

Seasonal change of aerobic performance of young soccer players

Longitudinal studies evaluating the seasonal change of aerobic capacity in young soccer players of different age categories are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal changes in the aerobic level of the youth academy players of a professional soccer team. This research study was carried out with a total of 51 soccer players in the U14, U15, U16, U17, and U18 categories of an elite soccer team. Aerobic capacities of the athletes were measured by Yo-YoIRT 1 Test. In the analyses, the normal distribution evaluations of the data were made with the Shapiro-Wilk test and the variance homogeneities were tested with the Levene’s Test. One Way ANOVA test was used to analyze all the parametric data. All statistical evaluations were performed with the help of the SPSS 21 package program. According to the Yo-YoIRT 1 test, increases or decreases were determined in the pre-season, mid-season and end-of-season evaluations. As a result, in the present study conducted to examine the seasonal changes of the young elite soccer players in the U14, U15, U16, U17, and U18 categories, Yo-YoIRT 1 values ​​in all categories increased significantly at the end of the season when compared to the pre-season and the mid-season. U14 and U16 age groups gained increasing acceleration starting from the pre-season. However, in the U15, U17, U18 age groups, the case is that acceleration decreases in the middle of the season and increases at the end of the season. It is thought that differences can be observed in the responses to the training loads during maturation. It can be suggested that the increase at the end of the season compared to the pre-season in all groups may be due to the fact that the adaptation of the athletes to the training programs are affected by the developmental characteristics regarding the age categories over time.

Through the athlete lens: A novel study exploring the perspectives and experiences of injury prevention practices in women playing elite Australian Football

BackgroundEfficacious injury prevention programs exist, yet translation to practice in real-world settings is poor. Little is known about how women playing elite team ball-sports perceive and experience injury prevention programs in practice. Understanding the end-user's (athlete's) perspective is essential to improve program uptake and adherence. ObjectiveTo explore the perspectives and experiences of injury prevention practices in athletes from the elite Australian Football League for Women (AFLW). MethodsConvenience sample of 13 athletes from three AFLW clubs. Semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, analysed with a thematic analysis approach, and classified within the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM). ResultsWomen playing elite Australian Football: (1) believe injury prevention programs have multiple aims and benefits, (2) perceive varying injury prevention practices between and within AFLW clubs, (3) believe injury prevention program adoption and implementation is complex and multi-factorial, and (4) think implementing injury prevention programs in the AFLW could be enhanced through education and resources. Mapping our results onto the SEM highlighted that athletes perceive multiple ecological levels (i.e. individual, interpersonal, community, and organizational) are involved in sports injury prevention. ConclusionsMulti-level engagement strategies are required to enhance injury prevention program adoption and implementation and to maximise athlete adherence.

Anthropometric and performance profile of elite Gaelic football players comparing position and role

There is currently no information available on the variation in anthropometric and performance characteristics of starters and non-starters in elite Gaelic football. The aim of the current study was to determine if variations exist for elite male Gaelic football players with respect to position and playing role (starter or non-starter). One-hundred-and-sixty-two footballers from six elite teams underwent anthropometric and performance assessments. Players were categorised into six positional groups (goalkeeper, full back, half back, midfield, half forward and full forward) and two playing role groups (starter and non-starter). A significant position × role interaction was observed for Yo-YoIRT1 distance (p = 0.031, pη2 = 0.078), with starters covering a greater distance in all positions when compared to non-starters (all p < 0.05), except for half backs. Goalkeepers covered a significantly lower Yo-YoIRT1 distance compared to all other positions (p ≤ 0.001, pη2 = 0.35), while half backs completed a significantly greater distance compared to full backs (p = 0.014, pη2 = 0.35) and full forwards (p ≤ 0.001, pη2 = 0.35). Starters had a significantly greater CMJ height (p ≤ 0.001, pη2 = 0.082) and CMJ PP (p = 0.001, pη2 = 0.08) compared to non-starters. This research is the first of its kind within Gaelic football to provide anthropometric and performance values with respect to playing role. The data obtained may aid coaches to individualize training regimes to enhance role-specific preparation for competitive match-play.

First-time anterior cruciate ligament injury in adolescent female elite athletes: a prospective cohort study to identify modifiable risk factors

PurposeTo identify modifiable biomechanical and neuromuscular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk factors for first-time ACL injury in adolescent female elite football and team handball players.MethodsAdolescent female elite football and handball players with no previous ACL injury participated in the present study. At baseline, players were tested during side-cutting manoeuvres performed in a 3-dimensional motion analysis laboratory with concomitant electromyography (EMG) measurements. Maximal isometric lower limb muscle strength was assessed by handheld dynamometry. Players were prospectively followed for 2 years after baseline testing, and all magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) verified ACL injuries were registered. The effect of 16 risk factor candidates on the relative risk (RR) of ACL injury was estimated using Poisson regression analysis.ResultsNinety players (age 16.9 ± 1.2 years) were included in the analyses. Nine first-time ACL injuries (injury incidence 10.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.4–18.6%)) were registered during the 2-year follow-up period. Four risk factor candidates were significantly associated with the risk of ACL injury: (1) hip flexion angle at initial contact (IC) [RR 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.92], (2) internal knee rotation angle at IC [RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.08–1.19], (3) semitendinosus EMG activity 50 ms prior to IC [RR: 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.89], and (4) external hip rotator strength [RR: 0.77, 95% CI 0.66–0.89].ConclusionFour distinct ACL injury risk factors related to the side-cutting manoeuvre were identified in a population of adolescent female elite football and team handball players with no previous ACL injury. As ACL injury typically occur during side-cutting, intervention programmes to modify these risk factors pose a promising strategy for ACL injury prevention in adolescent female elite football and team handball.Level of evidenceII.

Depressive symptoms in Icelandic elite athletes: A prospective examination through the lens of the response styles theory

The aim was to explore depressive symptoms through the response styles theory in Icelandic elite athletes using a longitudinal research design. A total of 79 Icelandic elite and national team athletes were included in the study (M = 23.5, SD = 4.8, age range 18–37, females 75.9%). Higher perceived stress and brooding rumination (maladaptive response to negative mood) independently predicted higher depressive symptom scores over the study period. Athletes who reported higher brooding tendencies in the beginning of the study, were significantly more likely than those reporting lower tendencies, to report higher increases in depressive symptoms when stress levels increased over the study period. The findings supported the validity of exploring individual differences in depressive symptoms through the lens of the response styles theory in the athletes. Future research could explore the relationship between brooding rumination, athletic performance, and mental health issues, and test interventions targeting brooding rumination in athletes.

Powering the local review engine at Yelp and Google: intensive and extensive approaches to crowdsourcing spatial data

ABSTRACT This paper explores how two major location-based services in the United States, Yelp and Google Maps, use volunteer top-contributor programmes to ensure access to reliable spatial data. Through the Elite Squad programme, paid Yelp staff take an active curatorial role growing the company’s reviewer base in select urban regions in North America. Google’s Local Guides programme uses an extensive, self-service model to collect data on a global scale. Both companies enrol and motivate users in ways that present unpaid review labour as affirming, with emphases that reflect their scalar strategies: Yelp stressing tight-knit sociality and Google global altruism.

Effects of match location, match result and the quality of opposition in training load on a two-matches week in a top-class elite European soccer team

The aim of this study is to analyse effects of match location, match result and level of opponents in training load on the two following days of the match (MD+1; MD+2) in a top-class elite soccer European team. Nine players participated in this study. Total distance covered, distances of different exercise training zones (1–5) and average speed (AvS) were analysed. The session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) and Hooper Index scores (fatigue, stress, sleep quality, delayed onset muscle soreness-DOMS) were also analysed. Data was analysed regarding the two following days of a match. All weeks analysed included two matches. The results showed lower values of DOMS, effect size (ES)= 1.69, and fatigue ES=1.25, on the day following an away-win match than a home-defeat match against a bottom level opponent (all, p<0.05). It was also observed higher values of sleep quality ES=1.44, zone 1, ES=-4.35, and AvS, ES=-12.65, but lower values of s-RPE, ES=3.52, on the day following away-win match against a national top-level opponent (TLO). Finally, higher values for zone 3, ES=1.71, and lower value for AvS, ES=-6.06 were observed on the day following away-win match than a home-defeat match against champions league opponent number 1 (all, p<0.05). Total distance, AvS and zone 4 were higher after playing national opponents and/or champions league opponents in MD+1 than MD+2. The pattern of training load seems to be affected by situational variables. In general, the higher the quality of the opponents, the higher Hooper index in MD+1. S-RPE seems to be higher after playing a bottom level opponent when compared with the other opponents. Also, after playing national opponents, total distance, zones 1 and 4 were higher than against international opponents.

Vitamin D Status in Spanish Elite Team Sport Players.

Low vitamin D is usual; however, data are limited for elite team players. The aim was to investigate the vitamin D levels in Football Club Barcelona (FCB) first division players of six sport modalities. Ninety-five elite male players (27.3 ± 4.6 y) belonging to FCB provided data for vitamin D throughout a season. In this study, 25(OH)D was measured in serum by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Outdoor/indoor training and supplementation were also considered. Total mean 25(OH)D concentrations were 91.9 ± 23.1 nmol/L in all players, with higher mean levels among supplemented players (94.7 ± 24.3 nmol/L). Around 25% of the team players were below optimal levels (<75 nmol/L), but none were below 50 nmol/L. Caucasian, supplemented football and handball players had the highest mean vitamin D concentrations over the whole year, whereas basketball players (indoor training) had the lowest ones. The highest rate of vitamin D insufficiency was found in spring (40%). A positive significant effect was observed for the interaction between indoor/outdoor training and supplementation with 25(OH)D concentrations (p < 0.05). Those team players training outdoors with supplementation had higher total vitamin D concentrations than those with indoors training and/or supplementation. A positive interaction of outdoor training with supplementation exists to determine 25(OH)D concentrations in team players.