Player Position Research Articles

Shoulder injuries in Brazilian professional football players: epidemiological analysis of 3828 games

ObjectivesFootball is a globally played sport that poses potential risks for musculoskeletal injuries. Upper-limb injuries have a lower incidence rate than lower-limb injuries but can still cause absenteeism and performance impairment in football players. This descriptive epidemiological study aimed to evaluate and compare the epidemiological data on shoulder injuries among professional football players in two major Brazilian football championships. MethodsData were collected throughout the championships, and club physicians medically evaluated each player during official games using two online forms. The collected information included the player's age and position, injury diagnosis, laterality, location on the field where the injury occurred, playing time, imaging examinations performed, need for surgical treatment, time to return to play (TRP), and recurrence of the injury. The incidence of injuries was evaluated using the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) incidence formula. ResultsA total of 107 shoulder injuries were recorded (4.3% of all injuries), with a FIFA incidence of 0.847. Glenohumeral dislocations (GHDs) and acromioclavicular dislocations (ACDs) accounted for 37.38% and 35.51% of all shoulder injuries, respectively. Goalkeepers and defenders presented, respectively, a 2.15 and 1.57 times increased risk of suffering shoulder injuries, while attackers presented a 0.63 times decreased risk. Injury recurrence was observed in 14.95% of cases, with GHDs and ACDs showing recurrence rates of 35.00% and 5.26%, respectively. Surgery was performed in 9.35% of cases, with GHDs representing 50% of all surgeries. The average TRP was 22.37 days, with severe and major injuries accounting for 11.21% and 10.28% of all injuries, respectively. Goalkeepers had the highest average TRP of 36.15 days. Recurring injuries had a higher average TRP of 33.44 days compared to nonrecurring injuries, which had an average TRP of 20.43 days. Surgically treated injuries had the highest average TRP of 112.5 days. ConclusionShoulder injuries in the professional football scenario are of great concern due to the high recurrence rate and need for surgical treatment, which will lead to a long TRP. These findings emphasize the need to implement prevention protocols and effective treatments to reduce the consequences of such injuries, which are usually underestimated in this sport. Level of evidenceIII.

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES OF YOUNG FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN CORRELATION WITH THEIR PLAYING POSITIONS

The aim of this study is to examine the differences in height, weight, and body mass index values among young amateur football players according to their positions and try to put forth the significance of these differences in talent selection and in establishing a general anthropometric profile of a football team. A total of 121 youth football players from the Nevşehir U17 amateur league in Türkiye participated in the research, during which their body height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were measured. When the study results were examined, goalkeepers obtained better values in the height variable compared to defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The lowest height values were found among midfield players, while defenders and forwards had similar values. In terms of weight variable, goalkeepers were found to have higher weight compared to players in other positions. Midfielders had the lowest weight among the groups. As for the body mass index variable, goalkeepers again reached the highest values, while midfielders had the lowest values. These findings indicate that the anthropometric characteristics of players at the U17 level vary depending on their playing positions. This observation suggests that the anthropometric features of players may differ based on the tactical aspects of the game. Football practitioners can leverage these study findings to gain a comprehensive understanding and interpretation of anthropometric characteristics and their implications for player positions. Furthermore, this knowledge can aid in providing tailored training programs aimed at evaluating and enhancing soccer-specific skills in relation to these factors. Awareness of these observed differences could also contribute to the early selection of promising players.

The Relationship Between the Characteristics of Central Java Athletes in the Post-Sports Injury Recovery Period

This study aims to determine athletes' characteristics and the length of the recovery period after a sports injury. This research is cross-sectional; this sample is 50 athletes in an epidemiological study design that studies the relationship between athlete characteristics and recovery after sports injury. Based on statistical tests selected using chi-square with α = 0.05. Type of injury with lecture time 0.015 no relationship, Athlete age with lecture time 0.013 no relationship, Gender with lecture time 0.300 no relationship, Athlete nature with lecture time 0.001 no relationship, Training frequency with lecture time 0.348 no relationship, Length of competition with lecture time 0.050 no relationship, Player position with lecture time 0.297 no relationship, Playing techniques with lecture time 0.300 no relationship, Level of injury with lecture time 0.002 no relationship. This study concludes that there is a relationship between recovery time and age, athlete characteristics, and injury level. There is no relationship between recovery time and type of injury, gender, competition length, training frequency, player position, and playing techniques.

The Analysis of Physical Performance During Official Competitions in Professional English Football: Do Positions, Game Locations, and Results Influence Players' Game Demands?

Beato, M, Youngs, A, and Costin, AJ. The analysis of physical performance during official competitions in professional English football: Do positions, game locations, and results influence players' game demands? J Strength Cond Res 38(5): e226-e234, 2024-This study aimed, first, to verify if physical parameters were different between players' positions during official matches in English professional football, and second, if the game location (H and A) or results (W, L, D) affected players' physical performance. Twenty-five male professional football players of the same team were included in this data analysis (age = 27 ± 9 years) during the 2022-23 season. Players were divided into positions: center backs, wide backs, center midfielders, attacking midfielders, and strikers. The external load parameters were distance covered, high-speed running (HSR), sprinting distance, accelerations, decelerations, and high metabolic load distance (HMLD, meters > 25.5 w·kg -1 ) that were monitored using global navigation satellite systems Apex (STATSports). Linear mixed models' analysis for positions reported a significant difference in total distance ( p = 0.011), HSR ( p < 0.001), sprinting distance ( p < 0.001), accelerations ( p = 0.003), decelerations ( p = 0.002), and HMLD ( p < 0.001). Centre backs showed the lowest physical performance in the metrics analyzed, whereas players in the other positions frequently displayed a similar physical performance. Regarding locations and results, differences were only found between locations for decelerations ( p = 0.041) and between results for HMLD ( p = 0.010). In conclusion, physical performance was influenced by players' positions, whereas game location or results seem to not affect physical performance during official competitions. Consequently, practitioners can physically prepare their players independently from the location of the match or of the possible game results, whereas specific positional training is requested to optimally prepare their players.

Analysis of the Dominant Aspects of Libero’s Basic Skills

The physical fitness parameters of players in the libero position need to be measured to maintain performance with training that is appropriate to the needs of supporting movement performance as a libero. The aim of this research is to analyze the basic skills of Libero players. This is quantitative research that uses skill tests as a research instrument. The test instruments used include grip strength tests, sit-and-reach, running, push-up, sit-up, back-up, and vertical jumps. The research population is volleyball players in the position of libero in the Volleyball Student Activity Unit at Surabaya State University. The sampling technique used was a total sampling of 12 students. The data was analyzed descriptively and quantitatively to determine the average skill characteristics of Libero players. The research results show that the average sit and reach test measurement result for male players is 37.93 and for female players is 40.70. The average left-hand grip strength test result for men is 39.43 and for women is 26.8. The average right-hand grip strength test result for men is 41.29 and for women is 28.40. The average result of the push-up test for men is 34.29, and for women, it is 38.80. The average result of the sit-up test for male players is 44.14, and for females, it is 54.00. The average back-up test result for male players is 76.00, and for women, it is 76.00. The average running test result for men is 9.81 and for women is 9.64. The average result of the vertical jump test for men is 55.14 cm, and for women, it is 48.80 cm. The results of this research are useful for trainers as a consideration in preparing special physical training programs that suit the characteristics of liberos.

Predictors of batting and pitching performance in the USA baseball prospect development pipeline

ABSTRACT This study examined the relationship between psychomotor abilities and baseball performance by analysing data from 379 athletes who participated in the USA Baseball, Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP). Hit and pitch metrics were generated during practice sessions using the RapsodoTM System. Data were compared through exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical regression. Factor analysis grouped batter’s PDP evaluations into four latent variables accounting for 63% of variance. Pitcher performance grouped into three factors accounting for 51% of variance. Regression on batter data revealed a significant demographic/anthropometric base model with height, weight, and age that accounted for 58% of the batted ball speed (R2 = 0.581). Player position explained 2% of the variance (R2 = 0.604), and PDP evaluation scores contributed an additional 3% (R2 = 0.631). Regression of pitcher data showed a significant base demographic/anthropometric model accounting for 36% of fastball pitch speeds (R2 = 0.363), with the PDP evaluation scores adding 6% additional variance (R2 = 0.424). Uniformly, assessments of lower body strength added the greatest predictive information. Hand grip strength did not correlate with pitch metrics. While demographics/anthropometrics are major contributors to batted and pitched ball speed, position and psychomotor variables add statistically significant contributions and may be of practical value for player selection.

Differences in external load among indoor and beach volleyball players during elite matches.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine relationships of external load variables between beach and indoor volleyball amongst individual positions on the team. The movements of eight beach and fourteen indoor female volleyball players were recorded during elite playoff matches; in total, 2,336 three-dimensional trajectories were analyzed. Time-outs and intervals between rallies or sets were excluded from active play time. In both beach and indoor volleyball, 80% of rallies lasted up to 10 s, and players covered 4.5 to 10 m of court during 60% of rally play. Differences in dependent variables of external load were found between independent variables of sports and player positions (p < 0.05). The distance covered in beach volleyball rallies and Player Load™ parameters was significantly higher by up to 23%. The unstable court surface with sand in beach volleyball elevated explosive Player Load™ (accelerations in all three orthogonal planes of motion higher than 3.5 m/s3) in beach volleyball players compared to those of players on stable flooring in indoor. While beach volleyball blocker and defender positions showed no significant difference in parameters between each other, they differed in all parameters when compared to player positions in indoor volleyball. Indoor blocker and libero reached higher loads than setter, outside and opposite positions in various parameters. Factors that influence external load include the larger relative court areas covered by each player in beach volleyball, complexity of players' roles, and game strategy. This data adds to the knowledge of elite match demands in female volleyball. Specified agility-drill distances and times are essential for training optimization and must be supported by scientific observation. Researchers, coaches, and conditioning specialists should find this helpful for achieving a higher degree of training regulation.

Tactics analysis and evaluation of women football team based on convolutional neural network

In order to realize the process of player feature extraction and classification from multi-frequency frame-changing football match images more quickly, and complete the tactical plan that is more conducive to the game, this paper puts forward a method for analyzing and judging the tactics of women’s football team based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). By extracting the players’ performance in recent training and competition from continuous video frame data, a multi-dimensional vector input data sample is formed, and CNN is used to analyze the players’ hidden ability before the game and the players’ mistakes in different positions on the field to cope with different football schedules. Before the formal test, 10 games of 2021–2022 UEFA Women’s Champions League were randomly selected and intercepted to train the CNN model. The model showed excellent accuracy in the classification of image features of various football moves and goal angles, and the overall classification accuracy of each category exceeded 95%. The accuracy of classifying a single match is above 88%, which highlights the reliability and stability of the model in identifying and classifying women’s football matches. On this basis, the test results show that: according to the analysis of players’ personal recessive ability before the game, after model image recognition and comparison, the difference between the four scores of players’ personal recessive ability with CNN mode and the manual score of professional coaches was smaller, and the numerical difference was within the minimum unit value, and the numerical calculation results were basically the same. According to the analysis of players’ mistakes in different positions on the field, CNN was used to monitor the real-time mistakes. It was found that the two players in the forward position made the highest mistakes, and they were replaced by substitute players at 73.44 min and 65.28 min after the team scored and kept the ball, respectively. After the substitute players played, the team’s forward position mistake rate decreased obviously. The above results show that CNN technology can help players get personal recessive ability evaluation closer to professional evaluation in a shorter time, and help the coaching team to analyze the real-time events better. The purpose of this paper is to help the women’s football team complete the pre-match tactical training, reduce the analysis time of players’ mistakes in the game, deal with different opponents in the game and improve the winning rate of the game.

Playing position and match location affect the number of high-intensity efforts more than the quality of the opposition in elite football players.

This study aimed to examine the impact of playing position (PP), match location (ML), and opposition standard (OS) on team and individual acceleration (ACC) and deceleration (DEC) efforts. Fifty professional football players were monitored across 24 English Premier Development League matches during the 2020/21 season. High-intensity ACC and DEC thresholds were set at > +3 m · s-2 and < -3 m · s-2, respectively. Players were divided into five PPs: centre backs (CB; n = 68), full-backs (FB; n = 24), centre midfielders (CM; n = 54), wide midfielders (WM; n = 15), centre forwards (CF; n = 27). Opposition standard was categorised as Top (1st-4th), Middle (5th-9th), and Bottom (9th-13th) based on final league ranking of the study season. Each match location was classified as Home or Away. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a multivariate ANOVA analysed the independent effect of PP, ML and OS on ACC and DEC efforts, and the interaction of all contextual factors, respectively. Acceleration efforts were affected by PP and ML. FB performed 22% more ACC than WM. All players performed 6% more ACC actions during home matches compared to away fixtures. DEC efforts were only affected by PP, with FB and CM executing 26% and 32% greater DEC efforts than CB, respectively. When playing against top or middle teams at home, CB, CM, and CF tended to perform more high-intensity actions than when playing away. In contrast, when playing against top teams at home, FB and WM performed fewer high-intensity actions than when playing away. Playing position and ML affected ACC and DEC actions but not OS.

Do small-sided games prepare players for the worst-case scenarios of match play in elite young soccer players?

The aim of the study was to determine whether the physical performance of young soccer player during various small sided games (SSGs) underloads, replicates or overloads the requirements of the worst-case scenarios (WCS) during match play. A total of 521 SSGs' individual observations and 15 different formats of SSGs with different areas per player (ApP) (ApP100: < 100; ApP200: ranged from 101 to 200; ApP300: > 201, all in m2 · player-1) were taken into consideration. Whole (90-min average; OM) and 15-, 5- and 1-min worst-case scenarios (WCS15, WCS5 and WCS1, respectively) were analysed. Total distance covered relative (m · min-1) (TDCR), high-speed distance relative (m · min-1) (HSDR), very high-speed distance relative (m · min-1) (VHSDR) and sprint distance relative (m · min-1) (SDR), player load relative (PLR) and both total (ACCR) and high intensity relative accelerations (n · min-1) (ACCHR) were collected. All external load measures analysed were significantly higher in WCS1 compared to WCS of longer duration and SSGs with different ApP (p < 0.001). The analysis demonstrated interactions between game type and player positions (p < 0.001) for TDCR, VHSDR, PLR and ACCHR. The SSG formats did not sufficiently stimulate the WCS for locomotor demands (VHSDR and SDR). SSGs played on an ApP100 overestimated the mechanical values compared to WCS15 and WCS5. The analysed SSG formats did not sufficiently stimulate players to cope with all external load demands that occurred during WCS1. This study provides useful information for practitioners on the heightened impact of different SSG formats on external load in relation to the WCS of competitive match play.

VIRD: Immersive Match Video Analysis for High-Performance Badminton Coaching.

Badminton is a fast-paced sport that requires a strategic combination of spatial, temporal, and technical tactics. To gain a competitive edge at high-level competitions, badminton professionals frequently analyze match videos to gain insights and develop game strategies. However, the current process for analyzing matches is time-consuming and relies heavily on manual note-taking, due to the lack of automatic data collection and appropriate visualization tools. As a result, there is a gap in effectively analyzing matches and communicating insights among badminton coaches and players. This work proposes an end-to-end immersive match analysis pipeline designed in close collaboration with badminton professionals, including Olympic and national coaches and players. We present VIRD, a VR Bird (i.e., shuttle) immersive analysis tool, that supports interactive badminton game analysis in an immersive environment based on 3D reconstructed game views of the match video. We propose a top-down analytic workflow that allows users to seamlessly move from a high-level match overview to a detailed game view of individual rallies and shots, using situated 3D visualizations and video. We collect 3D spatial and dynamic shot data and player poses with computer vision models and visualize them in VR. Through immersive visualizations, coaches can interactively analyze situated spatial data (player positions, poses, and shot trajectories) with flexible viewpoints while navigating between shots and rallies effectively with embodied interaction. We evaluated the usefulness of VIRD with Olympic and national-level coaches and players in real matches. Results show that immersive analytics supports effective badminton match analysis with reduced context-switching costs and enhances spatial understanding with a high sense of presence.

Knee, Low Back, and Shoulder Problems Among University and Professional Volleyball Players: Playing With Pain.

The knee, low back, and shoulder account for most overuse injuries in volleyball. Previous researchers have used methodology that did not examine the extent of injury burden and effect on performance. To develop a more accurate and complete understanding regarding the weekly prevalence and burden of knee, low back, and shoulder problems within the highest levels of men's volleyball, including the role that preseason complaints, match participation, player position, team, and age have on complaints. Descriptive epidemiology study. Professional volleyball clubs and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I program. A total of 75 male volleyball players, representing 4 teams playing in their country's respective premier league (Japan, Qatar, Turkey, and the United States), participated over a 3-season period. Players completed a weekly questionnaire (Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire) reporting pain related to their sport and the extent to which knee, low back, and shoulder problems affected participation, training volume, and performance. Problems leading to moderate or severe reductions in training volume or performance or the inability to participate were considered substantial problems. The mean weekly prevalence of knee, low back, and shoulder problems based on 102 player-seasons was 31% (95% CI = 28%, 34%), 21% (95% CI = 18%, 23%), and 19% (95% CI = 18%, 21%), respectively. Most players (93%, 95/102 player-seasons) reported some level of knee (79%, n = 81/102 player-seasons), low back (71%, n = 72/102 player-seasons), or shoulder (67%, n = 68/102 player-seasons) complaints during the season. Most players (58%, n = 59/102 player-seasons) experienced at least 1 episode of substantial problems affecting the knee (33%, n = 34/102 player-seasons), low back (27%, n = 28/102 player-seasons), or shoulder (27%, n = 28/102 player-seasons). Players with preseason complaints had more in-season complaints than teammates without preseason problems (mean weekly prevalence: knee, 42% versus 8%, t49 = -18.726, P < .001; low back, 34% versus 6%, t32 = -12.025, P < .001; shoulder, 38% versus 8%, t30 = -10.650, P < .001). Nearly all included elite male volleyball players experienced knee, low back, or shoulder problems, and most had at least 1 bout that substantially reduced training participation or sport performance. These findings suggest that knee, low back, and shoulder problems result in greater injury burden than previously reported.

An Intelligent Human-Computer Interaction System Based on Wireless Self-Powered Sensor for Motion Monitoring

With the development of the Internet of Things and information technology, large numbers of self-powered flexible sensors are needed to monitor the state of human motions. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted attention in sports monitoring due to its low cost and materials versatility. An Eco-flex-PTFE TENG (PE-TENG) system has been designed to real-time monitor and analyze the position and force changes of soccer players when kicking the ball on the outside, inside, and front of the foot, and to evaluate the technical motions. The PE-TENG system includes a PE-TENG sensing unit, Bluetooth transmission end, and an upper computer digital signal receiving end. The friction layer of the PE-TENG sensing unit is composed of Eco-flex and PTFE. PE-TENG system has the advantages of small size, light weight, stable working performance, and does not require external power supply. On the basis of the PE-TENG system, designed a human-computer interaction system to achieve the combination of real and virtual kicking skills for analyzing soccer players’ kicking motions. The system provides a new direction for scientific monitoring of soccer training, and entertainment of soccer players, while also accelerating the broad application prospects of self-powered wearable sports sensors in the field of sports monitoring.

Monitoring external load during real competition in male handball players through big data analytics

The present study aimed to analyze the external load put on elite male handball players during the 2020 European Championship differentiated by playing positions. A system based on three phases was designed: 1) information capture of game events through sensor networks, LPS system and WebScraping techniques; 2) information processing based on Big Data Analytics; 3) extraction of results based on a descriptive analytics approach. Results showed that wings (Ws) and center backs (CBs) performed more accelerations and decelerations than the players in other positions in the entire match and attack. In defense, wings showed higher values than the rest of the players, followed by line players (LPs). In regard to body contacts, the positions that received more average number during the whole match were the CBs and LPs, with the CBs presenting the highest values in offense and the LPs in defense. Finally, backs were the ones performing more total jumps per game and in offense. In defense, LPs and left backs presented the highest values. It is necessary to monitor individual high intensity events to develop individual training programmes for different playing positions. High-intensity decelerations should be specially considered since they enlarge injury risks.

A multi-criteria system for performance assessment and support decision-making based on the example of Premier League top football strikers

The effective management of sports teams plays a pivotal role in achieving substantial success. In this pursuit, an increasing number of teams are resorting to information systems to enhance decision-making processes. These systems ensure the implementation of well-informed decisions, thereby contributing additional insights into training management. Through their assistance, it becomes feasible to optimize both player potential and overall team performance. In this paper, we propose a decision system rooted in the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approach, complemented by sensitivity analysis, to assess the performance of soccer players. The evaluation focused on football players in the forward position in the Premier League during the seasons 2015-2021. Subsequently, a sensitivity analysis of the results was conducted to delineate key elements in the game that significantly influence performance quality. Based on these findings, adjustments to a player's training plan can be made, targeting specific aspects of the game to enhance the player's potential. The study's results underscore that, with appropriate enhancements to players' performance, they can achieve markedly superior ratings compared to their counterparts.

Shoulder Joint Flexibility of Pointer, Middle, and Shooter Players in Petanque Athletes, State University of Jakarta

Pétanque sport is a sport of dexterity in throwing the blindest ball from the iron by getting the target ball closer (pointing) and keeping the opponent's ball away (shooting), and both feet are in a circle. The purpose of this study was to determine the flexibility of the shoulder joint in UNJ pétanque athletes seen from the position of the players, namely pointer, middle, and shooter, and measurements were carried out in the flexion and extension positions. The method used in this study is to use a descriptive method with a measurement technique that measures the flexibility of the shoulder joint. The population in this study was UNJ pétanque players totaling 30 people with a sampling technique namely with accidental sampling technique totaling 24 people. Data collection technique by measuring the flexibility of the shoulder joint using a goniometer. The research was conducted on the 2nd floor of the Biomechanics Lab of GOR UNJ. The results of the study on flexion measurements at the position of pointer players are 187.78°; Middle 201.67° and Shooter 187.78°. While the extension measurement at the pointer position is 83.33°; Middle 84.17° and Shooter 84.44°. The conclusion of this study was obtained Flexion measurements on pointers, middles, and shooters are all in the very good category. Normally 0-180°. The extension measurements on the pointer, middle, and shooter are all in the excellent category. Normally 0-60°. So, pointer, middle, and shooter players have the same physical condition that does not have a significant difference in shoulder joint flexibility.

Analysis of Speed, Power and Agility of Football Players Reviewed from Age Differences

Physical profile in soccer is one of the important things to determine a training program, but analysis that focuses on aspects of speed, power, and agility based on age categories has not been carried out by coaches. The purpose of this study was to analyze the speed, power, and agility of soccer players in terms of age differences. The research method is quantitative descriptive with a survey approach, participants are soccer players aged 14-15, 16-17, 18-19 years totaling 60 males, test instruments are 30-meter run, 80-meter run, illinois run, and standing broad jump. Survey and test data collection techniques, Kruskall Wallis test data analysis techniques and post hoc tests. The results found a variable speed of 80 meters there was a significant difference in age 14-15 and 18-19 years' sig value of 0.000&lt;0.05, age groups 16-17 and 18-19 years there was a significant difference in sig value 0.013&lt;0.05, while age 14-15 and 16-17 years there is no significant difference sig value 0.042&gt;0.05. The agility variable has a significant difference in age 14-15 and 18-19 years sig value 0.000 &lt;0.05, there is a significant difference in age 14-15 and 16-17 years sig value 0.000 &lt;0.05, while age 16-17 and 18-19 years there is no significant difference sig value 0.458&gt;0.05. It is concluded that chronological age affects the performance obtained, especially agility and speed. Hopefully, this research will be useful for coaches as a basis for evaluation and preparation of training programs. Further research is expected to look at other aspects such as gender differences, body mass index, and differences in player position.

Relating external load variables with individual tactical actions with reference to playing position: an integrated analysis for elite futsal

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to contextualise players’ high-intensity activities (HIA) with individual tactical actions during match play with reference to playing positions. Tracking data was obtained using local positioning system devices from 19 male elite futsal players (28.8 ± 2.4 years). The HIA measures included high-intensity acceleration (ACC; ≥3 m · s−2), deceleration (DEC; ≤−3 m · s−2), and high-speed running (HSR; ≥18 km · h−1). Tracking data and match footage were synchronised using the SPRO™ to code players’ physical performance and technical-tactical actions. A small statistically significant association was observed between HIA and players’ actions with or without the ball (χ 2 = 183.27 (2, N = 4234), p<.001; Cramer’s V = 0.21). When players have the ball, the number of DEC efforts tends to increase with a corresponding decrease in ACC and HSR. When the players do not have the ball, ACC and HSR running tend to increase with a corresponding decrease in DEC. A comparison between HIA revealed that futsal performance requires greater mechanical efforts (ACC + DEC) than kinematic efforts (HSR). This underscores the importance of mechanical efforts within short space for futsal performance. Moreover, the diverse tactical actions associated with different player positions contribute to distinct activity profiles and physical requirements.

Relacje turecko-palestyńskie. Ciągłość czy zmiana?

Turkish‑Palestinian relations – continuity or change? After the Justice and Development Party (Turkish Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi, AKP) came to power in Turkey in 2002, Turkish external activity was remodeled. Since then, the deepening of Turkish‑Palestinian relations could also be observed. This change is related to the new doctrine of foreign policy as well as to the conditions of Ankara’s regional policy, which competes with other players for the role of a regional power. The intensity of actions towards Palestine is also influenced by tensions between Turkey and Israel, which are characterized by varying intensity. Despite the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2016, the Republic has not abandoned its pro‑Palestinian stance. The purpose of this text is to analyze Turkish‑Palestinian relations in terms of the main principles determining Ankara’s external activity. Due to subjective disproportionality, it should be noted that Turkey, from the position of a regional player, is taking steps towards Palestine, which has lots of limitations when it comes to political steps. The areas of activity betwen Turkey and Palestine concerns issues such as humanitarian aid, cultural heritage, identity and historical ties, and trade. In its relations with Palestine, Ankara uses institutional soft power tools, which may also serve Turkish strategic aims. In the first part of the article, the main principles and mechanisms of Ankara’s foreign policy was presented together with the strategy that determines the directions of external activity. These principles are the basis for discussing the nature of political relations between the two sides as well as for analyzing economic relations, humanitarian aid and cooperation in the field of culture.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Did Not Substantially Impact Injury Patterns or Performance of Players in the National Basketball Association From 2016 to 2021

To perform a descriptive epidemiologic analysis of National Basketball Association (NBA) injuries from 2016 to 2021, to evaluate the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19) on injury patterns and performance statistics, and to determine the effect of infection with SARS-CoV-2 on individual performance statistics. Injury epidemiology in the NBA from the 2016 to 2021 seasons was collected using a comprehensive online search. Injuries and time missed were categorized by injury location and type. Player positions and timing of injury were recorded. Performance statistics were collected including traditional game statistics and Second Spectrum (speed, distance) statistics. Comparisons were made over seasons and comparing the pre-COVID-19 pandemic seasons to the pandemic era seasons. Players diagnosed with COVID-19 were analyzed for changes in performance in the short or long term. Of the 3,040 injuries captured, 1,880 (61.84%) were in the lower extremity. Guards (77.44%) and forwards (75.88%) had a greater proportion of soft-tissue injuries (P < .001) than centers. Guards had the highest proportion of groin (3.27%, P= .001) and hamstring (6.21%, P < .001) injuries. Despite minor differences on a per-season basis, there were no differences in injury patterns identified between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 eras. Of players diagnosed with COVID-19 during the NBA Bubble, there were no detriments in short- or long-term performance identified, including traditional game statistics and speed and distance traveled. In the NBA seasons from 2016 to 2021, most injuries were to the lower extremity. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic did not substantially impact injury patterns in the NBA, including locations of injury and type of injury (bony or soft tissue). Furthermore, infection with SARS-CoV-2 does not appear to have a significant impact on performance in basketball-specific or speed and distance measures. Level IV, prognostic case series.