Expert Coaches Research Articles

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.

Decoding futsal offensive game moments: an in-depth qualitative study with expert coaches

ABSTRACT Purpose In futsal, coaches must make decisions in unpredictable contexts by continuously selecting the most relevant information to understand the game dynamics. This study aims to characterise and interpret what elite futsal coaches perceive as critical information. Specifically, per each game moment, it was intended to explore the coaches’ perceptions about what is the critical information presented. Methods Ten expert futsal coaches (48.30 ± 5.85 years; experience 18.10 ± 4.12 years) that currently coach elite futsal teams were selected. A total of 37 video clips were selected and exhibited. Qualitative data was obtained through semi-structured interviews and analysed by content analysis. Results The findings portrayed expert coaches identified and interpreted different informational constraints as critical according to the environment of play. In detail, to explain the attack, coaches perceived the information related with the defensive system. Also, most of the information highlighted was related with individual actions that sustains team’s behaviour in relation to the opponent. Conclusion The informational constraints that support coaches’ perception about each game moment were specific to each play circumstances. Thus, we emphasised the need for coach education courses to master the interplay between knowledge about and knowledge of the environment, in developing novice coaches.

Understanding the visual search strategies of expert and novice coaches in futsal set pieces.

This study aimed to describe the fixation location and the time of the longer fixation of expert and novice futsal coaches before the ball was in play in futsal set pieces. A total of 10 experts (ages 48 ± 5) and 10 novice coaches (ages 40 ± 7) participated in the study. They observed that 38 video clips were created to mimic the attack and defensive set-piece moments of the game. Data were collected in a standardized video analysis task using the pupil invisible eye tracker and processed through the pupil cloud platform. The Mann-Whitney test was conducted to evaluate differences in gaze duration between game moments (attack and defense set pieces) and groups (expert vs. novice). Gaze duration was also compared for gaze location between groups. For further comparisons, the game moments (attack and defense set pieces) and the gaze location were summarized in two-dimensional graphics using correspondence analysis. The results revealed higher values of gaze duration for attack and defense set pieces for the group of experts than for novices. When considering gaze duration, expert coaches had higher values than novices for the attacker 3, defender 3, barrier 1st, and barrier 2nd gaze locations. The correspondence analysis showed different strategies of visual search and, consequently, gaze locations for attack and defense set pieces. In particular, there was different correspondence for free kicks between the level of expertise and gaze location, while corner and sideline kicks revealed some correspondence between the groups and the gaze location. In free kicks, coaches should be particularly concerned about the relationship between attacker and defender three and the barrier 1st and 2nd line positions. In corner and sideline kicks, coaches should be particularly aware of the relationship between attackers' and defenders' positions.

Validation of the Coach Behavior in Sports Questionnaire: Towards dynamic assessments using the circumplex model for coach behavior

The development of the circumplex model for coach behavior recently provided researchers an integrative model to assess coach behavior. While the circumplex model has currently only been deployed in cross-sectional research designs using the Situations in Sports questionnaire (SISQ), it has clear potential within research on dynamics of coach behavior. However, the SISQ consists of vignette-based situations and is too extensive for such frequent administrations. Within the present study we therefore developed the Coach Behavior in Sports Questionnaire (CBSQ), a 32-item alternative for the SISQ which consists of general items rather than vignette-based situations. First, content validity of 54 initial pilot CBSQ items was tested in a sample of 34 expert coaches. Second, construct validity, predictive validity, and reliability of the 32-item CBSQ was tested in a sample of 689 athletes and 420 coaches. Third, within-person variability of coach behavior was longitudinally assessed using the 32-item CBSQ during a five-week training and game period in a sample of 31 coach-athlete dyads. The 32-item CBSQ showed to be a valid and reliable alternative for the SISQ. Also, coach behavior showed considerable within-person variability over the five-week period in all coaching styles and approaches. Additionally, a 24, 16, and 12-item version were tested to provide even shorter alternatives. The CBSQ opens new horizons for future longitudinal research and coach reflection programs based on the circumplex model for coach behavior.

An identity project: a case study of two inservice elementary stem teachers’ experiences with a comprehensive professional development

This paper describes the experiences of two teachers, Ms. Santiago and Mr. Jelenik, who participated in a comprehensive National Science Foundation-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professional learning experience. This comparative case study describes how Ms. Santiago and Mr. Jelenik leveraged the justice-oriented curriculum of a STEM professional learning opportunity to transform their identities as educators while influencing their instructional practices. The professional learning experience included access to a justice-oriented curriculum introduced through monthly content-focused experiences, regular faculty learning communities, and support from an expert onsite coach. Evidence of transformed identities and instructional practices is derived from semi-structured in-depth interviews and video recordings of classroom teaching and learning. Analysis of the interview data suggests that Ms. Santiago and Mr. Jelenik found the professional learning experience transformative and that the experience served as a pedagogical identity project. Evidence from the classroom videos suggests that Ms. Santiago and Mr. Jelenik’s instructional practices shifted, becoming more justice-oriented and student-centered. Moreover, Ms. Santiago’s practices shifted in a manner more aligned with an engaged teaching approach. We conclude that the comprehensive STEM professional learning experience served as a pedagogical identity project while positively influencing the instructional practices of Ms. Santiago and Mr. Jelenik. Implications for preservice and in-service teacher education are discussed.

Understanding the futsal game moments through the eyes of futsal coaches: a comparison of expert and novice coaches

ABSTRACT Coaches rely on the information detected in the performance environment to regulate the quantity and quality of the decisions made during matches. This study used an expert-novice paradigm to describe coaches’ gaze behavior in offensive and defensive game moments of futsal. Twenty coaches (ten expert and ten novices) participated in the study. The experimental conditions contrasted their gaze behavior when watching 71 video clips of the game, both when the team was attacking and when the team was defending. The dependent variables for gaze behaviour were organized in game moments and described using biplots from multiple correspondence analysis. Overall, the results revealed a relationship between the coaches’ level of expertise and the visual information searched at each futsal game moment. Expert coaches focused more on the information related to the players without the ball and the space, while novice coaches tended to focus their attention in the ball and in the attacker with the ball. It seemed clear that the process of visual exploration is specific for each game moment and that the level of coaches’ expertise shapes the visual information searched.

Tacklers' shoulder abduction and flexion at contact alter when engaging in different front-on, one-on-one tackle instructions from an expert coach

ObjectivesTo ascertain how the three-dimensional shoulder kinematics of tacklers alter when performing four legal types of front-on, one-on-one, rugby-style torso tackles. DesignControlled laboratory study. MethodsThree-dimensional motion capture measured 15 male amateur-level rugby code players (24.3 ± 6.1 years) who were instructed by an expert coach to perform four sets of 10 front-on, one-on-one tackles. Four sets comprised two smother and two dominant tackles: two based on the Australian National Rugby League coaching manual (Dominant NRL, Smother NRL); and two modifications via increasing the contact height from the lower- to mid-torso (Dominant, Torso Stick) or from the upper- to mid-upper torso with a vertical ‘pop action’ that changes the way the tackler contacted the ball carrier’s upper torso (Smother, Pop, Lock). Mixed general linear models were applied. ResultsGreater shoulder abduction, flexion and internal rotation were displayed by the DNRL tackle technique than in any other technique (p < 0.001). At contact, the Smother and Dominant NRL (p < 0.03) showed greater head-uptrunk contralateral rotation away from the tackle than the Smother, Pop, Lock. ConclusionsTacklers modified the way they positioned their shoulder joint when engaging in legal front-on, one-on-one tackles with different tackle instructions. More prominent positions of shoulder abduction and flexion, and head-uptrunk contralateral rotation were observed when executing the traditional tackle techniques (Smother NRL, Dominant NRL) as opposed to two variants of these (Smother, Pop, Lock, Dominant, Torso Stick). Inclusion of tackle specific coaching instructions provides emerging scientific evidence to support revised coaching tackling technique interventions that might enhance player safety.

Patterns of collective organization associated with positive and negative momentum experiences in football

Purpose: Momentum experiences in sport competition are known to be associated with performance-related behavioural changes. In addition to effort exertion, interpersonal synchronization in small team sports has been identified as a behavioural correlate of momentum experiences. However, there is a lack of research on collective organization related to momentum in larger team sports. The present study aimed to identify and compare patterns of collective organization in football according to positive and negative momentum experiences in the form of gradual and significant score variations. Method(s): We analysed expert coaches' video-based descriptions of the collective organization of high level football teams that experienced positive and negative momentum phases during international matches. Results: The main results show that positive momentum phases were associated with forward-located and compact team block, as well as with players' runs more often directed towards the opposing goal. Negative momentum phases were associated with backward-located and stretched team block, as well as with frequent backward runs and block-disconnected individual actions. Conclusion(s): These initial findings regarding the relationships between momentum experiences and collective organization in team sports pave the way for the training of skills for early detection of momentum phases and skills for reacting appropriately to their onset.

How a Canadian federal organization integrated synoptic reporting and quality improvement tools to drive a national learning health system in cancer surgery.

Accurate and complete surgical and pathology reports are the cornerstone of treatment decisions and cancer care excellence. Synoptic reporting is a process for reporting specific data elements in a specific format in surgical and pathology reports. Since 2007, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer has led the implementation of synoptic reporting mechanisms across multiple cancer disease sites and jurisdictions across Canada. While the implementation of synoptic reporting has been successful, its use to drive improvements in the quality of cancer care delivery has been lacking. Here we describe the 4-year, national multi-jurisdictional quality improvement initiative to catalyse the use synoptic data to drive cancer system improvements. Resources provided to the jurisdictions included operational funding, training in quality improvement methodology, national forums, expert coaches, and ad hoc monitoring and support. The program emphasized foundational concepts including data literacy, audit and feedback reports, communities of practice, and positive deviance methodology.

A new method to identify key match-play behaviours of young soccer players: Development of the Hull Soccer Behavioural Scoring Tool.

The aim of this research was to assess the validity and reliability of a newly developed scoring tool, designed for monitoring youth soccer players during match-play performance to support coaches/scouts with the talent identification process. The method used to design the Hull Soccer Behavioural Scoring Tool comprised of a five-stage process of (i) conducting an initial literature review to establish content validity (ii) gaining content validity through a cross sectional online survey (iii) establishing face validity via expert coach feedback (iv) conducting inter-rater reliability tests and (v) intra-rater reliability tests. In stage two, twenty-two soccer academy practitioners completed an online survey, which revealed that player behaviours such as resilience, competitiveness, and decision making were all valued as the most important behavioural characteristics by practitioners (90.9%), whilst X-factor was valued as least important by a significant amount (27.2%). Stages three to five of the testing procedure included a sample of four academy coaches not involved in the preceding stage. Twenty male collegiate soccer players (under-16 to under-18) involved in the study took part in four versus four small-sided games (SSG) in a 'round-robin' tournament across three weeks which accumulated 14 SSG's, 100-140 minutes of playing time and 70-98 individual player grades. Two of the four academy coaches watched the SSG's and used the Hull Soccer Behavioural Scoring Tool to assess live evidence of desirable player behaviours, which was subsequently followed by retrospective video analysis for intra-rater reliability testing. The remaining two academy coaches watched the same SSG retrospective video footage to test for inter-rater reliability. Reliability results revealed an acceptable level of agreement with scores between 81.25%-89.9% for inter-rater whilst intra-rater provided scores between 80.35%-99.4%. Preliminary evidence here suggests that the Hull Soccer Behavioural Scoring Tool is both a valid and reliable method to assess desirable player behaviours during talent identification processes. Thus, youth soccer practitioners and researchers should seek to test and further validate the tool in order to confirm its utility as a means of measuring behavioural characteristics of youth soccer players.

Playing style of women and men elite table tennis players

ABSTRACT Background: Match and notational analysis are well-recognised methods to collect important information about technical-tactical indicators in racket sports (shot, footwork, ball placement, and outcome). The purpose of this study was to analyse the principal indicators, with a special focus on comparing the playing style of women and men high-level players. Methods: twenty matches played by 40 women, and twenty matches played by 40 men were analysed in slow motion by an expert coach. All the players were in the top 111(W) and 120 (M) positions of the ITTF world ranking; Results: women play more shots/rallies and shots/games compared to men. The most used shots are Top forehand and Serve for both groups. Women also prefer to play backhand block and drive. Conversely, men prefer to counterattack with forehand Top C Top. One step is often used by women, and they also prefer to hit the ball without performing any step. Conversely, men perform crossover and pivot footwork. Serves are generally directed to close-to-the-net areas, and the following shots are typically directed to the backhand corner during the rallies. Conclusions: Women showed a specific distribution of technical indicators with respect to men players, suggesting sex-specific training sessions.

The effect of quiet eye training on golf putting performance in pressure situation

To explores the effect and mechanism of quiet eye training on the accuracy of golfers´ putts in pressure situations and provides methods and basis for targeted attention training and control. 22 young golfers in China golf team aged from 13 to 18 were randomly assigned to the experimental group (quiet eye training group) and the control group (technical guidance group) according to gender. Both groups of participants underwent two consecutive weeks of push training (3 sets per day, 20 golf putts per set, rest for 3 min between sets) separately in accordance with the guidance of a professional psychological research group and an expert coach. Eye tracking technology, biofeedback technology, and subjective evaluation methods were used to test and analyze the push process of the two groups of participants before and after training under pressure situations (Eye movement behaviors and the heart rate were recorded by ASL Mobile Eye-XG and NeXus-2 biofeedback, pressure and state anxiety were evaluated by self-rating pressure scale and S-AI. Golf putting performance was recorded by a research graduate assistant). A higher hit ratio as well as lower pressure and SAI level was founded in quiet eye training group in the pressure situation, the quiet eye movement time and total fixation time was longer than technical group. The quiet eye training group has a better putting performance. Quiet eye training can improve the golf putting performance in pressure situations. After quiet eye training, the state anxiety decreased, the quiet eye movement time and the total fixation time increased in pressure situations.

ChatGPT Generated Training Plans for Runners are not Rated Optimal by Coaching Experts, but Increase in Quality with Additional Input Information.

ChatGPT may be used by runners to generate training plans to enhance performance or health aspects. However, the quality of ChatGPT generated training plans based on different input information is unknown. The objective of the study was to evaluate ChatGPT-generated six-week training plans for runners based on different input information granularity. Three training plans were generated by ChatGPT using different input information granularity. 22 quality criteria for training plans were drawn from the literature and used to evaluate training plans by coaching experts on a 1-5 Likert Scale. A Friedmann test assessed significant differences in quality between training plans. For training plans 1, 2 and 3, a median rating of <3 was given 19, 11, and 1 times, a median rating of 3 was given 3, 5, and 8 times and a median rating of >3 was given 0, 6, 13 times, respectively. Training plan 1 received significantly lower ratings compared to training plan 2 for 3 criteria, and 15 times significantly lower ratings compared to training plan 3 (p < 0.05). Training plan 2 received significantly lower ratings (p < 0.05) compared to plan 3 for 9 criteria. ChatGPT generated plans are ranked sub-optimally by coaching experts, although the quality increases when more input information are provided. An understanding of aspects relevant to programming distance running training is important, and we advise avoiding the use of ChatGPT generated training plans without an expert coach's feedback.

Insights from expert coaches on technical performance evaluation in rowing: a pilot study.

Since rowing became an Olympic sport in 1900, rowers have made significant performance gains, partly attributed to increased research, training, and competition knowledge. Rowing technique and biomechanics play an essential role in rowing performance. While some aspects can be quantified with modern tools, coaches' expertise remains essential for technical performance evaluation. Coaches often play a pivotal role in identifying and correcting technical faws; however, novice and intermediate coaches may struggle. This study examines how expert-level rowing coaches assess the technical performance of athletes during on-water rowing. Four current and former national team coaches were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The repertory grid technique was employed to explore their initial foci when assessing the rowing technique. The acquired data were content-analysed and listed in a summarising table. We have detailed both the positive and negative aspects of rowing technique identified by these coaches. Three overarching themes were identified: perceived force application, perceived movement precision, and perceived rhythm and timing. Examining the categories revealed that the coaches with a shared federation background exhibited a relatively high level of similarity in their initial foci. However, looking into their subjective aspects revealed considerable differences. This leads to the hypothesis that a broad spectrum of unique coaches' criteria can lead to the same or similar technique executions from their athletes.

НАВЧАЛЬНО-ГРАНТОВА ПРОГРАМА EIT JUMPSTARTER ДЛЯ УКРАЇНСЬКИХ ДОСЛІДНИКІВ, НАУКОВЦІВ, СТАРТАПЕРІВ ТА ПІДПРИЄМЦІВ-ІННОВАТОРІВ В УКРАЇНІ

The article examines the educational and grant opportunities of the EIT Jumpstarter Program for Ukrainian researchers, scientists, start-ups and innovative entrepreneurs in their efforts to successfully bring their innovative ideas to market. It was emphasized that the Program is very unique and competitive; participation in it opens the door to European markets and connects the best teams with major industrial partners of the seven EIT communities. The EIT Jumpstarter program provides Ukrainian researchers, scientists, startups, and innovative entrepreneurs with educational and grant tools, such as: training from experienced innovators, professional development, cross-sectoral product/service validation; a grant to cover travel and accommodation, or to develop your project and create your startup; access to the network; a set of entrepreneurial tools to create and implement innovations in a business model; and a chance to win the first prize. The article outlines the thematic areas within which applicants can propose ideas for participation in the Program, such as: "nutrition", "health", "innoenergy", "production", "clean raw materials", "urban mobility", "new European Bauhaus", "digitalization", "rebuild Ukraine". The emphasis is placed on the fact that financial and in-kind support of the Program is available to Ukrainian innovators-entrepreneurs, scientists, graduate students or master's students with a product or service idea. It is demonstrated that the in-kind support consists in the fact that throughout the Program, selected participants are trained by expert coaches and mentors who help them build a viable business model, validate it, and if it is sustainable, strengthen it and bring it to the market; and the financial support is a grant of EUR 10,000 for those participants who successfully complete the training. A significant advantage of the Program is emphasized: its finalists have the opportunity to present their ideas at a large-scale event in Budapest, which makes it possible to attract the attention of potential partners, investors, and grantors to their project. To summarize: the outcome of the EIT Jumpstarter Program for its participants is that they have the prospect of breaking through existing markets in the fields of healthcare, agri-food, raw materials, energy, urban mobility, or manufacturing.

Technology-Enabled Collaborative Care for Diabetes and Mental Health (TECC-D): Feasibility and Satisfaction of a Co-Re-Designed Integrated Virtual Care Model

Objective: For individuals living with Type-2 Diabetes (T2D), mental health issues such as distress, anxiety, and depression are common. However, current models of care require those living with T2D and mental health issues to navigate a fragmented healthcare system to receive physical and mental health services. This is especially true in rural areas where there are additional barriers at the individual and provider level. To address these gaps, we co-re-designed a person-centred Technology-Enabled Collaborative Care for Diabetes and Mental Health (TECC-D) model through iterative input. &#x0D; Co-Re-Design: To meet the complex needs of those living with T2D and mental health issues, a co-re-design process was utilized. This involved building on existing assets, including a previously co-designed collaborative care model that was re-designed for this population with input from three people with lived experience of diabetes, diabetes and mental health care providers, and community stakeholders. This team supported the design and implementation of the model throughout the study duration.&#x0D; Methods: In this explanatory sequential feasibility trial, the TECC-D model leveraged existing assets including widely available technology (telephone, web-conferencing) to integrate T2D and mental health support through weekly, virtual health coaching sessions with a Certified Diabetes Educator, supported by a multidisciplinary virtual care team for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes included the feasibility and acceptability of the TECC-D model with exploratory outcomes including changes in mental health, substance use, and physical health behaviours collected at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Provider and partner experience and satisfaction were also explored through a qualitative descriptive study.&#x0D; Results: 31 participants were recruited and completed the program between June 2021 and June 2022. Study findings demonstrate that the TECC-D model is a feasible and scalable care solution that empowers individuals living with T2D and mental health issues to take an active role in improving their physical and mental health. Participants and providers described program components (e.g., health coaching, virtual care team) and program delivery (e.g., frequency and duration of the program) positively. This included: 1) seeing virtual care as practical and effective for managing routine care needs; 2) feeling that having an expert care coach supported by a virtual care team was “over and above” the care that participants had previously experienced; 3) building expertise and capacity within the care team specific to diabetes and mental health; and 4) recognizing that integrated care is “missing from diabetes care” and that in offering clinical integration, participants felt “much more than just the sum of my parts”. &#x0D; Conclusions: Utilizing widely available technology in the current health system and engaging existing primary and community-based care assets, this model of care was found to be both feasible and acceptable by participants, providers, and patient partners and may improve the lives of individuals living with T2D and mental health issues.

Nashville partnership provides maternal MH support to teachers

Curio Digital Therapeutics, Inc., a leading provider of evidence‐based digital solutions for female‐focused mental health and wellness, last week announced a new partnership with the Metro Nashville Public Schools system (MNPS). MNPS is the school district that serves the city of Nashville, Tennessee, and nearby Davidson County. The partnership will offer MNPS members access to Curio's MamaLift program, a personalized and interactive digital solution that helps mothers cope with the challenges of pregnancy, motherhood, and postpartum depression. MamaLift is designed to support mothers at every stage of their journey, from conception to the first year of their baby's life. MamaLift uses cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, mindfulness exercises, and evidence‐based support to help mothers reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance their well‐being. MamaLift also provides mothers with relevant information and resources on topics such as nutrition, sleep, breastfeeding, and bonding with their baby. Beyond its self‐guided lessons and tracker, MamaLift allows mothers to have a direct, live connection to expert health coaches and doctors all within the same platform. “MamaLift is a game‐changer for maternal mental health,” said Shailja Dixit, M.D., the founder, and CEO of Curio Digital Therapeutics. “It empowers mothers to take charge of their mental health and wellness and provides them with the tools and support they need to thrive.”

Toward value co-creation in private youth sport for ‘secondary’ consumers: expert coaches’ perceptions of parent–coach collaboration

ABSTRACT Research question Recent evidence suggests parents and coaches would find value in a collaborative relationship. However, the specific roles of parents and coaches in co-creating value remain unclear. Therefore, this research aims to establish expert coaches’ perception of effective collaboration between parents and coaches in the market-driven private youth sport setting. Research methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 expert coaches to examine their perceptions of effective parent–coach collaboration. Results and findings Through a reflexive thematic analysis, the authors identified four themes explaining expert coaches’ perceptions of parent–coach collaboration in market-driven youth sport experiences. The themes include: (1) balancing individual circumstance and private sport system demands; (2) collaboratively developing programming; (3) establishing flexible relationship parameters and (4) navigating involvement boundaries. Implications These themes were used to create a practical guide for coaches in navigating relationships with ‘secondary’ consumers of youth sport (i.e. parents). Moreover, a theoretical conceptualization of value co-creation for ‘secondary’ consumers of youth sport is offered.

The expert eye? An inter-rater comparison of elite tennis serve kinematics and performance

ABSTRACT This study examined the reliability of expert tennis coaches/biomechanists to qualitatively assess selected features of the serve with the aid of two-dimensional (2D) video replays. Two expert high-performance coaches rated the serves of 150 male and 150 female players across three different age groups from two different camera viewing angles. Serve performance was rated across 13 variables that represented commonly investigated and coached (serve) mechanics using a 1–7 Likert rating scale. A total of 7800 ratings were performed. The reliability of the experts’ ratings was assessed using a Krippendorffs alpha. Strong agreement was shown across all age groups and genders when the experts rated the overall serve score (0.727–0.924), power or speed of the serve (0.720–0.907), rhythm (0.744–0.944), quality of the trunk action (0.775–1.000), leg drive (0.731–0.959) and the likelihood of back injury (0.703–0.934). They encountered greater difficulty in consistently rating shoulder internal rotation speed (0.688–0.717). In high-performance settings, the desire for highly precise measurement and large data sets powered by new technologies, is commonplace but this study revealed that tennis experts, through the use of 2D video, can reliably rate important mechanical features of the game’s most important shot, the serve.

Analysis of the spatial distribution of the serve and the type of serve-return in elite table tennis. Sex differences.

Serve and return of the serve are among the most critical technical-tactical factors influencing performance in table tennis (TT). The present study aimed to analyse sex differences in the spatial distribution of serve and serve-return in elite TT players. A total of 48 elite TT players (men: n = 24; women: n = 24) participated in the investigation. A total of 24 matches were recorded and examined, analysing 1,177 plays and 5,319 strokes in the men's competition and 950 games and 5,097 strokes in the women's competition. Technical actions were analysed using an observation tool validated by two expert TT coach with a high level of agreement (K > 0.80). Men distributed their serves over zones 1 and 2 of the table, while women more frequently selected zone 5 (p < 0.05). In men, 30.1% of the serves were near the net, 63.6% in the middle zone of the table and 6.2% in the end zone of the table, while in women, these values were 10.9%, 67.2%, and 21.8%, respectively. As for the technique of the serve-return depending on the zone of the service, in men the action of the cut from zone 1 and 2 predominated, while in women this technique was more frequent from zone 5 (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the serve-return with the flip technique in zone 1, 3 and 4 was more frequent in men (p < 0.05). As for the return of the serve with the topspin technique, there were differences in zone 3, being more frequent in men (p < 0.05). Finally, the serve return with cut and defensive serve-return techniques in zones 3, 4, 5, and 6 were more frequent in women (p < 0.05). There are differences between sexes in service and return of serve actions during a match in elite players.