Junior National Team Research Articles

Anthropometric and Motor Performance Variables Are Decisive Factors for The Selection of Junior National Female Volleyball Players.

This study examined whether anthropometric and fitness tests might successfully predict selection of young female volleyball players for a junior national team. Sixty four female players (age: 14.4 ± 0.5 y, body height: 1.76 ± 0.05 m, body mass: 63.9 ± 6.4 kg) underwent a selection procedure for the junior national team. Anthropometric data and speed and power test results were obtained and players were graded for their performance in a volleyball tournament. Selected players differed from the non-qualified in body height (3.4%; p = 0.001), standing reach height (2.6%; p = 0.001), the sum of skinfolds (15.4%; p = 0.035), body mass index (BMI; 7.1%; p = 0.005) and spike jump and reach (SJR) (2.5%; p = 0.001). Selected players were classified in the 99.2 ± 1.6 percentile in body height and in the 51.4 ± 20.6 percentile in the BMI, which were significantly different from those of the non-qualified players (95.4 ± 7.0 and 66.7 ± 18.6, p = 0.02 and p = 0.004, respectively). Stepwise discriminant analysis yielded a discriminant function (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.78) that was highly loaded by height, SJR and the BMI (r = 0.79, r = 0.74 and r = -0.53, respectively). Cross validation results showed that selection was correctly predicted in 15 out of the 20 selected players (predictive accuracy: 75.0%) and in 35 out of the 44 non-qualified players (predictive accuracy: 79.5%). In conclusion, body height, the BMI and SJR height successfully discriminated between selected and non-qualified elite young female junior national team volleyball players. The equal vertical jump, sprint and agility of selected and non-qualified players, highlight the importance of body height and the BMI for selection of elite junior female volleyball players.

DIFFERENCES IN VISUAL REACTION CHARACTERISTICS IN NATIONAL LEVEL CADET AND JUNIOR FEMALE HANDBALL PLAYERS

This paper aims to define differences in Simple Visual Reaction Time (SVRT) and Reaction Time Variation (RTV), related to age and player position in Serbian female cadet and junior national handball team members. The method used in this research was laboratory testing. All data sampling was performed using specially designed testing software that recorded visual reaction time with 1 ms precision. SVRT was expressed in ms, and RTV was expressed as a coefficient of variation percentage value. The overall sample consisted of 34 players - 19 cadets and 15 juniors. Mean SVRT of 194.28±16.55 and 184.73±16.68 ms was determined in the subsamples of cadet and junior players, respectively. It was found that cadets have a mean RTV of 4.74±2.41% while juniors have a mean RTV of 7.90±3.70%. Results of the Factorial ANOVA have shown that there are no general, statistically significant, differences in SVRT in relation to age, player position, and interaction of these factors (p&gt;0.05). Statistically significant difference in RTV on a general level was found in relation to age (F=9.752, p=0.005), while differences in relation to player position or combination of these factors were not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). Post hoc tests have shown partial differences in relation to player position. The method of mathematical modelling was used to define the statistical model of performance in relation to the given variables. The final form of the model explained 100% of the measured variance (AdjR2 = 1.000), which implies its absolute predictive potential considering the characteristics of the sample.

Multiple Learning Contexts and the Development of Life Skills Among Canadian Junior National Team Biathletes

The purposes of this study were to identify and explore (a) the life skills learning contexts experienced by Canadian junior national team biathletes and (b) the ways in which they learned life skills in these contexts. Nine members of the Canadian junior national biathlon team participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Results of thematic analysis revealed 3 life skills learning contexts: sport, school/work, and family. Participants reported learning life skills by using cognitive processes of observational learning and reflections on experiences. Some athletes reported that life skills learning occurred automatically, which may suggest implicit cognitive learning.Lay Summary:The different contexts in which Canadian junior national team biathletes learned life skills were studied. Nine athletes were interviewed. Athletes learned life skills in sport, school/work, and family contexts. They used cognitive strategies of observational learning and reflecting on experiences. Some athletes thought they learned life skills automatically, which may suggest implicit cognitive learning.

Relative Age Effect and Long-Term Success in the Spanish Soccer and Basketball National Teams.

The aims of this study were: i) to analyze whether relative age effect occurs in the athletes of the junior national teams and professional athletes in Spain in general and in soccer and basketball, and ii) to compare the long-term success of the players selected for the junior national team between these sports. The samples for this study were Spanish professional soccer (n = 461) and basketball (n = 250) players in the 2013-2014 premier league and players from the junior Spanish soccer (i.e., n = 273; U-17: n = 107; U-19: n = 166) and basketball (i.e., n = 240; U-18: n = 120, U-16: n = 120) teams that classified to play in the European Championships (from 2004 to 2013). Junior players (42.3%) were more frequently born in the 1st quarter of the year than the professional players (30.7%) (χ2(3) = 30.07; p = .001; Vc = .157). This was found in both basketball (χ2(3) = 12.2.; p = .007; Vc = .158) and soccer (χ2(3) = 20.13; p < .001; Vc = .166). Long-term success is more frequent in soccer, where 59.9% of the juniors selected for the national team played later in the premier league, while in basketball that percentage was 39.6% (χ2(1) = 14.64; p < .001; Vc = .201). On the other hand, 79.4% and 39.8% of the professional soccer and basketball players had been previously selected for junior national teams (χ2(1) = 60.2; p < .001; Vc = .386), respectively. The talent selection process should be reviewed as players born in the second half of the year have fewer opportunities to stand out.

Оптимизация процесса соревновательной деятельности спортсменок, специализирующихся в водном поло

Objective. Integrated assessment of specialized preparedness of skilled female water polo athletes aimed at the substantiation and development of practical recommendations on the effective use of water polo tactical schemes in the competitive period taking into account the functional capabilities of the body. Methods. An analysis of scientific and methodological literature; a questionnaire survey; physiological methods; psychophysiological methods; pedagogical testing; assessment of competitive performance; methods of mathematical statistics. Results. Competitive performance assessment of female water polo players was carried out on the basis of the data of their performance during water polo matches and with the use of their parameters of technical and tactical skills during the matches. The result of assessment was compared to the model characteristics that made it possible to determine the correspondence of displayed level of specialized preparedness of the water polo player to her sports qualification. The specialized preparedness of the athletes was examined comprehensively on the basis of relationships among the psychophysiological condition, speed abilities, and throwing efficacy, and taking into account the menstrual phase. The variants of application of technical-tactical schemes in water polo that take into account the team roles were developed and proposed to maximize and improve the realization of individual mastery by athletes that helped to optimize the competitive activity of the team in whole. This was confirmed by the growing performance of Ukrainian junior and women's national water polo teams. Conclusions. Recommendations on designing competitive tactics of the team and determining individual actions of water polo players were introduced into the practice of competitions of the leading club teams of Ukraine, as well as of Ukrainian women's and junior national teams. Keywords: competitive activity, water polo, female athletes, specialized preparedness, tactics.

The Relationship Between Early and Senior Level Participation in International Women's and Men's Handball.

International competitions at the youth elite level have become an important part of attempts to identify, foster and develop sporting talent. However, sports science scholars disagree strongly about the value and importance of such competitions because little is known about the relationship between early performance, at both the team and individual level, and later success in adult elite sports. The first aim of this study was therefore to explore the relationship between international match experience at the youth international team level and subsequent match experience at the junior and the senior international team levels. The second aim of this study was to explore the relationship between youth national team results and subsequent junior and senior national team results in international competitions. The individual-level analysis was based on official match participation statistics of all Norwegian handball players with either youth, junior and/or senior national team experience (n = 657) between the years 1993 and 2017. The team level analysis was based on team result rankings from the handball European and World Championships at the youth, junior and senior national team levels during this period. Statistical analysis at the individual level showed a significant difference between those handball players who did and did not have international match exposure at the youth and junior levels, and the number of matches they played at the senior international team level. No to weak correlations were found between the number of matches played at the youth, junior and senior international team levels. Statistical analysis at the team level showed a strong correlation between result rankings at the youth, junior and senior international team levels. Collectively, these findings suggest that having youth and junior international experience is strongly associated with the number of matches played at the senior international level. However, the number of matches played at the youth and junior international levels does not appear to determine success or predict which players will or will not achieve success at the senior international level.

Long-Term Radiographic Adaptations to Stress of High-Level and Recreational Rock Climbing in Former Adolescent Athletes: An 11-Year Prospective Longitudinal Study.

Background:In the past few years, competition climbing has grown in popularity, and younger people are being drawn to the sport.Purpose:While radiographic changes in long-term climbers are known, there are little data available on adolescent climbers. The question arises as to whether climbing at high levels at a young age leads to radiographic changes and possibly an early onset of osteoarthritis of the finger joints.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:A total of 19 members of the German Junior National Team (GJNT group) and 18 recreational climbers (RC group) were examined clinically and radiographically in 1999. In 2011, these climbers were re-examined (mean follow-up, 11.3 ± 1.2 years). Radiographs were evaluated using a standard protocol, searching for physiological adaptations such as cortical thickness of the middle phalanx and an increased adopted Barnett-Nordin index, as well as for early-onset osteoarthritic changes of the hand. In contrast to the Kellgren-Lawrence scale, subchondral sclerosis was added to the group of physiological, adaptive stress reactions and was not defined as osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis was defined by a Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥2.Results:Overall, 15 of 19 (follow-up rate, 78.9%) climbers in the GJNT group and 13 of 18 in the RC group (follow-up rate, 72.2%), with a mean age of 26.8 years, were examined at the 11-year follow-up. Five climbers (33%) in the GJNT group presented with a decreased range of motion for the finger joints, in contrast to only 1 climber (8%) in the RC group. Radiographic stress reactions of the hand were found in 80% of the GJNT group and 46% of the RC group, including cortical hypertrophy (GJNT: 73%; RC: 23%), subchondral sclerosis (GJNT: 80%; RC: 31%), a broadened proximal interphalangeal joint base (GJNT: 67%; RC: 38%), and a broadened distal interphalangeal joint base (GJNT: 53%; RC: 31%). Training intensity in 1999 and body weight in 1999 were significant for the development of radiographic stress reactions in 2011 (P < .05 for both). Signs of early-stage osteoarthritis were seen in 6 climbers: 4 (27%) in the GJNT group and 2 (15%) in the RC group. Significant statistical influences for the development of early-onset osteoarthritis were found for overall total training years (P = .024), use of campus board training in 1999 (P = .033), and climbing level (P = .030).Conclusion:One-quarter of climbers who performed at a high level in their youth showed a “mild” form of osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2). In analyzing the training regimens of our climbers for longer than 10 years, we conclude that intensive finger training (eg, campus board training) can lead to early-onset osteoarthritis of the hand. We also demonstrate that a high Union Internationale des Associations d’Alpinisme (UIAA) climbing level correlates with the risk for early-onset osteoarthritis of the hand and therefore must be seen as a risk factor for developing early-onset osteoarthritis of the finger joints.

Anthropometric profiles are associated with long-term career attainment in elite junior rowers: A retrospective analysis covering 23 years

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Successful rowers are heavier and taller than their opponents, but the effect of these variables on long-term career attainment in juniors has not been examined. We therefore analysed this in a large sample of elite German junior rowers. Methods: Former German Junior National Team rowers (N = 910; 399 females) were grouped according to their highest career attainment, i.e., participation in U19-, U23-, Senior World Championships or Olympic Games (OG). Differences in standing height (SH), body mass (BM) and body mass index (BMI) between groups were analysed using unpaired t-tests and magnitude-based inferences (MBI), effects of anthropometrics on career attainment were analysed with a proportional odds model. Interquartile ranges of the OG group were used to define normative data ranges. Results: SH and BMI very likely differed between career attainment in females. The same was found in males for SH and BM. BM (odds ratio (OR) = 0.958, P = .0171) and BMI (OR = 0.787, P = .0004) had a significant effect on career attainment in females as SH (OR = 1.072, P = .0002) and BM (OR = 1.049, P = .0004) had in males. Interquartile ranges of SH and BM were 178–184 cm and 68–73 kg in females, 190–196 cm and 84–93 kg in males. Conclusion: Anthropometric characteristics at junior age affect long-term career attainment even within elite U19 National Team rowers, underlining the relevance of anthropometric assessments and their consideration for talent identification and development programmes in rowing. We provide evidence-based normative data that rule out an anthropometric limitation of junior rowers for career progression to Olympic level.

Risk for Depression and Psychological Well-Being in German National and State Team Athletes—Associations With Age, Gender, and Performance Level

Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the development of depression. Research on depression in athletes including adolescent athletes, however, is scarce. The purpose of the present study was to assess the risk for depression depending on the athletes’ age, gender, and performance level. Data were collected from 1,799 German national and state team athletes. The PHQ-2 and the WHO-5 were administered to assess the athletes’ risk for depression and current state of psychological well-being. Overall, 13% of the athletes were screened positive for depression and 10% for impaired well-being. Adolescents, females and athletes of junior national teams showed a higher risk for depression and/or lower well-being than other subgroups. The finding that adolescent athletes are more vulnerable to suffer from depressive symptoms than adult athletes mirrors finding in the general population. Screening tools for depression should be followed up by clinical expert interviews to provide an external criterion for the obtained results.

Core Concept: Mechanical metamaterials bend the rules of everyday physics.

Chiara Daraio played for Italy’s junior national basketball team in the 1990s. But when a Swiss running-shoe maker called her up in 2015, it wasn’t to talk about her athletic talents. Mechanical metamaterials, such as this Islamic-art–inspired metamaterial sheet, can pop into new configurations when stretched. Image courtesy of Ahmad Rafsanjani and Damiano Pasini (McGill University, Montreal). The company, called On, was looking for new ways to cushion its clients’ feet by using 3D printing. On had heard about some strange materials Daraio and like-minded researchers had been fabricating in their labs: weird stuff that stretches and squishes in counterintuitive ways. “The sports equipment industry is relatively quick on the uptake,” says Daraio, a professor of mechanical engineering and applied physics at Caltech. “It has been proactive in trying to use these materials.” The soles on Nike’s recent line, Free footwear, offer an illustration. The bottoms of these sneakers don’t look particularly special, just polymer cut into triangles. But the shapes are informed by science. Every time wearers take a step, their foot widens from the impact, stretching the shoes. Nike’s sole responds by both widening and lengthening, to help absorb impact. That shouldn’t happen. Think of a rubber band pulled outward between your fingers; it narrows in the middle. Soft materials stretched wider should shrink in length. But the shoes exhibit bizarre behavior, thanks to materials made of simple patterns of repeating geometric shapes. And shoes are just the beginning, says Daraio. “A new field is emerging that creates unusual materials using simple geometrical architectures,” she says. There’s a name for this stuff: metamaterials, from the Greek word “meta,” meaning “higher” or “beyond.” The term was originally coined to describe things that interact with electromagnetic waves in counterintuitive ways—not because of their composition, per se, but because of their …

"The Early Specialised Bird Catches the Worm!" - A Specialised Sampling Model in the Development of Football Talents.

Characteristics of learning activities in early sport participation play a key role in the development of the sporting talent. Therefore, pathways of specialisation or diversification/sampling are as well debated as the implementation of practice- or play-oriented activities. The related issues are currently perceived as a two-dimensional construct of domain specificity and performance orientation. In this context, it has been shown that early specialisation, with experiences in practice and play, has led to Swiss junior national team football players reaching higher success levels as adults. This study aimed to examine whether a similar approach improves chances of even being selected for junior national teams from a broader sample. Hence, 294 youth players answered retrospective questionnaires on their early sport participation when entering the Swiss football talent development programme. Using the person-oriented Linking of Clusters after removal of a Residue (LICUR) method, volumes of in-club practice, free play and activities besides football until 12 years of age were analysed along with age at initial club participation. According to the results, clusters of Football enthusiasts (p = 0.01) with the most free play and above average in-club practice and Club players (p = 0.02) with the most in-club practice and average free play had a greater chance of reaching junior national team level. Thus, high levels of domain-specific activities seem to increase the chances of junior national team participation. Furthermore, the most successful constellation (Football enthusiasts) may illustrate the relevance of domain-specific diversity, induced by several types of practice and play. In line with previous studies, specialising in football and sampling different experiences within this specific domain seems to be the most promising pathway. Therefore, we argue that the optimal model for the development of football talents is a specialised sampling model.

Attitudes of Junior National Team Athletes towards Opponents: Ideology/Morals

Competitions between countries occur in every field, from science to industry. This competition is inevitable in the field of sports, which is the greatest feature of publicity in countries, one of the tools of getting political advantage and the greatest focus of global capital. This competition, which is seen in the fields of sport, sometimes becomes extreme and situations arise which are far from reflecting the nature of sports. Especially the efforts of athletes to represent their countries in the best way sometimes cause them to behave inappropriately to their opponents. Thus, the purpose of this study is to find out whether athletes’ being on the national team has any effects on their moral structure and to find out whether the attitudes they show to their opponent during competition are ideological or moral. Phenomenologic design was used in the study which was prepared with qualitative research method. The sample group of the study consists of 10 athletes in the junior national team who were determined with maximum variation sampling method. Individual interviews of an average of 10-12 minutes were conducted with the athletes within the context of semi-structured interview technique. The participants were informed that the interviews would be voice recorded and their expressions would later be converted into text to avoid data loss; the interviews were recorded after the necessary permissions were taken. Descriptive and content analysis method were used to analyze the expressions converted into text. Analysis results showed that the athletes stated that being on the national team had positive effects on moral structure due to motivating factors such as representing one’s country and being role models and that they were led by their moral structure while competing with their opponents.

Working in Danish ice hockey: Psychological services derived from the context

ABSTRACTThis article describes my experiences of working in Danish national junior ice hockey. I will describe the professional philosophy underpinning my services in ice hockey and I will outline the psychological services provided for the Danish junior national team that are derived from the context. In terms of identifying psychological areas of development, I used information from multiple sources, including the coaches, staff, players, and also observations of practice and competition. Three different but connected areas were targeted with the junior national team. First, creating an understanding and acceptance of roles within the team. Second, developing effective team communication under pressure. Third, learning the ability to register thoughts, release thoughts, and refocus under pressure. I then make conclusions by reflecting upon the effectiveness of services for the junior national team and the lessons learned from them.

Importance of movement symmetry in technical and tactical preparation of high advanced judokas different level of mastership

Introduction. The equalizing level of judokas preparation and more tough international competition force to seek continuously for reserves. The dimishing reserves still remaining in fitness draw attention to technical and tactical preparation. Here, movement symmetry and its application in tactics have been little used, as yet. The objective was to determine appearance of movement symmetry its extent and importance for sport successes by judokas. Methods and material. general physical fitness tests, interviews, observations. Tested were 136 advanced judokas (male and female), mainly juniors (finalists of the Polish Youth Games, reserve of the Polish Junior National Team). Results were given on the background of literature data for 959 judokas from various countries. Results. Investigation of the large judokas group has shown domination of right-side body activity, especially in young judokas (threefold in juniors). Over 20% of leading judokas made throws in both directions, with their number increasing with increase in sport proficiency (up to 57.3% among medal winners, and 71.4% among golden medal winners during various events, including Olympic Games). Symmetrically trained judokas have had greater successes when using right and left throws. This points to the increasing important of movement versatility at the highest level of sports mastery. Conclusion. Physical fitness test results in judokas show a differentiation in the body sides abilities in particular tests. This differentiation has been the highest in balance, flexibility and global movement coordination tests and lowest in the force (speed type tests).

Vertical Jump Performance Predicts Selection Of Young Talented Volleyball Players For the Junior National Team

PURPOSE: To determine whether anthropometric measurements and fitness test results can discriminate between selected and non-selected junior volleyball players. METHODS: Forty three male junior volleyball players (age: 15.0±0.7 yrs) took part in training camp and underwent a selection procedure by coaches of the junior national team. Anthropometric data (body height, body mass and body height with extended arm) and fitness tests results (countermovement jump (CMJ), block jump, spike jump, 10m sprint and 505 agility test) were obtained. Four expert volleyball coaches of the national team evaluated and graded the players in a scale from 0 to 100 during their participation in a volleyball tournament. The coaches selected the best 23 players on the basis of their score (selected players; n=23, height: 186±5 cm, body mass: 72±10 kg) (non-selected; n=20, height: 188±3 cm, body mass: 69.5±7.5 kg). A linear discriminant analysis was conducted on the selected and non-selected groups to determine if the anthropometric and fitness test data could predict the coaches’ selection. Anthropometric and fitness test data of the two groups were compared using independent samples t-tests. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Selected players had higher coaches’ scores compared to the non-selected (83.9±7.2 vs. 65.3±7.5, p<0.05). There were significant differences between selected and non-selected in only in vertical jumps (CMJ: 40.5±6.7 vs. 34.4±3.6 cm, block jump: 43.6±6.9 vs. 36.9±3.5 cm, spike jump: 72.8±10.3 vs. 63.4±3.8 cm, all p<0.05), but not in any other anthropometric or fitness test parameter. The multivariate analysis yielded a discriminant function (Wilk’s lambda= 0.69, χ2= 15.12, p=0.001, η2=0.12). CMJ was the main test result that highly loaded the discriminant function (r=0.85). Cross validation results showed that selection was correctly predicted in 31 out of the 43 selected athletes (predictive accuracy: 72.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Vertical jumping ability may be used as an important parameter that largely determines success, since it may discriminate between selected and non-selected junior volleyball players.

Which technical factors explain competition performance in air rifle shooting?

The purpose of this study was to analyze whether the same shooting technical components determining performance in testing situation also affect performance in competition situation and how the technical skill level of these components changes from training to competition. Thirteen Finnish national (10) and junior national (3) rifle team members participated in the study. Participants were measured in competition and training situation within a five-day period. Shooting score, aiming point trajectory and postural balance were measured from both situations. Shooting performance decreased from training to competition situation (10.31 ± 0.13 vs. 10.14 ± 0.17, p &lt; 0.05), accompanied by a decrease in holding ability, aiming accuracy, cleanness of triggering and postural balance. A multiple regression equation based on holding ability, aiming accuracy, cleanness of triggering and timing of triggering correlated with the competition situation shooting results ( R = 0.76, p &lt; 0.01). Changes in shooting performance from training to competition situation were most strongly related to the changes in horizontal holding ability ( R = − 0.71, p &lt; 0.01). Athletes and coaches should develop competition strategies and psychological training interventions in order to be able to maintain the horizontal holding ability in competition at training situation level.

Développement des habiletés mentales et performance sportive de haut niveau : la programmation neurolinguistique appliquée à la pratique compétitive du judo

IntroductionMany mental training techniques and methods adapted to the competition have been imposed in the sports environment. Among these, mention should be made of NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP). Its methodology and its different technical focus mainly on setting targets and improving the management of mental states of the athlete. ObjectiveThis study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of a structured of PNL in a mental preparation program during three months. We use three sequences: setting fitness goals, practicing a technique borrowed from NLP, anchoring resources and techniques associated with it to facilitate learning and coaching sports during the competitive period. MethodsAn experimental group composed of 20 Tunisian judokas (the junior national team of judo, 10 women and 10 men), have followed such a program of mental preparation in comparison with a control group. ResultsA significant improvement in mental skills, both in boys than in girls. The emotional, attentional control, and cognitive, motivation and self-confidence were particularly improved. ConclusionThe study showed the value of using, in particular, the technique of anchoring resources, to solicit, mental skills of athletes, both in situations of training and competition.

Improvement of Sports Technique Based on Biomechanical Indicators of Yurchenko Handspring Vault in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

The main purpose of this paper is the biomechanical analysis of the kinematic and dynamic indicators of sports technique used in Yurchenko handspring vault by means of the macro methods for exercises learning during the training basic specialization stage. This scientific approach led to the organization of an experimental study, using the research methods as follows: 1. Method of theoretical and methodological analysis of literature related to artistic gymnastics. 2. Method of evaluation of gymnastics exercises sports technique using the algorithmic analysis of the motion. 3. Video computerized method, using” Pinnacle Studio”,” Kinovea” and” Physics ToolKit” programs. 3. Method of movement postural orientation and evaluation of key elements of sports technique with complex coordination of movement structure. 4. Method of linear-branched programming of gymnastics exercises learning and improving. 5. Statistical method, by means of” KyPlot” program. The research was conducted from 2012 to 2014, when gymnasts’ performances were monitored in three national competitions - handspring vaults event; a number of 7 athletes aged 12 to 15 participated in these competitions, all of them members of junior national team of Romania. The results of the research highlighted and identified the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of sports technique key elements of Yurchenko vault in women’s artistic gymnastics. The implementation of the macro methods of learning in young gymnasts’ training contributed to the improvement of sports technique and the effective experimental distribution of the difficult and highly difficult basic vaults.

Improvement of Sports Technique Based on Biomechanical Indicators of Yurchenko Handspring Vault in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

The main purpose of this paper is the biomechanical analysis of the kinematic and dynamic indicators of sports technique used in Yurchenko handspring vault by means of the macro methods for exercises learning during the training basic specialization stage. This scientific approach led to the organization of an experimental study, using the research methods as follows: 1. Method of theoretical and methodological analysis of literature related to artistic gymnastics. 2. Method of evaluation of gymnastics exercises sports technique using the algorithmic analysis of the motion. 3. Video computerized method, using” Pinnacle Studio”,” Kinovea” and” Physics ToolKit” programs. 3. Method of movement postural orientation and evaluation of key elements of sports technique with complex coordination of movement structure. 4. Method of linear-branched programming of gymnastics exercises learning and improving. 5. Statistical method, by means of” KyPlot” program. The research was conducted from 2012 to 2014, when gymnasts’ performances were monitored in three national competitions - handspring vaults event; a number of 7 athletes aged 12 to 15 participated in these competitions, all of them members of junior national team of Romania. The results of the research highlighted and identified the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of sports technique key elements of Yurchenko vault in women’s artistic gymnastics. The implementation of the macro methods of learning in young gymnasts’ training contributed to the improvement of sports technique and the effective experimental distribution of the difficult and highly difficult basic vaults.

Improvement of Sports Technique Based on Biomechanical Indicators of Yurchenko Handspring Vault in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

The main purpose of this paper is the biomechanical analysis of the kinematic and dynamic indicators of sports technique used in Yurchenko handspring vault by means of the macro methods for exercises learning during the training basic specialization stage. This scientific approach led to the organization of an experimental study, using the research methods as follows: 1. Method of theoretical and methodological analysis of literature related to artistic gymnastics. 2. Method of evaluation of gymnastics exercises sports technique using the algorithmic analysis of the motion. 3. Video computerized method, using” Pinnacle Studio”,” Kinovea” and” Physics ToolKit” programs. 3. Method of movement postural orientation and evaluation of key elements of sports technique with complex coordination of movement structure. 4. Method of linear-branched programming of gymnastics exercises learning and improving. 5. Statistical method, by means of” KyPlot” program. The research was conducted from 2012 to 2014, when gymnasts’ performances were monitored in three national competitions - handspring vaults event; a number of 7 athletes aged 12 to 15 participated in these competitions, all of them members of junior national team of Romania. The results of the research highlighted and identified the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of sports technique key elements of Yurchenko vault in women’s artistic gymnastics. The implementation of the macro methods of learning in young gymnasts’ training contributed to the improvement of sports technique and the effective experimental distribution of the difficult and highly difficult basic vaults.