Female Players Research Articles

Are We Really That Inclusive? An Examination of the Performance of Masculinities in Rugby Union Clubs in England, Australia, and Aotearoa/New Zealand

Through qualitative interviews with rugby players and coaches from England, Australia, and Aotearoa/New Zealand, this study examined whether players were now performing a more caring and respectful form of masculinity, as inclusive masculinity theorists have proposed. Results illustrated that players gained pleasure from linking themselves to hypermasculine performances through celebration of violence, drunkenness, and overt displays of heteronormativity. Moreover, the players distanced themselves from homosexual desire and displayed sexist tendencies. Yet, findings also revealed a modest reduction in on-field violence and greater acceptance of female rugby players and diverse sexualities. These modest and seemingly incoherent shifts in the performance of masculinities were traced to the effect of multiple sociostructural changes, such as rule changes, rather than a broad rise of an inclusive “form” of masculinity.

Nonsteroid Anti‐Inflammatory Drug Use in Female Elite Ice Hockey Players With and Without Previous Concussions and Musculoskeletal Injuries

ABSTRACTIce hockey is a high‐intensity sport with high rates of concussions and musculoskeletal injuries. To manage pain, players may (over) use nonsteroid anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which can have adverse health effects. In 2022, the Swedish Women's Elite League (SDHL) became the first women's league to introduce body checking, potentially increasing injury risks and NSAID use. This study examines NSAID consumption among SDHL players and its associations with concussions and musculoskeletal injuries. All 224 players registered in SDHL 2023/2024 were invited to participate. The data of 158 included players (71%) aged (mean ± standard deviation) 23.4 ± 4.5 years were analyzed. NSAID use, concussions and musculoskeletal injury rates were assessed through a self‐reported questionnaire. In all players, 18% used NSAID at least once weekly, 15% used them one to three times per week, and 3% used them four to seven times per week. Players with previous concussions without persistent symptoms or musculoskeletal injuries did not have significantly higher odds of using more NSAIDs than those without. Players with persistent symptoms after concussion(s) were approximately five times more likely to use NSAIDs weekly than those with previous concussion(s) but without persistent symptoms (Odds Ratio (95% confidence interval): 4.9 (1.1, 21.3)) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, almost one‐fifth of female ice hockey players used NSAIDs weekly. Players with persistent post‐concussion symptoms are a subgroup that should be monitored more closely to prevent excessive NSAID use. The observed NSAID usage rates presented in this study represent important (baseline) reference values in female ice hockey players allowed to body check.

Experiences of Female Rugby Union Players and Practitioners in Rehabilitation Following a Shoulder Injury

Background: Little is known about the perspectives of elite female rugby union players and practitioners towards rehabilitation and return to play (RTP) following shoulder injuries and how to manage these complex injuries. Methods: An interpretive hermeneutic phenomenology study was undertaken within a subtle realist paradigmatic view. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with elite female rugby union players and practitioners working in elite female rugby union. Data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis. Results: Four themes emerged from the data: (1) growth of the women’s game, which involved several influences on the support and resources players received; (2) different viewpoints between players and practitioners concerning injury reporting and objective testing; (3) threats to identity, a player-only generated theme centred around the risk to their career following a significant injury and the isolation they faced; and (4) RTP, exploring strategies and influences to players’ and practitioners’ confidence in the RTP process following a shoulder injury. Conclusions: Practitioners should consider the non-physical factors during the rehabilitation process and the theory of care concept in supporting and collaborating with female rugby union players following a shoulder injury.

Decoding injury risk: Exploring the impact of asymptomatic hypermobility on lower limb injury risk factors in young female volleyball players

ABSTRACT Generalized hypermobility is associated with higher rates of musculoskeletal injuries, a trend also observed in volleyball. We aimed to investigate how asymptomatic hypermobility affects other suggested lower limb injury risk factors. Fifty female volleyball players (22 hypermobile, 28 non-hypermobile) were assessed using Beighton scores (BS) and lower limb injury risk factors based on the Landing Error Scoring System, single-leg dynamic balance, and Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) for single-leg hop and triple hop for distance. Spearman’s correlations assessed relationships between BS and the risk factors, and t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests compared risk factors between non-hypermobile and asymptomatic hypermobile groups. No significant associations were found between BS and most risk factors, except for a negative correlation with the centre of pressure range of motion in the medio-lateral direction during dynamic balance on the non-dominant leg (ρ = -0.332; p = 0.015). The only significant group difference was in the LSI for single-leg hop distance, where the hypermobile group showed greater symmetry (r = 0.28, p = 0.041). The association between BS and dynamic balance was weak, with no clear difference in injury risk factors were observed between groups, suggesting hypermobile players may not need specialized training programs.

Evolution of Women’s Cricket in India and Need for Female Role Models

Abstract The evolution of women's cricket in India has been a remarkable journey marked by perseverance, resilience, and significant milestones. From its humble beginnings to its current status, women's cricket in India has faced numerous challenges, including societal perceptions, gender biases, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, the sport has seen tremendous growth, driven by the dedication of pioneering female cricketers and supportive initiatives. This paper explores the history and rise of women's cricket in India, highlighting the comparative analysis of men's and women's cricket, the contributions of prominent female cricketers, and the future prospects of the sport. It also examines the role of female role models in inspiring the next generation and the importance of gender equality in sports. The media plays a crucial role in crafting the stories that the public consumes. The impact of media on women's cricket extends beyond individual players. Female cricketers often receive sporadic and inconsistent media coverage, especially in comparison to their male counterparts. Aditionally, this paper also investigates the role of social media platforms which can be used by female players and content creators to share their stories and connect directly with fans, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. Keywords: societal perceptions, gender biases, Indian women’s cricket, prominent female cricketers, social media platforms

Evaluation of explosive strength in U16 girls basketball players in Tirana of Albania

Basketball requires repeatedly different movements while taking brief breaks. Players must continuously improve the components of strength, speed, etc. Aim is to document the explosive strength through the test (CMJ) of U16 female basketball players under the impact of a recommended training of 11 weeks. Method: No. 60 young girls' basketball players will be randomly selected into experimental group (EX-No.31 aged 16.2 ± 0.4) and Control (CO-No.29 years 16.1 ± 0.3). Both groups were subjected to anthropometric measurements: Body Height (BH), Body Weight (BW) and Test countermovement jump (CMJ) before and after the implementation of the training program with the Experimental group for 11 weeks with three blocks of exercises; Instruments used to GRFP "Leonardo" offer objective diagnosis power, force, jump height and efficiency. Results: Descriptive statistics resulted in BH (EX -168.2 cm) and BH (CO- 169.2 cm), BW (EX 60.7 kg) and BW (CO 62.2 kg) and CMJ improvements were observed on EX-JH 0.03m after training while the control group had a decrease in JH of 0.01m. Conclusion: Coaches should standardize their work in terms of improving both explosive strength and monitoring short- and long-term training. These data are of great interest for the basketball training process.

Seasonal Changes in Body Composition, Jump, Sprint, and Agility Performance Among Elite Female Handball Players

Assessing physical fitness throughout the entire season can provide valuable insights for designing effective training programs to enhance handball performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate seasonal changes in body composition, jump, sprint, and agility performance among elite female handball players. This study involved fourteen elite female handball players (age 21.98 ± 1.22) who participated in the Serbian Handball Super League and the European Handball Federation (EHF) European Cup during the 2022/23 season. Within the framework of seasonal changes, five measurements were made. Players were tested for height, weight, BMI, body fat and muscle mass percentage, jump performance (CMJ, CMJA, SJ, CMJ right, CMJ left), linear sprint (5 m, 10 m, 20 m), and agility performance (zig-zag and slalom). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed no changes in body composition parameters during the season. Among the five jump performance tests, a significant change was observed only in the CMJ left test, where better values were achieved in the fourth and fifth measurements compared to the initial measurement. In sprints over 5 and 10 m, significant changes were noted between specific measurement points, while no differences were observed in the 30-m sprint. For agility, differences were recorded in four out of five tests, with the best performances in the Zig-Zag tests observed in the third measurement, while in other tests, the best results were most often recorded in the second and fifth measurements. These results indicate that body composition remained stable, while performance improvements were specific to certain physical capacities and time points during the season. These findings can help coaches design targeted strength and agility training aligned with key performance periods, emphasizing short sprints and agility with/without the ball, rather than focusing on body composition changes. However, this study is limited by its small sample size and single-season scope, which may affect the generalizability of the results.

Lower-Limb Flexibility Profile in 142 Competitive Female Football Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: The ROM-SPORT is a test battery for assessing flexibility that measures the range of motion (ROM) in the sport. Restricted or optimal ROM is associated with an increased risk of injury or improved athletic performance, respectively. The aim of the present study was to determine the normative values of the lower limb’s flexibility profile by ROM assessment in female football players. Methods: Lower-limb flexibility (11 ROM tests) was measured using the ROM-SPORT battery in 142 female football players (19.42 ± 4.45 years). The tests were performed at the beginning of the training sessions in the first two weeks of the pre-season. Standardized Z-scores (on a scale of 0 to 100 [T-score]) were calculated from the mean and standard deviation to classify the ROM of each movement into three qualitative categories (poor [>−3 to −2], average or normal [−1 to 1; 68.2%], and optimal [1 to >3]) and a traffic light system to facilitate interpretation of the results. Results: The results show normal (or average) ROM values at 32–37° for ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended; 37–43° for ankle dorsiflexion with the knee flexed; 46–54° for hip internal rotation; 54–61° for hip external rotation; 31–37° for hip adduction; 70–76° for hip abduction with the hip flexed; 41–45° for hip abduction with the hip neutral; 135–141° for hip flexion; 73–82° for hip flexion with the knee extended; 15–21° for hip extension; 121–132° for knee flexion. The normative data presented in this study can be utilized by researchers and practitioners in the women’s football league in a variety of ways, provided similar data collection methods are used. Conclusions: Flexibility training is recommended to overcome normal or average ROM and optimize athletic performance with lower injury risk in female football players.

Impact of Neuromuscular Fatigue on Dynamic Knee Valgus in Female Basketball Players.

Dynamic knee valgus is a biomechanical condition often linked to an increased risk of knee injuries, particularly in female athletes, due to greater hip adduction, internal rotation, and knee abduction during dynamic movements. This study aimed to assess the impact of neuromuscular fatigue on dynamic knee valgus in female basketball players during single-leg drop jumps (DJ-SL) and change of direction (COD) tests at 45° and 90°. Thirty-three athletes, divided into national and regional performance groups, performed these movements before and after a fatigue protocol. Fatigue was induced through a series of anaerobic exercises, and frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) was used to measure knee valgus. The results showed that dynamic knee valgus increased with the angle of directional change (from 24.77° ± 8.25 at 45° to 34.55° ± 10.40 at 95° pre-fatigue, and from 26.59° ± 12.30 at 45° to 35.87° ± 10.37 post-fatigue), but was not significantly affected by neuromuscular fatigue. The national group demonstrated lower valgus angles compared to the regional group, indicating potential performance differences based on competitive level. These findings suggest that while neuromuscular fatigue does not notably impact knee valgus, the higher valgus angles during directional changes warrant attention in injury prevention programs for female basketball players. Further research is needed to explore other factors influencing knee mechanics and injury risk.

Iron's True Weight: Does the Amount of Iron in the Body Equate to the Amount of Iron on the Bar in Australian Football League Women's Players?

The physiological requirements of a successful team sport performance partly depend on iron-facilitated mechanisms. However, how low iron stores affect team sport athletes remains unclear. To explore the influence of iron status on strength and power performance in elite female Australian Rules Football players. Iron indices were measured in 30 players (age 23 ± 4 y; body mass 70 ± 6 kg) at the start and end of the 10-week preseason. Players were categorized as iron deficient (ID; serum ferritin (sFer) < 40 µg/L) or iron sufficient (sFer > 40 µg/L). Over this period, three-repetition maximum and sport-specific performance measures were evaluated. Approximately 80% of all the sFer samples primarily ranged between 9 and 60 µg/L. Strength (e.g., squat, bench press) was up to 13% lower in ID players in week 1, with no substantial differences between groups during week 10. There were marginal differences (ID: -1% to +3%) in performance for all the remaining measures between groups (e.g., 10-m sprint). Very weak to moderate correlations were observed between all the performance measures and fixed effects (e.g., sFer, other strength assessments), increasing to moderate to very strong correlations when accounting for random effects (athlete). Iron deficiency may compromise strength performance, but this shortcoming may not translate to measures of power and speed. Individualized iron monitoring practices for athlete health and performance are encouraged.

Women’s football in Türkiye from the perspectives of female footballers on the field

ABSTRACT Women’s football in Türkiye, like in other parts of the world, is a relatively new sport branch. Women began playing football later than men, and the fact that it is a branch in which men are more interested and visible, has caused certain issues in women’s enthusiasm in this sport. The phenomenology approach was utilized to investigate the challenges faced by Turkish female football players in this study. Data was gathered using a semi-structured interview form and face-to-face interviews in this research. When the research findings were assessed, female footballers who took part in the study indicated that they had problems with ‘gender discrimination’, and they stated that the most significant problem faced by female footballers in Türkiye was ‘not being valued’. According to the conclusions of this study, it has been concluded that certain female footballers in Türkiye face gender discrimination, are undervalued, lack material and moral assistance, lack media support, and are unprofessional.

Injury Risk and Overall Well-Being During the Menstrual Cycle in Elite Adolescent Team Sports Athletes.

The impact of the menstrual cycle on the well-being and injury risk of young elite female athletes is poorly understood. This study assessed how the menstrual cycle phase influences perceived well-being and injury risk among young elite female team athletes aged 14-18 throughout a season. Wellness data, time-loss injuries, and menstrual cycle information were prospectively recorded for 59 young elite female team players throughout one season. The menstrual cycle was categorized into four phases using a standardized model: early follicular (menstruation), late follicular, early luteal, and late luteal (pre-menstrual) phases. Significant differences were observed in wellness data, especially in sleep and fatigue, with poorer sleep quality and greater fatigue reported during the early luteal and late luteal (pre-menstrual) phases (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle was significantly associated with a higher incidence of sports injuries, particularly for joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injuries (p = 0.024 and p = 0.040, respectively). In elite female team athletes, poor sleep, increased fatigue, and elevated injury risk were significantly observed during the luteal phases of the menstrual cycle (early and pre-menstrual). These findings emphasize the importance of individualized monitoring and adaptive training strategies to mitigate the physiological effects of the menstrual cycle on athletic performance and injury risk.

Programming of the Training Process for Qualified Female Volleyball Players in the Preparatory Period of the Annual Training

Objectives. The study aimed to experimentally prove the efficiency of building structural formations of the training process for qualified female volleyball players within the preparatory period of the annual training cycle on the basis of programming. Material and methods. Qualified female volleyball players from the first category of the student team (n=16) participated in the experiment, with an average age of 19.56±0.81 years. The research was carried out during 2023-2024 and included two stages of a sequential pedagogical experiment —ascertaining and formative. The formative experiment provided the development and experimental substantiation of efficiency for introducing interconnected programs of structural formations in the training process of qualified volleyball players within the preparatory period of the annual macrocycle (programs of the period, meso- and microcycles, training sessions and their parts — training tasks). The criteria of efficiency were the indicators of physical fitness (a standing high jump, a throw of a stuffed ball of mass 1 kg with two hands from behind a head on a distance, a shuttle run of 30 m according to the scheme 9-3-6-3-9 m, and a run “herringbone” of 92 m), functional fitness (fat content and muscular components in the body, relative maximum consumption of oxygen), technical and tactical fitness (the coefficient of efficiency of technical and tactical actions). Results. At the formative stage of the experiment, in comparison with the ascertaining one, the volume of training loads was reduced by 5.7 % (from 5725 to 5400 min), the load value was reduced by 4.9 % (from 41804 to 39742 points), the intensity of loads was increased by 1.4 % (from 7.3 to 7.4 points/min); the share of general preparatory (from 44.0 to 40.3 %) and introductory (from 37.3 to 34.3 %) exercises was decreased, however, due to this the share of specially-preparatory (from 6.8 to 8.3 %) and competitive (from 11.9 to 16.1 %) exercises was increased; the share of loads of mixed aerobic-anaerobic (from 40.9 to 41.3 %), anaerobic alactate (from 5.0 to 9.2 %) and anaerobic glycolyticorientation (from 3.7 to 4.3 %) was increased due to the decrease of the share of aerobic orientation loads (from 50.4 to 45.3 %). Conclusions. The findings suggest that the construction of the training process for qualified female volleyball players within the preparatory period on the basis of programming promoted statistically reliable (р&lt;0.050) improvements in the following indicators: physical fitness in the limits of 1.90–5.12%, functional fitness in the limits of 1.43–1.65%, as well as technical and tactical fitness — by 4.92%. The results obtained in this study confirm the efficiency of the program developed for the preparatory period of qualified volleyball players and allow to recommend it for practical application in the training process of volleyball teams.

Psycho-emotional Regulation of Female Handball Players During Training

The article presents the results of an experimental study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an original program for harmonizing the psycho-emotional state of adolescent female handball players at the stage of preliminary basic training. The relevance of the research is due to the growing demands for emotional resilience in female athletes involved in team sports, where competitive performance largely depends on volitional regulation, anxiety levels, and the ability to manage emotions. The study involved 28 handball players from the main and reserve squads of the “Halychanka” club, who were divided into an experimental group (n=14) and a control group (n=14). The program for the experimental group combined traditional training loads with psychophysiological exercises, breathing relaxation techniques, visualization practices, cognitive-behavioral training, and individualized pedagogical support. The applied methods included the SAN questionnaire, the Spielberger–Khanin anxiety test, pedagogical observation, and statistical data analysis. The results showed statistically significant improvements in the experimental group: increases in well-being, activity, and mood indicators (up to 38%), as well as reductions in reactive and trait anxiety (by more than 8 points). The control group showed only minimal and statistically insignificant positive changes. The findings confirm the feasibility of implementing the proposed program in the training process of team sports athletes. Future research should focus on enhancing the program with consideration of individual psychophysiological profiles, testing it in various age groups, and exploring the long-term effects on athletes’ adaptive capacities.

Ergogenic Effects of Combined Caffeine Supplementation and Motivational Music on Anaerobic Performance in Female Handball Players: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

The purpose of the study was to assess the independent and combined effects of SSMM during warm-up and pre-exercise CAF intake on maximal short-duration performance in female athletes. Seventeen female handball players (aged 16.7 ± 0.4 years) participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Each athlete completed four conditions: (i) placebo (PLA) with no interventions, (ii) music and placebo (MUS), (iii) caffeine intake only (CAF), and (iv) a combination of music and caffeine (MUS + CAF). Performance assessments included the countermovement jump (CMJ), modified agility t-test (MAT), repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test (mean and peak sprint performance), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The MUS (p > 0.05; p < 0.01; p < 0.01; p < 0.001, respectively), CAF (all p < 0.001), and MUS + CAF (all p < 0.01) conditions significantly outperformed the PLA condition in CMJ, MAT, RSA mean, and RSA peak measures. No significant differences were observed between the CAF and MUS + CAF conditions; however, the best performances were recorded during MUS + CAF. RPE scores remained consistent across conditions. Warm-up routines incorporating either SSMM or a moderate dose of CAF (6 mg·kg-1) enhance anaerobic performance in female athletes. While both interventions are effective independently, CAF intake elicits a stronger effect. Although no significant difference was demonstrated for this combination, the concurrent use of SSMM and CAF appears to produce a potential effect, emerging as the most effective strategy for optimizing anaerobic performance.

Anthropometric profile of female basketball players

This study aimed to analyse the anthropometric characteristics of female basketball players, focusing on competitive level and specific playing position. The sample included 62 female basketball players from teams across all senior women’s basketball leagues in Spain, (1st to 4th division). Different anthropometric measurements were evaluated to evaluate body composition and somatotype. Significant differences emerged between competitive levels, with higher-level players showing more favourable results in some measures. Furthermore, a distinctive profile was identified based on playing position: centers were generally taller, heavier and had higher percentages of body fat and muscle mass compared to forwards and guards. This study provides valuable information on the physical attributes of female basketball players across competitive levels, improving knowledge of the demands of current women’s basketball.

Association Between Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and Knee Loading During 180° Pivot Turn in Female Players

Sufficient muscle strength is suggested to reduce frontal plane knee loading during change of direction maneuvers. However, it is currently not thoroughly understood if lower extremity strength is associated with increased frontal plane knee biomechanics during change of direction in youth female team sport players. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the influence of maximal muscle strength on knee valgus angle and knee abduction moment during 180° pivot turn in 106 youth female team sport players. Lower hip abductor strength, lower knee extensor strength, and higher knee flexor strength were associated with increased knee valgus. Higher knee flexor and leg press strength were associated with increased knee abduction moment. The study found associations between both decreased and increased lower extremity muscle strength and frontal plane knee biomechanics. However, these associations could explain only 20% of the variance in frontal plane knee biomechanics at best.

Handball playing volume and knee injury risk in youth handball: the influence of sex.

Handball playing volume and knee injury risk in youth handball: the influence of sex.

Sport-Specific Differences in Vertical Jump Force-Time Metrics Between Professional Female Volleyball, Basketball, and Handball Players.

Cabarkapa, DV, Cabarkapa, D, Aleksic, J, and Fry, AC. Sport-specific differences in vertical jump force-time metrics between professional female volleyball, basketball, and handball players. J Strength Cond Res 39(5): 587-592, 2025-The purpose of the present study was to examine the sport-specific differences in countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) force-time metrics among professional female volleyball, basketball, and handball players. Ninety-four athletes volunteered to participate in the present study (i.e., 41 volleyball, 20 basketball, and 33 handball). After a brief warm-up procedure, each athlete performed 3 nonconsecutive CMJs while standing on a force plate system sampling at 1,000 Hz. Nineteen force-time metrics were selected for performance analysis purposes, including both eccentric and concentric phases of the jumping motion. A one-way analysis of variance with Tukey post-hoc comparisons was used to examine statistically significant differences in each dependent variable across 3 sports ( p < 0.05). The results reveal that volleyball athletes demonstrate significantly greater impulse, velocity, and mean and peak power during the eccentric phase of the CMJ compared with both basketball and handball players, and longer eccentric duration than basketball players. During the concentric phase, volleyball athletes showed significantly greater duration, impulse, and velocity compared to their handball and basketball counterparts, with higher mean and peak force observed only in comparison with basketball players. In addition, volleyball athletes had significantly greater jump height and deeper countermovement depth than the other 2 groups. However, the difference in reactive strength index-modified was detected only between the handball and volleyball athletes, with volleyball players exhibiting greater values. Overall, these findings can help sports practitioners with the development of specialized performance-enhancement training programs for athletes competing in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and handball.

Postpractice Neuromuscular Performance Changes in 3 × 3 Professional Female Basketball Players.

Cabarkapa, D, Cabarkapa, DV, Batra, A, and Fry, AC. Postpractice neuromuscular performance changes in 3 × 3 professional female basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 39(5): e706-e710, 2025-The purpose of this investigation was to examine changes in lower body neuromuscular performance characteristics across multiple testing time points within a cohort of professional 3 × 3 female basketball players. Ten athletes volunteered to participate in this study (x̄ ± SD; age = 29.1 ± 4.3 years; height = 181.4 ± 7.0 cm; body mass = 77.4 ± 6.2 kg). Each athlete completed 3 countermovement vertical jumps while standing on a portable force plate system on 4 different occasions: before team practice, immediately postpractice, and the next morning and afternoon. Twenty-two force-time metrics were analyzed, 8 within braking and propulsive and 2 within landing phases of the jumping motion, including 4 performance metrics. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The findings reveal an absence of significant changes in all force-time metrics of interest pre-post practice. However, a notable decrease in jump height (-5.8%), average and peak propulsive force (-4.3% and -4.7%), propulsive net impulse (-3.5%), average and peak propulsive power (-6.1% and -6.0%), and reactive strength index modified (-11.8%) was observed the following morning when compared with baseline measurements. The reactive strength index modified was shown to be the most sensitive metric in detecting fatigue-induced changes in athletes' performance, because it experienced the largest drop between these 2 testing time points (p = 0.011; g = 0.727). Also, the observed performance suppression disappeared by the afternoon training session because all of the aforementioned force-time metrics returned to the baseline levels, indicating that the athletes were adequately recovered to participate in team training activities.