Profile Of Players Research Articles

Contextualised high-intensity running profiles of elite football players with reference to general and specialised tactical roles

The present study aimed to contextualise physical metrics with tactical actions according to general and specialised tactical roles. A total of 244 English Premier League players were analysed by coding player's physical-tactical actions via the fusion of tracking data and video. Data were analysed across 5 general (Central Defensive Players = CDP, Wide Defensive Players = WDP, Central Midfield Players = CMP, Wide Offensive Players = WOP, Central Offensive Players = COP) and 11 specialised positions (Centre Backs = CB, Full-Backs = FB, Wing-Backs = WB, Box-to-Box Midfielders = B2BM, Central Defensive Midfielders = CDM, Central Attacking Midfielders = CAM, Wide Midfielders = WM, Wide Forwards = WF, Centre Forwards = CF). COP covered more distance at high-intensity (> 19.8 km · h-1) when performing actions such as 'Break into Box', Run in Behind/Penetrate', and 'Close Down/Press' than other positions (ES: 0.6-5.2, P < 0.01). WOP covered more high-intensity 'Run with Ball' distance (ES: 0.7-1.7, P < 0.01) whereas WDP performed more 'Over/Underlap' distance than other positions (ES: 0.9-1.4, P < 0.01). CDP and WDP covered more high-intensity 'Covering' distances than other positions (ES: 0.4-2.4, P < 0.01). Nonetheless, data demonstrated that implementing specialised positional analysis relative to a generalised approach is more sensitive in measuring physical-tactical performances of players with the latter over or underestimating the match demands of the players compared to the former. A contextualised analysis may assist coaches and practitioners when designing position or even player-specific training drills since the data provides unique physical-tactical trends across specialised roles.

Anthropometric and Physical Profile Among the Different Age Groups of Tunisian Tennis Players

Background: The popularity of Tunisian tennis is on the rise, due to emerging players gaining global recognition, leading to growth and evolution in the sport. In order to optimize training and performance, coaches need valuable information on physical fitness and player profiling. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the physical profile of Tunisian tennis players in different age groups ranging from 7 to 17 years. Methods: One hundred and one tennis players from the same team were assigned to six age groups (U9-U18); U9 (7.89 ± 0.32), U10 (8.88 ± 0.34), U11 (9.78 ± 0.43), U12 (10.81 ± 0.4), U14 (12.3 ± 0.73), and U18 (14.69 ± 0.95) and were assessed for standing long jump (SLJ), countermovement jump, medicine ball throw (MBT), various sprint distances, agility drills, 20m Shuttle run (20mSRT), and Sit and reach tests. Results: The results showed that U14 and U18 age groups demonstrated better performance than U9 and U10 in jump tests, while U18 and U14 outperformed only U9 in the MBT test. U11 showed better performance than U9 and U10 in sprints, sideways shuffle, and spider drill tests. U9 and U10 had lower performance than U12 in SLJ, 20m sprint, sideways shuffle, and zigzag tests, and U11 outperformed U9 in the SLJ test. U18 and U14 had higher VO2max than U10 and U11, while U12 was higher than U11 only. No difference in flexibility was reported. The centile estimates of physical performances among Tunisian tennis players provide a means to compare individual player test results with the standard performance levels of the group. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study found that 11–17-year-old players exhibited greater physical performance than 7–10-year-old players. However, no age effect was found for flexibility.

Sintomas auditivos e vocais: uma análise da autopercepção de jogadores de jogos digitais

ABSTRACT Purpose to identify factors associated with tinnitus, auditory perception and risk of voice disorders among digital game players. Methods cross-sectional study carried out with digital game players through electronic procedures to collect data related to hearing and vocal health. Three main outcomes were analyzed: tinnitus; auditory perception (sensation of diminished hearing) and risk of voice disorders, measured by the Vocal Symptoms Scale (VSS). The independent variables were related to sociodemographic characteristics, player profile and signs and symptoms. Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were applied. Results the sample consisted of 59 players. Most were male (79.7%) and ages between 18 and 24 years (69.5%). Regarding the terms, 27.6% had tinnitus, 57.6% were at risk of vocal disorder and 13.6% reported hearing loss. There was an association between tinnitus and headache (p=0.024), tinnitus and smartphone use (0.012), hearing loss and anxiety (p= 0.049). A risk of voice disorder(s ) was associated with more hours played per week (p=0.020). Conclusion self-perceived tinnitus was associated with headache and smartphone use; there was also an association between anxiety and the feeling of hearing impairment, in addition to the risk of voice disorders and more hours played per week.

Anthropometric profile of the top-class male handball players participating in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Purpose The purpose of the study was to try to determine the factors that differentiate the height, weight, BMI, and age of high-level handball players participating in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Methods The study included handball players participating in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The study material consisted of data on athletes' body height, body weight, age, and BMI. The collected study material was analyzed about the position of the game, quarter and semester of the birth, continental location of the country, and geographical region. In parametric distribution, Student’s t-test and ANOVA were used. In non-parametric variables, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used. Results The highest average heights, weights, and BMIs are found in players playing in the pivot position, while the lowest are found in wing players. Interactions were shown within the body weight and BMI of the athletes. Players from Europe have the highest weight and BMI in the second semester of birth, while other players' highest results were in the first semester. Conclusions The factors that most strongly differentiate body height, body weight, and BMI are playing position. Factors that differentiate height and weight are the continental location and region of the country represented.

Comparison of injury profiles between elite Australian male and female cricket players.

This study presents seven seasons of injury surveillance data for both elite Australian male and female cricket players, revealing injury statistics and allowing for comparison between sexes. Retrospective cohort. Participants were elite Australian male and female cricket players who were contracted to play for a national and/or state/territory team and/or T20 franchise between 2015-16 and 2021-22 (7 seasons). Injury data was recorded in Cricket Australia's Athlete Management System database and combined with match data. The STROBE-SIIS statement was used as the relevant guideline for this study. Data for 1345 male player seasons and 959 female player seasons revealed sex-related differences in the injury incidence rates and prevalence. Males had higher incidence (average 136 vs 101 injuries per 1000 match days) and prevalence of match time-loss injuries (average 10.4% vs 6.5% players unavailable). However, the overall incidence of all medical attention injuries were similar between sexes (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) 0.9, 95%CI 0.8-1.0). The most frequent match time-loss injuries for males were hamstring strains (7.4 new injuries per 100 players per season), side and abdominal strains (5.5), concussion (5.0), lumbar stress fractures (4.3), and wrist and hand fractures (3.9). The most frequent match time-loss injuries for females over the 7 seasons were hamstring strains (3.1), concussion (2.3), quadriceps strains (2.4) and shin/foot/ankle stress fractures (2.0). The IRR of medical attention injuries for males compared to females was higher for lumbosacral stress fractures (IRR 2.3), elbow and forearm injuries (1.5), and concussion (1.4), and lower for lower leg, foot, and ankle stress fractures (0.6), shoulder and upper arm injuries (0.7), and quadriceps strains (0.6). Robust long-term injury surveillance enabled the injury profiles of elite Australian male and female cricket players to be understood and compared. Males had a higher incidence and prevalence of match time-loss injuries, likely reflecting a higher match exposure.

Psychological Profile of National Level Male Volleyball Players (Burn Out Scale)

Psychological Profile of National Level Male Volleyball Players (Burn Out Scale)

Interplay between alexithymia, emotion regulation, and positive and negative affect as predictors of gambling and gaming disorders in adolescents and young adults

Introduction / Objectives: Gambling and gaming disorder are usually comorbid addictive behaviours in which alexithymia and emotional regulation have been proved to be of relevance. The present study aimed to analyse the relationship between those variables and their differences depending on the presence or absence of gambling and gaming behaviours. Method: The sample consisted of 1,219 people between 12 and 20 years of age (M = 15.55, SD = 2.07; 51.8% females). Results: The results showed significant differences between players and non-players in gambling disorder, alexithymia and emotional regulation. The findings also indicated that there were differences in alexithymia, emotional regulation, negative affect, gambling disorder and gaming disorder among the different profiles of video game players. The comparison of participants with gaming disorder, gambling disorder, both, or neither of them, showed differences in alexithymia, emotional regulation, negative affect, gambling disorder and gaming disorder. Furthermore, correlations between gambling disorder and age, gaming disorder, negative affect, alexithymia and emotional regulation were found. Similarly, gaming disorder was associated with gambling disorder, negative affect, alexithymia, emotional regulation and age. Conclusions: The hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated the predictive role of alexithymia and age in gambling disorder as well as the predictive role of age, sex and negative affect in gaming disorder.

Anthropometric profile of the top-class female handball players participating in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Abstract Study aim: The aim of this study was to try to determine the factors that differentiate the height, weight, BMI, and age of high-level female handball players participating in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Material and methods: The recorded study material was analyzed in the context of the position in the game, RAE, the continental location of the represented country, and geographical region. Statistical tests were used: Student’s t-test, ANOVA using the b-Tuckey post-hoc test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The results show that the position of the game differentiates the height and body mass, and the effect size is large. Differences occur for all positions in the game. Interactions were shown within the body weight, BMI, and age of the athletes. The highest average heights, weights, and BMIs are found in female players playing in the pivot, while the lowest are found in right wing. Conclusion: The factors that most strongly differentiate the height and weight of female players are the nominal position in the handball game. Center backcourt players are characterized by lower height and weight values than left back players, so it is necessary to determine average values separately for the mentioned positions in future analyses. The results indicate the presence of numerous interactions involving RAE, which indicates a substantive need for studies at other levels of play to confirm their occurrence.

Tier-specific contextualised high-intensity running profiles in the English Premier League: more on-ball movement at the top.

The present study aimed to determine the physical-tactical profiles of elite football teams and individual players according to final league rankings. A total of 50 English Premier League matches (n = 100 match and 583 player observations) were analysed by coding the player's physical-tactical actions through synchronising tracking data and video. Final league rankings were categorised into Tiers: (A) 1st-5th ranking (n = 25), (B) 6th-10th ranking (n = 26), (C) 11th-15th ranking (n = 26), and (D) 16th-20th ranking (n = 23). One-way analyses of variance were used to compare match performances between different Tiers, and effect size (ES) was determined for the meaningfulness of the difference. Tier A teams covered 39-51% more high-intensity distance for 'Move to Receive/Exploit Space' (ES: 1.3-1.6, P < 0.01) and 'Run with Ball' (ES: 0.9-1.0, P < 0.05) than Tier C and D, and 23-94% more distance for 'Over/Underlap' (ES: 1.0, P < 0.01), 'Run in Behind/Penetrate' (ES: 0.7, P < 0.05), and 'Break into Box' (ES: 0.9, P < 0.05) compared to Tier C. Central and Wide Defensive Players in Tier A covered 65-551% more high-intensity 'Move to Receive/Exploit Space' distance compared to other Tiers (ES: 0.6-1.0, P < 0.01). Moreover, the additional options within the physical-tactical actions and zonal differences unveiled more meaningful insights into 'HOW' the top Tier teams physically and tactically perform. Thus, the amalgamated physical-tactical data help improve our understanding of a team's playing style relative to their competitive standard.

Physical and anthropometric profile of Tunisian elite football players according to their playing position: A longitudinal study

Background: In elite youth soccer, the extent to which anthropometric and physical fitness parameters vary according to playing positions remains unclear. Identifying and quantifying these differences is crucial for informing targeted training interventions. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the evolution anthropometric and physical profiles in Tunisian elite youth soccer players during one season, and to analyze differences between players according to their playing position. Methods: Sixty-two subjects (15.3±0.2 years, 69.4±6.4 kg, 176.9±4.8 cm) playing for the top four professional football clubs in Tunisia took part in the study. They were divided into five groups according to their playing position: goalkeepers (n=10), fullbacks (n=14), central defenders (n=11), midfielders (n=15) and forwards (n=12). Various anthropometric measurements, fitness tests assessing aerobic and anaerobic performance were performed at two times (T): T1 (3 weeks after the beginning of the preparation period), and T2 (end of the competitive period). Results: Football players across all positions exhibited significant anthropometric growth, particularly in height, with increases from small to moderate (p &lt; 0.001; effect size (ES) = 0.30 to 0.57). Weight changes were non-significant (p = 0.01 to 0.14; ES = 0.01 to 0.14), while fat mass reductions across positions were slightly more pronounced (p = 0.05 to 0.25; ES = 0.09 to 0.25). Performance metrics revealed substantial improvements, particularly in the 5-Jump Test, where forwards excelled (p &lt; 0.001; ES = 1.07), and in sprinting events, where consistent progress was noted across all positions (p &lt; 0.001; ES = 0.16 to 0.33). The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test exhibited significant enhancements, again with forwards achieving the greatest gains (p &lt; 0.001; ES = 3.01). Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for position-specific training in youth football, highlighting how physical and anthropometric characteristics vary by playing position. The results suggest that tailored training can enhance performance and development in young players, reinforcing the importance of customized approaches for different positions in elite youth soccer. This approach not only improves player performance but also aids in effective talent identification and injury prevention of youth soccer players.

The somatomotor profile of U14 basketball players

Basketball is a team sport spread all over the world. In recent years, a lot of scientific research has been conducted and highlighted aspects regarding the improvement of physical condition as well as technical and tactical issues specific to the game of basketball. Physical training has become increasingly important in basketball, and players are stronger and more agile, even if their body dimensions are impressive. On the other hand, the game of basketball requires some rigour in motor but especially somatic terms. At international level, there are a number of somatic and motor standards according to which basketball players are selected, but no such scientific approach has been made in our country so far. This study aims to identify the somatic and motor profile of U14 basketball players according to the playing position and to compare the results with those of regional teams from Austria and Greece. The investigated sample consisted of 31 young basketball players, members of the extended team of the Romanian Basketball Federation. The methods used were: literature review, observation, tabular method, mathematical statistics and graphical method. The results show that both the anthropometric and physical test values analysed for each playing position are much weaker for Romanian players than for those from Greece and Austria.

Method for the Player Profiling in the Turn-based Computer Games

Method for the Player Profiling in the Turn-based Computer Games

Seasonal Changes in the Acceleration–Speed Profile of Elite Soccer Players: A Longitudinal Study

This study aimed to describe the acceleration–speed (AS) profile of soccer players during competition and to analyse their seasonal changes and inter-player differences. The AS profile values (theoretical maximum acceleration (A0) and speed (S0)) of 14 elite soccer players were studied in 18 matches, which were divided into five season periods. The main findings showed the A0 (6.20 ± 0.51 m/s2) and S0 (9.18 ± 0.58 m/s) average team season values. Significant individual changes (p &lt; 0.05 and effect size (Eta-squared, η2) &gt; 0.5) were confirmed for A0 (Players 4 and 8) and S0 (Players 6, 8 and 11). Additionally, standard deviations (SD±) confirmed small (±0.20–0.60) to moderate (±0.60–1.20) seasonal variations for most players in A0 (SD range: ±0.22 to ±0.69 m/s2) and S0 (SD range: ±0.27 to ±0.90 m/s). SD showed small to moderate inter-player differences for each period for A0 (SD range: ±0.39 to ±0.61 m/s2) and S0 (SD range: ±0.53 to ±0.61 m/s). In summary, coaches are recommended to assess the AS profile to diagnose potential player seasonal changes in sprinting performance, especially for A0, which seems to be more sensitive to variations than S0.

ANTHROPOMETRIC PROFILE OF ELITE U16 BASKETBALL PLAYERS

The purpose of the study was to examine and record the anthropometric profile of U16 elite male basketball players of national teams per competitive position as well as to compare the differences of anthropometric profiles between the playing positions. The study involved 17 young male basketball players (average weight 84 kg, average height 1.97 cm, average age 15.9 years). Players were classified according to their position in Guards (G: n = 7), Forwards (F: n = 6), and Centers (C: n = 4). The players participated in the Development Program of the Hellenic Basketball Federation in the year 2021 and were preparing for their possible selection and participation in the Greek National Team, which would participate in the U16 European Basketball Championship of the same summer. In order to determine the anthropometric profile of the elite players of the study, the following anthropometric characteristics were measured in each position: height, weight, wingspan, standing reach, body fat percentage and body mass index (BMI). The sample was analyzed separately for three different positions of the players, the Guards, the Forwards and the Centers. In the inductive analysis, the possible differences between the different positions of the players were examined. One-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) was used to look for differences between the mean values ​​of the variables measured in relation to the athlete's position on the court. The main findings suggest that the anthropometric profile of the U16 male players of the Greek National Basketball Team is at a high level. Specifically, Guards recorded an average height of 190.29 ± 4.64 cm, weight 77.26 ± 5.91 kg and body fat percentage 10.33 ± 1.11 (%).Accordingly, Forwards recorded height of 197.5 ± 4.89 cm, weight 84.06 ± 10.62 kg,body fat percentage 9.85 ± 2.39 (%) and the Centers recorded height of 205.5 ± 3.11 cm, weight 94.99 ± 4.5 kg and body fat percentage 11.78 ± 1.95 (%).Furthermore, the findings showed that the players of the Center position were significantly superior in almost all anthropometric measurements compared to the other two positions. In particular, the Centers had the highest height, weight, body fat percentage and standing reach compared to the Guards and Forwards although they were younger. No differences were found in the other measurements.

PHYSIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF SPEED, AGILITY AND JUMPING ABILITY OF ELITE U16 BASKETBALL PLAYERS

The purpose of the study was to record the physiological profile of the U16 elite men basketball players of national teams per playing position as well as to compare the differences of those physiological profiles between the playing positions. The study involved 17 young male basketball players (average weight 84 kg, average height 1.97 cm, average age 15.9 years). Players were classified according to their positions in Guards (G: n = 7), Forwards (F: n = 6), and Centers (C: n = 4). In order to determine the physiological profile of the elite players of the study, tests were performed which were divided into 3 characteristics: speed (5m-10m Sprint), agility (T-drill) and jumping ability / anaerobic power (CMJ, DJ, SJ). In the inductive analysis, the possible differences between the different positions of the players were examined through the one-way ANOVA tests. The main findings suggest that the physiological profile of speed, agility and jumping ability of the U16 male players of the Greek National Basketball Team is at a high level. Specifically, the Guards recorded an average of jump height 41.73 cm for the 3 trials (CMJ, SJ, DJ) and times 0.73 ± 0.03 (s), 1.87 ± 0.04 (s) for the 5m. and 10m. sprints and 8.39 ± 0.23 (s) for the T-drill test. Respectively, the Forwards of the research recorded average jump heights of 40.12 cm for the 3 trials (CMJ, SJ, DJ) and times 0.75 ± 0.07 (s), 1.93 ± 0.12 (s) for the 5m, and 10m sprints, and 8.48 ± 0.47 for the T-drill test. Finally, the Centers recorded an average of jump height 42.82 cm for the 3 trials (CMJ, SJ, DJ) and times 0.74 ± 0.05 (s), 1.89 ± 0.04 (s) for the 5m. and 10m. sprints and 8.48 ± 0.31 (s) for the T-drill test. The findings showed that there were no differences between the 3-position players in the 5m / 10m speed tests as well as in the T-drill agility test. On the other hand, in the jump tests, paradoxically, the elite U16 players from the Centers position had the best performance in general in the 3 jump tests and in particular in the CMJ and SJ and the Guards players had the best performance in the DJ. The Forwards position players had the worst performance in all 3 jump tests.

Examining the psychological characteristics of developing excellence profiles of male English youth soccer players: differences across ages and performance levels

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate differences in PCDEs across different age groups (U13, U14, U15, U16 and youth team) and categories of participation (Categories 1, 2 and 3 at academy level, and grassroots) in male English youth soccer players (n = 375). Data were gathered using the PCDE questionnaire version 2 (PCDEQ2). Differences between age groups and categories of participation were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis H test. Across age groups, highest differences were reported in perfectionistic tendencies (d = .57, p = <0.01) and adverse response to failure (d = .49, p = <0.01), with youth team players reporting the highest scores. Across categories of participation highest differences in PCDEs were observed in perfectionistic tendencies (d = .64, p = <0.01), self-directed control and management (d = .63, p = <0.01) and adverse response to failure (d = .58, p = <0.01), with Category 1 players reporting the highest scores. Youth team and Category 1 players also demonstrated the highest scores in the use of imagery and active preparation, with Category 1 players also demonstrating the highest and lowest score on the use of active coping strategies and presentation of clinical indicators, respectively. The findings of the current study have important implications for key stakeholders involved in the planning and monitoring of a player’s talent development environment. Careful consideration should be given to identifying and developing players’ psychological characteristics to ensure positive nurturing throughout their journey.

Can people’s brainhex type be changed with serious games? Evidence from the banking industry

Abstract The BrainHex model is one of the most researched models to represent player profiles in games. In this paper the author examines how serious games can be used to change the player profiles over time, even in heavily regulated environments, such as the banking industry. To understand if player archetypes change over time, I have conducted an exploratory study with 2531 bankers over the course of three years. Our results indicate that the players ‘archetypes can potentially be changed with the help of serious games Age of the players and their role in the organization do not influence the change of the main archetypes, but can determine the amplitude of that change. The change appears to be significant across all age groups and roles in the organization and also persistent. A slight decrease in Y3, however, could indicate that the change could be reversible with the passing of time. The statistical analysis of the data collected indicates that the desired change in the main archetype can be obtained by having the players spend between 10 and 20 hours playing personalized serious games that facilitate the desired archetype and that those games should be designed to facilitate an easier level up mechanism. My results both confirm existing studies on the subject and have practical implications for the designers of serious games and gamification mechanisms, by indicating how serious games should be personalized to achieve the desired change in behaviour.

Body composition variations between injured and non-injured professional soccer players

Professional soccer is characterized by its physical demands, making players’ exposure to high injury risks a growing problem. It is crucial to study the factors associated with injuries in professional soccer. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between age, body composition, and others variables related with the injury profile of professional soccer players of a specific Portuguese team. Also, it analyzed the impact of the injury profile on soccer’s variations in body fat (BF%), skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and total body water (TBW) throughout the season. The sample comprised 31 male professional soccer players competing in the First Portuguese Soccer League. Older players had a higher prevalence of muscular injuries. Midfielders and forwards showed the highest number of muscular injuries during the season being quadriceps the most affected zone. Considering players’ BF% [Wilks’ Lambda = 0.42, F (7, 23) = 4.61, p = 0.002, r = 0.58], SMM [Wilks’ Lambda = 0.59, F (6, 23) = 2.70, p = 0.039, r = 0.41] and TBW [Wilks’ Lambda = 0.54, F (7, 23) = 2.80, p = 0.029, r = 0.46] there was a substantial main effect for the assessments performed throughout the season and the injury status. Age assumes relevance in explaining the injury profile. The impact of the injury profile on soccer's variations in BF%, SMM and TBW throughout the season must be analyzed considering the clinical relevance.

Effects of a small-sided games training program in youth male soccer players: variations of the locomotor profile while interacting with baseline level and with the accumulated load

PurposeThis study aimed to (1) analyze the impact of a small-sided game training program in the locomotor profile of youth male soccer players (while interacting with the baseline level – higher and lower level); and (2) test the relationships between variation in locomotor profile and the accumulated demands in 3v3, 5v5 and match over the period of observation.MethodsThe cohort lasted 3-weeks. Twenty under-17 male amateur soccer players (16.8 ± 0.41 years; experience: 6.35 ± 0.67 years) were assessed twice for their final velocity at 30−15 intermittent fitness test (VIFT), peak speed at 30-m sprint test (PSS) and anaerobic speed reserve (ASR). The PSS was estimated using a Global Positioning System, while the VIFT was estimated using the maximum level attained by the players during the test. Based on the baseline levels, the scores were standardized using the Z-score. The total score of athleticism (TSA) was calculated per player to organize the players into two groups: lower TSA and higher TSA. Over the three weeks of observation, the small-sided games of 3v3 and 5v5 and match demands were monitored using polar team pro. The heart rate responses (mean and peak), distance covered (overall and split by speed thresholds), and peak speed in these games were obtained and summed over the weeks. The repeated measures ANCOVA tested the variations (time) of the locomotor profile of players while considering the baseline as covariable and the group as a factor. The Pearson-product correlation test analyzed the relationships between variations in locomotor profile (Δ, post-baseline) and the accumulated demands in 3v3, 5v5, and match.ResultsBetween-groups analysis (lower TSA vs. higher TSA) revealed no significant differences on VIFT (p = 0.915), PSS (p = 0.269), ASR (p = 0.258) and TSA score (p = 0.138). Within-group (baseline vs. post-observation) analysis revealed significant difference on VIFT (p < 0.001), PSS (p = 0.008), while no significant differences were found on ASR (p = 0.949) and TSA score (p = 0.619). Significant correlations were found between ΔPSS and match total distance (r = 0.444; p = 0.050), match Z2 (r = 0.481; p = 0.032) and match Z3 (r = 0.454; p = 0.044). Significant correlations were found between ΔTSA and match total distance (r = 0.457; p = 0.043), match Z1 (r = 0.451; p = 0.046), match Z2 (r = 0.500; p = 0.025) and match Z3 (r = 0.468; p = 0.037).ConclusionSignificant improvements were observed after the period of observation. However, the fitness baseline level and the accumulated training load in the small-sided games seem to have no significant impact on the observed improvements.

Short-term Plyometric and Jump Rope Training Effect on Body Profile and Athletic Performance in Adolescent Basketball Players

Background: Recent research has focused on the effects of different types of strength training on the performance and body profile of adolescent athletes. However, the effects of short-term plyometric and jump rope training on body profile and athletic performance in adolescent basketball players are a matter of curiosity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of short-term plyometric and jump rope training on body profile and athletic performance in adolescent basketball players. Methods: Twenty-two basketball players aged 13 - 15 were randomly divided into two groups as plyometric (n = 11) and jump rope training group (n = 11). All participants regularly completed to plyometric or jump rope training as 10 units for 4-weeks in addition to basketball training. Somatotype, body composition, push-up &amp; sit-up test, sprint, agility (Illinois &amp; hexagon), jump (vertical, squat, horizontal, plyometric) tests were measured before and end of the study. Results: The push-up (P = 0.049 vs &lt; 0.001), sit-up (P = 0.20 vs &lt; 0.001), squat jump (P = 0.010 vs 0.003) and horizontal jump (P = 0.028 vs 0.014) of the players were significantly increased after 4-weeks plyometric and jump rope training. In addition, plyometric jump (P = 0.007) and hexagon performance (P = 0.001) were significantly increased in jump rope training group. At the end of 4-weeks, body mass, endomorphy and ectomorphy scores of the lower limb plyometric training group, and body mass index, endomorphy &amp; mesomorphy scores and quadriceps circumference of the jump rope training group were significantly increased. Conclusions: Short-term plyometric and jump rope training affect the body profile and athletic performance of the adolescent basketball players, but jump rope training has a more significant effect on athletic performance than plyometric training. Therefore, jump rope training is recommended for coaches who want to gain more athletic performance in a short-term.