High-level Team Research Articles

Home-Court Advantage is Greater for Teams Competing at Higher Playing Levels: An Exploratory Analysis of Spanish Male Basketball Leagues.

This study aimed to (i) compare the extent of home-court advantage (HA) and home win percentage (HW) between Spanish basketball leagues across different playing levels (i.e., leagues) and (ii) analyze the influence of team ability on HA and HW within each playing level. We gathered data for game locations and results from open online sources for all games in the First Division (ACB), Second Division (LEB Gold), and Third Division (LEB Silver) Spanish male basketball leagues between 2010-2023. The dataset included 12 seasons, 635 teams (215 First Division, 203, Second Division, and 217 Third Division), and 19,539 games (7075 First Division, 6344 Second Division, and 5520 Third Division). We calculated HA [(total home wins/total wins) * 100] and HW [(total home wins/total home games) * 100] for each team across each season. We performed Kruskal Wallis tests, calculated partial eta squared (ηp2), and performed Mann-Whitney U tests with rank biserial correlation (rb) effect sizes and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner pairwise comparisons to compare HA and HW between leagues and between team abilities (low, medium, and/or high) within each league. There was a significant effect for HA between leagues (p = .01) with post hoc comparisons revealing a higher HA for the First Division than for the Third Division (p = .01), but HW was not significantly different between leagues. In turn, variations in HA and HW between team abilities were consistent across playing levels, with HW significantly increasing in a progressive manner with higher team abilities (p < .001) and with HA significantly lower among high-level teams compared to lower-ability team clusters (p < .01). These findings emphasize the importance of considering playing level and team ability and interpreting HA and HW together to contextualize an apparent home advantage in Spanish basketball.

Examining Intentions for Impact: Understanding What Influences the Planning of High-Level Team Sport Coaches

Examining Intentions for Impact: Understanding What Influences the Planning of High-Level Team Sport Coaches

A Methodological Framework to Study Change in Team Cognition Under the Dynamical Hypothesis.

The dynamical hypothesis claims that cognitive systems, such as teams, are dynamical systems (i.e., an interdependent collection of individuals and their technology that change together over time). Following this hypothesis, team researchers have adopted dynamical approaches to better understand the team cognitive processes and states that form team cognition, as well as how they emerge over time. One approach focuses on team coordination dynamics, which examines the coupling of signals between interacting individuals in various modalities, and has been shown to reflect aspects of team functioning including team cognition. However, how changes in team coordination relate to high-level team cognitive processes and states, as well as important events, are not yet fully understood. To this end, we advance a methodological framework for researching team cognition under the dynamical hypothesis. Subsequently, we provided an empirical case-study application of this framework. Thereby, this work contributes methodologically and empirically to a deeper understanding of team cognition, the dynamical hypothesis, and the synergy between them.

The effects of a smartphone game training intervention on executive functions in youth soccer players: a randomized controlled study.

Cognitive training primarily aims to improve executive functions (EFs). It has become a popular research topic, as previous studies have provided preliminary evidence that EFs relate to sports performance. However, whether a domain-generic cognitive training intervention can improve EFs in high-performance athletes is still unclear. The present randomized controlled study aimed to examine the effects of an eight-week (5 min/day, 5 days/week) smartphone-based domain-generic cognitive training intervention (i.e., the smartphone game "Fruit Ninja") on EFs in youth soccer athletes (N = 33; intervention: n = 15, passive control: n = 18; German youth soccer academy). We assessed working memory (3-back task), inhibition (Flanker & Go/NoGo task), and cognitive flexibility (number-letter task) in a pre-post design with computerized tasks. The results showed no significant time x group differences attributable to the cognitive training between the intervention group and the control group, except for a response time variable of the Go/NoGo task. These preliminary results do not suggest an application of CT as a smartphone-based game to improve EFs performance in soccer players. However, more research is needed to establish the efficacy of domain-specific interventions in high-level team sport athletes.

Is it possible for the reception and the player-receiver to influence the offensive construction in volleyball? An ecological vision and Intragame procedural relationships in high-level teams

ABSTRACT The present study verified the differences in the offensive construction from the reception of the priority receivers in volleyball (libero, outsider hitter near and away from setter) through the Social Networks Analysis. The sample consisted of 3053 reception actions and 2743 attack actions of the 2018 Men’s Volleyball World Championship played between the eight best-ranked teams in this edition. The results showed that the attack organisation changed depending on the receiver condition, and the attack construction from the reception of the outside hitter near from setter when in zones 2, 3 and 4 presented an off-system characteristic. Thus, the ecological conditions, in which the offensive construction begins, specify the performance in high-level men’s volleyball and that different offensive constructions will generate adaptations in the defensive system and in the attack–defence relationships. Therefore, it is necessary for teams to be trained to play in- and off-system, as well as to self-organise for critical performance scenarios.

Effect of Maturity Status and Relative Age Effect on Anthropometrics and Physical Performance of Soccer Players Aged 12 to 15 Years

Introduction: There is a growing interest in the relationship between biological maturation, relative age effect, and soccer sports performance. Based on their cohort's relative age effect and maturation, relatively older soccer players can be favored to be selected for high-level teams. Therefore, the current study examined the effect of maturity and relative age on anthropometric and physical performance tests. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 82 boys (M age: 13.4 ± 1.1; M body mass: 51.9 ± 9.9; body height: 162 ± 10.5; body fat%: 9.7 ± 1.1) were assessed for anthropometric, flexibility, hand, and leg strength, and countermovement jump performance. Peak height velocity (PHV) determination was used for maturity status estimation. The birthdate distributions were categorized into four quartiles (January-March, Q1; April-June, Q2; July-September, Q3; October-December, Q4). MANOVA analysis was performed on all anthropometric and physical performance assessments to examine differences within age groups and maturity status groups. Differences among all groups were revealed, with high scores in the older group (U-15). Results: Biological maturation influences the differences in the anthropometric and physical performance assessment with a significant effect on the early matured soccer players compared to the late matured. Early matured players were overrepresented and statistically had better anthropometric and physical performance results. Conclusion: However, there was no significant representation of players in the first quarter compared to the third and fourth quarters for all the anthropometric and performance assessments. The current findings can be used for quantifying and controlling performance data of soccer players adjusted to biological requirements used in the training process.

The relationship of personality and executive functions in high-level soccer athletes: expertise-and gender-specific differences.

Psycho-cognitive factors such as personality and executive functions (EFs) are influential parameters when it comes to examining expertise in high-level soccer. Therefore, the profiles of those athletes are relevant both from a practical and scientific point of view. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between personality traits and executive functions with age group as an influential factor in high-level male and female soccer players. Personality traits and executive functions of 138 high-level male and female soccer athletes from the U17-Pros teams were assessed using the big-five paradigm. A series of linear regressions investigated contributions of personality on EF assessments and team, respectively. Linear regression models showed both negative and positive relationships between various personality traits, executive function performance and the influence of expertise and gender. Together, a maximum of 23% (R2 = 6%-23%) of the variance between EFs with personality and various teams, demonstrating that many unaccounted-for variables remain at play. The results of this study demonstrate the inconsistent relationship between personality traits and executive functions. The study calls for more replication studies to help strengthen the understanding of relationships between psycho-cognitive factors in high-level team sport athletes.

Reflections on the Construction of “Double-Qualified” Teachers in Higher Vocational Colleges

Vocational education is an important part of the overall education system. The development of higher vocational education is one of the guiding principles of education in China. The development of teachers is an important support for the development of vocational education. Teachers who can teach theoretically and guide students in practical work are known as “double-qualified” teachers. Building a highly qualified and professional double-qualified teaching team is the fundamental task in modernizing vocational education. Firstly, this paper discusses the importance of “double-qualified” teachers by describing the relevant policies of the Ministry of Education in China. Secondly, it reviews the research works of early scholars. Thirdly, it analyzes the main problems of teacher training in higher education institutions. Fourthly, it proposes five suggestions for the development of a “double-qualified” teaching team in higher education institutions. A high level and professional teaching team is an important support for the high-quality development of vocational institutions. School leaders must attach great importance to the construction of a “double-qualified” teaching team and increase the support in terms of policies, institutional protection, and financial investment.

Assess The Effectiveness Of Skills In Sending And Beating The Overwhelming According To The Analytical Program Using The Computer On Volleyball Players

The significant development that occurs in sports, including volleyball, makes the developed countries resort to the development ofmodern skill methods in confronting the opposing team, and its conviction that these methods represent the most important aspect ofthe game. In addition to the high physical fitness required by the game, it should be taken care of. It makes it easier for the player orteam to know the offensive or defensive tactical aspects of the opposing team. This skill development came using modern scientificmethods in the measurement and technical analysis performed by the players, as the analysis during the matches gives more credibilitythan in training. So, modern devices are used in photography and in the computer, which has become of great importance in the processof skill analysis for players.Aim: Effectiveness analysis of the two types of serving skill (smashing from jumping - fluttering serving from jumping).Method: Population of study: Players from the Al-Ahly volleyball club (women). Duration of the study: The time between (2/5/2022and 31/5/2022).The researcher identified the research community represented by the players of the Al-Ahly volleyball team that participated in theAfrican Championship held in Tunisia and their number (13), which represents (100%) of the research community.Conclusions: There is a weakness in the skill of serving in the ace's quality and flutter of the Al-Ahly team players. The effectivenessof the center (2) is better than the impact from the center (4). Variation in the effectiveness ratios for the crushing strike from a position(1) between one match and another according to the effectiveness team.Recommendations: Training in the accuracy, concentration, and speed of hitting the ball in the aces and flutter to increase theeffectiveness. Introducing fun and suspense in training transmitter types, as well as increasing motivation. A lot of friendly matcheswith high-level teams develop the skill level of the players.

Research on the Endogenous Mechanism of Political Relations of Military Industrial Enterprises to Innovation Performance Driven by Innovation

Taking the military industry listed companies from 2010 to 2019 as a research sample, comprehensively use high-level team theory, investment decision theory, human capital theory and other related theories to deeply explore the influence mechanism of political connections on military industry enterprise innovation performance. The research results show that: for military enterprises, the politically connected characteristics of senior managers will promote the innovation performance of enterprises. Managers’ overconfidence plays a part of the mediating effect in the influence of political connections on enterprise innovation performance. At the same time, the inflow of R &amp; D personnel has produced a negative moderating effect in the relationship between political connections and corporate innovation performance. Further research shows that, from the perspective of the level of political relevance, politically connected managers at the central level have a negative impact on corporate innovation performance. The negative moderating effect of the inflow of R &amp; D personnel in the political connection and enterprise innovation performance is related to the political connection at the central level.

Аналіз показників переміщення м’яча футболістами високої кваліфікації в умовах змагальної діяльності

Purpose — to establish the indicators of ball advancement by teams in the group stage games of the UEFA Champions League of the 2021/2022 season. Material and methods: in accordance with the goal and tasks set, the research program included methods of theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature, registration of technical and tactical actions, methods of mathematical statistics. The registration of technical and tactical actions was carried out on the example of the games of the teams participating in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League of the 2021/2022 season. The games in which the winner was determined were analysed. Games that ended in a draw were not analysed. A total of 78 games were registered and analysed. Results: The article presents the indicators of attacking technical and tactical actions (passing and ball control) of highly qualified football players in the conditions of competitive activity. It has been established that high-level teams in games perform a different number of passes and ball control, while advancing it to different distances. As a result of the study, it was determined that the teams in the group stage games of the UEFA Champions League of the 2021/2022 season performed 518,8±11,0 passes and 411,2±10,5 ball control. At the same time, the footage of the total number of passes of the ball of one team in the match was 7515,0±181,4 m, and the footage of the total number of dribbles was 1880,0±48,8 m. The footage of the ball passed forward was at the level of 2427,9±41,6 m, and the forward ball control distance was 1025,6±29,7 m. The winning teams significantly outperformed the losing teams in all parameters of ball advancement (p&lt;0,001). Conclusions: the data of the conducted research testify to the differences in the indicators of attempts and the footage of moving the ball by highly qualified football players with the help of passes and ball control in games with different results.

VERTICAL LOAD ASSESSMENT IN MEN AND WOMEN 3X3 BASKETBALL

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the frequency and intensity of players' actions associated with jumping in the 3x3 basketball game, to compare these data between men's and women's teams, and to compare the data obtained with existing data from 5- on-5 basketball. Jumps during the five final games of the men's and women's national championship were recorded using the inertial measurement device VERT which was previously calibrated using force platform. The significance level set for the study was p ≤ 0.05. The number and height of jumps during the execution of jump shots from outside and inside the paint, lay -up shots, rebounds, and blocks were monitored. Female and male players performed 1.05 and 1.63 jumps per minute, respectively, in the 3x3 basketball game. For all jumps observed, the number of jumps was higher in males than in females, and the largest differences were found in jump shots inside the paint and jump when blocking (p &lt; 0.05). The relative intensity of the jumps, expressed as a percentage of the maximum countermovement jump obtained before the play, showed that heights of just over 50% of the maximum were most common, except for the male players executing layup shots were the heights reached over 70% of the maximum. Comparing the results with previous studies, we summarize that the performance level of the athletes influences the frequency of actions. Low level teams executed fewer actions than high level teams, in parallel to their physical fitness.

High remnant cholesterol level is relevant to diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is the primary oculopathy causing blindness in diabetic patients. Currently, there is increasing interest in the role of lipids in the development of diabetic retinopathy, but it remains controversial. Remnant cholesterol (RC) is an inexpensive and easily measurable lipid parameter; however, the relationship between RC and DR in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been elucidated. This research investigates the relevance between RC levels and DR severity while building a risk prediction model about DR.MethodsIn this single-centre retrospective cross-sectional study. Each hospitalised T2DM patient had no oral lipid-lowering drugs in the past three months, and coronary angiography showed epicardial coronary artery stenosis of less than 50% and completed seven-field stereo photographs, fluorescein fundus angiography, and optical coherence tomography detection. The RC value is calculated according to the internationally recognised formula. Binary logistic regression was used to correct confounding factors, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify risk factors and assess the nomogram’s diagnostic efficiency.ResultsA total of 456 T2DM patients were included in the study. The RC levels in the DR team was higher [0.74 (0.60–1.12) mmo/l vs 0.54 (0.31–0.83) mmol/l P < 0.001] in the non-DR team. After adjusting for confounding elements, RC levels are still associated with DR risk (OR = 5.623 95%CI: 2.996–10.556 P < 0.001). The ratio of DR in every stage (except mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy) and DME in the high RC level team were further increased compared to the low-level team (all P < 0.001). After ROC analysis, the overall risk of DR was predicted by a nomogram constructed for RC, diabetes duration, and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as 0.758 (95%CI 0.714–0.802 P < 0.001).ConclusionsHigh RC levels may be a potential risk factor for diabetic retinopathy, and the nomogram does better predict DR. Despite these essential findings, the limitation of this study is that it is single-centred and small sample size analysis.

Personal Strengths of Russian Teachers in VIA Model: Approbation of the Russian-Language Version of the Questionnaire “Values in Action Inventory of Strengths” (VIA – IS120)

Introduction. Positive psychology is one of the most rapidly developing directions of psychological science in the world. Over the past two decades, a large number of empirical researches confirm effectiveness and validity of theoretical studies and practical methods used in the framework of positive psychology. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research in this area in the Russian-speaking scientific community, despite of the presence of high-level scientific teams and individual researchers working in the framework of positive psychology. Probably an important factor in the “low popularity” of positive psychology among Russian authors is the lack of large-scale studies on wide samples of Russian respondents. The purpose of this article is to empirically confirm, the legitimacy of the practical application of the “VIA” model. As well as perform approbation, validation and publication of the Russian-language version of the questionnaire by K. Peterson and M. Seligman “Values in Action Inventory of Strengths” in Russian we suggest more reflecting the essence of the questionnaire name – “24 strengths of the personality”. Materials and Methods. The approbation was carried out on a wide sample of respondents from the professional sphere of education (N = 7 946), using statistical methods for checking the reliability of the questionnaire, including convergent validity and confirmatory factor analysis. Results. The reliability tests showed significant validity results, indicating the reliability of the psychometric tool. The scales of the Russian-language version of the VIA-IS questionnaire show more than sufficient internal consistency, The convergent validity test showed significant correlations with the following scales: Life Satisfaction Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, General Self-Efficiency Scale, and Professional Burnout (Maslach’s). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the factorial structure of the questionnaire. We manage to meet the desirable “cut-off” model fit parameters of Confirmatory factor analysis. Discussion and Conclusion. Hopefully, publication of this Russian-language questionnaire will lead to an increase interest for research in the field of positive psychology in the Russian scientific community. The conclusions made by the authors contribute to the development of theoretical concepts of positive psychology, confirming the general structural integrity and practical validity of the model “VIA”. Moreover, this article provides for open use in the Russian scientific psychological community a universal psychometric technique in form of questionnaire with empirically proven reliability on a wide sample of respondents.

Formation of Data Science Teams based on Scenario Characteristics

The objective of this research was to identify a set of attributes to characterize data science scenarios to assists in the formation of an accompanying data science team. The six scenario characteristics were developed in consultation with a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to identify the important aspects of a data science endeavor. Concurrently, a generalizable role by task matrix was developed that captures the high-level data science functions and potential team member roles. This matrix was based on the NATO data science process function definitions, linked to the U.S. Department of Labor social science work activities, and data science role definitions. The mapping of the characteristics to the role by task matrix results in guidelines for forming a data science team; an example scenario with its characteristics and proposed team design is described. This work suggests methods to customize team information for specific data science needs based on scenario attributes.

Collective behaviour in high and low-level youth soccer teams

ABSTRACT Background An expert/non-expert paradigm often helps understand the underpinnings of sports expertise; however, this method is scarcely extended to the complexities of collective behaviour in youth soccer. Aim Therefore, the objectives of the current study are to investigate differences in the collective behaviour of youth soccer teams by expertise level. Methodology Soccer players aged 15 to 20 years from high (n = 35) and low (n = 40) playing levels competed in two age-matched 5v5 small-sided games. For each game, teams’ skill involvement (shot, pass, dribble, touch), passing networks (closeness, density, betweenness), and spatiotemporal characteristics (stretch index, effective area, length (L) & width (W), LpW ratio, synchrony) were measured using video footage and GPS coordinates. Results High level teams had more attempted (p = .009), and completed skills (p = .003), particularly for the number of passes (p = .001) and shots (p = .012-.045). However, there were no significant between-group differences for either the passing networks or spatiotemporal characteristics. Conclusion The findings from the current research suggest that the high-level teams can quickly and effectively move the ball within existing team structures and may better optimise their afforded space to execute desired skills when compared to the low-level teams.

The influence of athletic performance on the highest positions of the final ranking during 2017/2018 Serie A season

BackgroundOur previous study on the 2016/2017 Serie A season showed that a greater likelihood of reaching the top positions in the Italian league “Serie A” seemed to be mainly related to sprint activity, goal attempts, total throws, target shots and assists. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the following season data in the same league to compare, confirm, and improve these results.MethodsThe data of all the matches played during the “Serie A” 2017–2018 season were obtained from the Italian soccer league. The teams’ analysis was performed in terms of total distance covered in km, jogging, running and sprint activities, average speed, and match statistics (total shots, shots on target, goal attempts, assists, turnovers, and steals).ResultsTeams that reached the first four positions revealed a lower percentage of running (65.98 ± 1.51 vs. 66.84 ± 2.18; p < 0.001), a higher percentage of jogging (25.61 ± 1.71 vs. 25.30 ± 1.97; p = 0.037) and sprint activities (8.41 ± 1.04 vs. 7.86 ± 0.82; p < 0.001). Match statistics seem to be statistically different between the first four teams the other teams. The total goals are strongly associated both with the total score at the end of the championship (R = 0.906; p < 0.001) and with the position in the final ranking (R = 0.850; p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results suggest that high-level teams have a lower running rate and a higher percentage of jogging and sprinting than other teams.

The Female Menstrual Cycles Effect on Strength and Power Parameters in High-Level Female Team Athletes.

PurposeThe female menstrual cycle (MC) is characterized by hormonal fluctuations throughout its different phases. However, research regarding its effect on athletic performance in high level athletes is sparse. The aim of this study was to (i) investigate the female MCs effect on strength and power performance in highly trained female team athletes throughout the MC and (ii) examine whether eumenorrheic participants with natural hormonal fluctuations displayed enhanced performance in the follicular phase (FP) versus the luteal phase (LP), compared to controls using hormonal contraceptives.Materials and MethodsA total of 29 athletes (Age 21.2 ± 3.3 years; weight 65.6 ± 8.7 kg; height 170.2 ± 8.0 cm; and fat free mass 52.7 ± 7.1) completed the study after a 6-week testing period (8 eumenorrheic participants and 21 hormonal contraceptive controls). Participants were recruited from the team sports soccer, handball and volleyball. Testing protocol consisted of maximal voluntary isometric grip strength, 20-m sprint, countermovement jump and pneumatic leg-press. Based on self-reported use of hormonal contraceptives, participants were divided into non-hormonal contraceptive group and hormonal contraceptive group, the latter working as a control group. Differences in performance between the FP and LP were investigated. MC phase was confirmed by serum hormonal levels through venous blood samples in the non-hormonal contraceptive group.ResultsThere were no statistically significant changes for the two different phases of the MC, in terms of physical performance for the whole group. Further, there was no significant difference between groups during the MC for any of the outcome variables, maximal voluntary isometric grip strength F(3.29) = 0.362; 20-m sprint F(3.24) = 0.710; countermovement jump F(3.26) = 2.361; and leg-press F(3.26) = 1.746.ConclusionIn high level female team athletes, no difference in performance was observed based on hormonal contraceptive status. This suggests that the MC does not alter acute strength and power performance on a group level in high level team athletes.

Change of Direction Performance Is Influenced by Asymmetries in Jumping Ability and Hip and Trunk Strength in Elite Basketball Players

Change of direction (COD) ability is essential for sport performance in high level team sports such as basketball, however, the influence of asymmetries on COD ability is relatively unknown. Forty-three junior and senior level elite basketball players performed isometric hip and trunk strength testing, passive hip and trunk range of motion testing, and unilateral horizontal and vertical jumps, as well as the T-test to measure COD performance. Mean asymmetry values ranged from 0.76% for functional leg length up to 40.35% for rate of torque development during hip flexion. A six-variable regression model explained 48% (R2 = 0.48; p &lt; 0.001) of variation in COD performance. The model included left hip internal/external rotation strength ratio, and inter-limb asymmetries in hip abduction rate of torque development, hip flexion range of motion, functional leg length, single leg triple jump distance, and peak torque during trunk lateral flexion. Results suggest that the magnitude of asymmetries is dependent of task and parameter, and using universal asymmetry thresholds, such as &lt;10 %, is not optimal. The regression model showed the relationship between asymmetries and COD performance. None of tests were sufficient to explain a complex variable like COD performance.

The Dark Side of Spectator Behavior: Effects of Spectator Dysfunctional Behavior on Anger, Rumination, and Revisit Intention

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the negative effects of spectator dysfunctional behavior (SDB) on other spectators’ anger, rumination, and revisit intention. More specifically, in Study 1, we show that SDB (vs. spectator normal behavior [SNB]) elicited other spectators’ anger and reduced revisit intention. Anger significantly mediated the relationship between SDB (vs. SNB) and revisit intention. The negative effects of SDB and anger on revisit intention became positive as team identification increased. In Study 2, we demonstrate that rumination regarding SDB incidents evoked focal spectators’ anger and decreased revisit intention. Anger significantly mediated the relationship between rumination and revisit intention. Furthermore, the negative effects of rumination and anger on revisit intention were more significantly reduced in a high-level team identification group than in a low-level of team identification counterpart. Overall, the current work makes contributions to the sport management literature by shedding light on the dark side of sport spectatorship.