Level Of Play Research Articles

Water Polo Performance Classification Based on the Functional Test for Agility Performance: A Long-Term Training Tool

Background: Water polo is an open-skilled team sport in which agility is important. Objective: This study aimed to propose a water polo player classification based on the Functional Test for Agility Performance. Methods: A total of 78 male water polo players of different competition levels (7.7% regional, 52.5% national and 39.7% international), years of training (6.7 ± 4.5; 2-25 years), weekly training frequency (6.1 ± 2.1; 2-12) and age (18.1 ± 4.3; 12-36) were evaluated in the Functional Test for Agility Performance. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis was used in five levels to classify water polo player performance. Results: The players were classified based on the Functional Test for Agility Performance as excellent (≤ 3.22 s), very good (3.23-4.48 s); good (4.49-4.76 s); under development (4.77-5.11 s) and learning (≥ 5.12 s). Age, years of training, and weekly training frequency showed a decreasing trend from Gr1 to Gr4. Athletes at the international level ranked primarily in the best performing groups (Gr1 and Gr2, n = 30), the ones at the national level in the intermediate groups (Gr2, Gr3 and Gr4; n = 41), with a higher concentration in Gr2, and those at regional level mainly in Gr4 (n = 4). Conclusion: This classification proposal is expected to be useful as a tool to evaluate the training of athletes of different competition levels as well as to follow up on water polo athletes in long-term training.

Perceptual-cognitive performance of youth soccer players in a 360°-environment – Differences between age groups and performance levels

IntroductionAn important requirement for soccer players is the accurate and rapid processing of dynamic and complex visual scenes. Therefore, in high-level youth soccer the players’ perceptual-cognitive skills are highly relevant from a scientific and practical point of view. The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in perceptual-cognitive performance between youth soccer players of different age groups and soccer performance levels in a dynamic 360°-environment. MethodsIn a sample of 292 elite and sub-elite youth soccer players from the age groups U12–U23, perceptual-cognitive skills were assessed using a 360°-multiple object tracking task. An 8 × 2 (age group x performance level) analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to examine the effects of age group and soccer performance level on performance in the task. ResultsThe analyses revealed a significant main effect of age group. Post hoc analyses showed that youth players belonging to the older age groups (U16, U17, U19, and U23) performed significantly better in the 360°-multiple object tracking task than players of the youngest age group (U12). Yet no significant age-related differences could be found from age group U16 on. Furthermore, there was a significant effect of soccer performance level on the 360°-multiple object tracking performance in favor of the elite players. Significant differences between elite and sub-elite players within the same age group were only present in the highest age groups U19 and U23. ConclusionsThe results suggest that in a dynamic 360°-environment highly talented youth soccer players show better perceptual-cognitive performance with increasing age. Furthermore, elite youth players exhibit distinctive perceptual-cognitive abilities particularly at the highest age groups. These findings provide interesting implications for science and practice regarding the perceptual-cognitive skills of talented soccer players and their role in talent development.

Vo2max Level Reviewing frim Ideal Body Weight in WOmen Futsal Players Srikandi FC

This study aims to determine the relationship between Vo2max level and ideal body weightin female futsal players Srikandi Fc and obtain empirical data about the relationshipbetween Vo2max levels and ideal body weight in female futsal players Srikandi Fc.The method used in this research is quantitative research. The sample taken in this studywas 20 female futsal athletes from Srikandi Fc whose sampling technique from thepopulation was carried out randomly regardless of the strata in the population. Theresearch instrument used in this study used the bleep test method to measure aerobiccapacity or Vo2max and Indeks masa tubuh measurements to determine ideal body weight.The results of the Pearson correlation calculation, obtained the value of p = 0.000 (P<0.005) the value of r count; 0.746a, R Square; 0.557, meaning that there is a significantrelationship between ideal body weight (BMI) and VO2max level. In this case, if the femalefutsal player Srikandi FC has a good ideal body weight (IMT), it will be followed by a goodVO2max level as well.

POWER CHARACTERISTICS IN SENIOR BASKETBALL PLAYERS - COMPETITIVE-LEVEL DIFFERENCES

The explosive power of the lower limbs is considered to be one of the most dominant factors in modern basketball. Based on that, we assumed that power characteristics are the factor that distinguishes basketball players of different quality levels. To set qualitative levels, we tested three teams of basketball players (a total of 39 players), each participating in a competition at a different rank, from the highest national (Elite), through second national (sub-elite) to the regional (Amateur) level. Each player completed three parts of testing: jumping tests, sprint tests and isoinertial power tests. Despite the obviously better results of the elite group in the sprint variables compared to the other two groups, statistically significant differences were observed only in tests in which maximal speed (10mF and 20m) was achieved (Elite vs. Amateur, p<0.05). In three jumping tests (SJ, CMJa and RJ) we obtained significantly better results in Elite players compared to the other groups (SJ: p<0.01; CMJa: Elite vs. Sub-elite p<0.05, Elite vs. Amateur p<0.01; RJ: p<0.01), while in CMJ only a difference between the Elite and Amateur group was observed (p<0.05). In isoinertial power tests, the only difference was obtained for knee extensor muscles (Elite vs. Amateur p<0.05). In accordance with the results, it can be confirmed that power is a crucial factor in basketball performance and should be a key element in the selection of young basketball players.

Why do habitual violent video game players believe in the cathartic effects of violent video games? A misinterpretation of mood improvement as a reduction in aggressive feelings.

Previous research found that violent video game play leads to increased aggression, but many people (mainly habitual violent video game players) still believe that playing violent games releases aggressive feelings and in turn reduces aggressive behavior. Other research has shown that video game play can have a positive impact on the player's mood. Based on the General Aggression Model and mood management theory, we thus hypothesized that habitual violent video game players misinterpret their better mood after game play as a reduction of aggressive feelings and hence believe in the cathartic effects of violent video games. Two studies examined this reasoning in the player's natural habitat. Habitual video game players were surveyed multiple times for a period of 2 weeks before and after each gaming session. Results showed that playing video games improved the participant's mood, which in turn was positively associated with the belief in the cathartic effect of violent video game play. Importantly, this relation held when controlling for the player's actual level of aggressive feelings. Study 1 further showed that playing a violent game tended to lead to a higher level of reported aggressive feelings after playing. In contrast, in Study 2, level of reported aggressive feelings was not related to the violence of the game. Taken together, habitual violent video game players (erroneously) believe in the cathartic effects of violent video games, because they are in a better mood after playing.

To Be or Not to Be Stuck, or Is It a Continuum?

Players can get stuck in video games, which impedes their process to their goal and results in unfavorable outcomes like negative emotions, impediments of flow, and obstacles for learning. Currently, it is not easily possible to assess if a player is stuck, as no widely accepted definition of "being stuck" in games exists. We conducted 13 expert interviews and a systematic literature review with 104 relevant papers selected from 4022 candidates. We present a definition of "being stuck" that conceptualizes the state as a continuum and contextualize it within related concepts. Our stuck continuum can be applied to regulate the player's stuck level. We propose a taxonomy of measures that are useful for the detection of the level of stuckness and discuss the effectiveness of countermeasures. Our stuck concept is crucial for game developers creating an optimal player experience in games.

Skill Level in Tennis Serve Return Is Related to Adaptability in Visual Search Behavior.

Analyzing visual search strategies in tennis is primarily focused on studying relationships between visual behavior and tennis performance. However, diverse movement characteristics among different servers suggest the importance of adjusting the visual search strategies of an individual while playing against different opponents. The aim of this study was to analyze whether visual search strategies can be attributed to the individual server and the returning player during the tennis serve return or return performance. Seventeen tennis players were enrolled in this study (five international players and 12 national players) producing a sample of 1,020 returns measured with mobile eye trackers. The random forest machine learning model was used to analyze the ability to classify the returning player [area under the curve (AUC): 0.953], individual server (AUC: 0.686), and return performance category (AUC: 0.667) based on the location and duration of the focal vision fixation. In international tennis players, the higher predictability of the server was observed as compared with national level players (AUC: 0.901 and 0.834, respectively). More experienced tennis players presented with a higher ability to adjust their visual search strategies to different servers. International players also demonstrated anticipatory visual behavior during the tossing hand movement and superior information pickup during the final phases of the stroke of a server.

Correlations between gaze fixations to different areas of interest are related to tennis serve return performance in two different expert groups

ABSTRACT Interceptive tasks, such as returning a tennis serve, require efficient use of visual information. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in the gaze behaviour in two different groups of tennis players. Additionally, analysis between tennis serve returns of different quality have been conducted. Six-hundred and seventy-five returns performed by ten national and five international level tennis players were analysed. Focal visual attention was measured on-court using a mobile eye-movement tracking device. Fixations were mapped to different areas of interest relative to five consecutive service phases. Differences in the duration of visual fixations between different types of tennis returns were examined as well as correlations between most relevant areas of interest. Correlation analysis revealed differences in visual search strategies between both groups of tennis players. The international level group presented with gaze behaviour that indicates increased attention to specific visual information in tactically more successful serve returns. The national level tennis players on the other hand presented less specific gaze behaviour, and probably overall, less efficient attentional control. Additionally, international level tennis players presented return performance-specific gaze behaviour in the follow through-phase, which was not observed for the national level players.

The choice of negative control antisense oligonucleotides dramatically impacts downstream analysis depending on the cellular background

BackgroundThe lymphatic and the blood vasculature are closely related systems that collaborate to ensure the organism’s physiological function. Despite their common developmental origin, they present distinct functional fates in adulthood that rely on robust lineage-specific regulatory programs. The recent technological boost in sequencing approaches unveiled long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as prominent regulatory players of various gene expression levels in a cell-type-specific manner.ResultsTo investigate the potential roles of lncRNAs in vascular biology, we performed antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) knockdowns of lncRNA candidates specifically expressed either in human lymphatic or blood vascular endothelial cells (LECs or BECs) followed by Cap Analysis of Gene Expression (CAGE-Seq). Here, we describe the quality control steps adopted in our analysis pipeline before determining the knockdown effects of three ASOs per lncRNA target on the LEC or BEC transcriptomes. In this regard, we especially observed that the choice of negative control ASOs can dramatically impact the conclusions drawn from the analysis depending on the cellular background.ConclusionIn conclusion, the comparison of negative control ASO effects on the targeted cell type transcriptomes highlights the essential need to select a proper control set of multiple negative control ASO based on the investigated cell types.

اللیاقه النفسیه کمؤشر لمستوی اداء لاعبی المستویات العلیا فی ریاضه الکونغ فو بمحافظة بنی سویف

اللياقه النفسيه کمؤشر لمستوي اداء لاعبي المستويات العليا في رياضه الکونغ فو قامت الباحثه بدراسه بعنوان اللياقه النفسيه کمؤشر لمستوي اداء لاعبي المستويات العليا في رياضه الکونغ فو حيث کان هدف البحث التعرف علي الفرق بين لاعبي الکونغ فو الذين يتميزون باللياقه النفسيه العاليه والذين لايتميزون باللياقه النفسيه وجود علاقه ارتباطيه بين اللياقه النفسيه ومستوي الاداء لدي لاعبي الکونغ فو وکان من اهم النتائج : علاقه ارتباطية داله احصائيه بين اللياقه النفسيه ومستوي الاداء للاعبي الکونغ فوبمحافظة بنى سويف . توجد فروق دالة إحصائيا بين لاعبي الکونغ فو بمحافظة بنى سويف وفقا لمستوى الأداء في اللياقة النفسية Psychic fitness as an indicator of the performance level of players of higher levels in kung fu sport The researcher conducted a study entitled Psychic Fitness as an Indicator of the Performance Level of High Level Players in Kung Fu Sports Where the aim of the research was to identify the difference between kung fu players who are characterized by high psychological fitness

Coaches’ perceptions of innovation programs of the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation

This research studied the coaches’ perceptions of the innovation programs of the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET) during 2016-2020. The RFET is one of the most relevant national federations in Spain both in terms of results at the highest levels of the game as well as in terms of participation and grassroots tennis. Coaches are considered relevant stakeholders of any sport federation due to their role in delivering the sport. A 29-item questionnaire adapted to tennis was completed by 132 certified coaches RFET members which had different years of experience and coached players of various skill levels. Results showed significant differences between the coaches with more than 20 years of experience as they perceived more rivalry between regional federations in the access to grants and more international competitiveness at high-level tennis as compared to their less experienced colleagues. Coaches also considered that the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively affected the innovation strategy and capability of the organization. They identified a grassroots initiative and a coach education project as the two most valued innovative programs implemented by the RFET in the period. These last findings coincide with those from previous research and highlight the relevance of providing coaches with clear player development guidelines and opportunities for continuous professional development through education. It can be concluded that federation leaders should consider the coaches’ perceptions on their innovation programs. This will assist them to better provide initiatives that will satisfy their needs and improve the effectiveness of their federations.

Anthropometric Characteristics and Vertical Jump Abilities by Player Position and Performance Level of Junior Female Volleyball Players.

Although absolute jump heights should be considered an important factor in judging the performance requirements of volleyball players, limited data is available on age-appropriate categories. The purpose of this study is to determine the differences in specific anthropometric characteristics and jumping performance variables in under−19 female volleyball players in relation to playing position and performance level. The sample of subjects consisted of 354 players who prepared for the U19 Women’s Volleyball European Championship 2020 (17.4 ± 0.8 years, 1.81 ± 0.07 m, 67.5 ± 7.1 kg). Playing positions analyzed were setters (n = 55), opposites (n = 37), middle blockers (n = 82), outside hitters (n = 137), and liberos (n = 43). The results showed player position differences in every performance level group in variables of body height, spike, and block jump. Observed differences are a consequence of highly specific tasks of different positions in the composition of the team. Players of different performance levels are significantly different, with athletes of higher-ranked teams achieving better results. The acquired data could be useful for the selection and profiling of young volleyball players.

Assessment of Body Composition, Lower Limbs Power, and Anaerobic Power of Senior Soccer Players in Portugal: Differences According to the Competitive Level.

Background. During a soccer game, the most diversified stimuli occur all the time, the physical condition level plays a determinant role, and there may be variations according to the competitive level. In this sense, the present study aimed to verify differences in body composition, lower limbs power, and anaerobic power, comparing senior soccer players of different competitive levels. Methods. Participants were 81 players belonging to six soccer teams, aged between 18 and 35 years, with a mean age of 23.14 ± 4.23 years, who were divided into three distinct competitive levels: Elite, Sub-Elite and Non-Elite. The players performed bioimpedance evaluations on a tetrapolarInbody270 scale (body composition), the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) through the ChronoJump (lower limbs power), and Running Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) (anaerobic power). Results. Based on the competitive level analysis, we verified that the players present body composition values similar to each other regardless of the competitive level in which they play. Concerning the performance evaluations, we verified that the elite players present higher values of highest jump (p = 0.012; d = 0.76, moderate; and p = 0.022; d = 0.71, moderate) and maximum force produced (p = 0.05; d = 0.64, moderate; and p = 0.002; d = 1.00, moderate), together with higher values of anaerobic power (p < 0.001; d = 2.43, very large; and p < 0.001; d = 2.22, very large), compared to the others. Conclusions. We can thus conclude that there is a homogeneity regarding the body composition of soccer players, regardless of their competitive level; in turn, elite players show better performance indicators in all variables.

Can discreet performance banding, as compared to bio-banding, discriminate technical skills in male adolescent soccer players? A preliminary investigation

Maturation-related changes in body dimensions and performance can lead to physical mismatches and drop out from youth sport. Here, we propose a new method termed ‘discreet performance banding’ (DPB). We aimed to determine if dividing youths by actual physical performance of a discreet skill or ability (‘change or direction’ [COD] ability) could discriminate between the most and least skilled players better than a marker of implied performance, such as an assessment of biological maturation. 182 male academy Spanish soccer players (age: 13-18 years height: 143 to 188 cm; mass: 32.3 to 81.4 kg) were divided into maturation groups (Tanner stages 2 through 5) and COD groups (‘fast’, ‘intermediate’ and ‘slow’). Players’ skills (passing, shooting, ball control) were evaluated on a six-point scale with a value of ‘1’ considered ‘very bad’ and a value of ‘6’ as ‘very good’. When divided by maturity status, analyses revealed no significant differences between groups in soccer skill. However, when divided into COD groups, the analyses revealed significant differences between the fast and intermediate players ([p &lt; 0.001] favouring the fast group) and between the intermediate and slow players ([p &lt; 0.026] favouring the slow group). There was no significant difference in skill between the fast and slow groups, though the fast group demonstrated a higher skill level as indicated by a small effect size. Fast players were more skilful than both the intermediate and slower players, indicating that COD status can be a differentiating factor between players of different skill levels. DPB could be used to equalise competition in youth sport and to enhance the overall level of enjoyment that youths derive from engagement in sport.

Level Difficulty and Player Skill Prediction in Human Computation Games

Human computation games (HCGs) often suffer from low player retention. This may be due to the constraints placed on level and game design from the real-world application of the game. Previous work has suggested using player rating systems (such as Elo, Glicko-2, or TrueSkill) as a basis for matchmaking between HCG levels and players, as a means to improve difficulty balancing and thus player retention. Such rating systems typically start incoming entities with a default rating. However, when applied to HCGs, incoming entities may have useful information associated with them, such as player behavior during tutorials and properties of the tasks underlying the levels. In this work, we examined using features derived from player behavior and level properties to predict their eventual Glicko-2 ratings in the HCG Paradox. We found that using regression produced rating estimates closer to the actual ratings than default or baseline average ratings. The use of rating systems allows a unified approach to predicting both player skill and level difficulty.

Інноваційна методика навчання студентів-початківців технічному удару гри в настільний теніс під час занять з фізичного виховання

The method of teaching technical s of the forehand element for beginner students with the use of bio-mechanical indicators, based on video recording of their game movements, is investigated in the work. The use of video materials and a step-by-step explanation of motor actions during the impact, leads to the successful development of the technical element and shortened the time of its assimilation.The study was conducted during physical education classes in the specialization of table tennis. First and second year students and members of the university’s table tennis team took part in the work. The discrepancy between the technical blow by players of different levels of training, helped to explain to beginners the importance of timely implementation of all parts of the element, correct common mistakes, increase led and tons, which gave more, confidence in the game and the blow gained optimal speed, quality, focus. The technique of training technical impact on the right, with the involvement of a digital video camera, «KMPlayer», computer, large-scale grid can be considered innovative, because it allowed us not only to fragmentarily see the movement of the hand with a racket, but also to determine the distance of the racket execution time of each part of the technical element. Improvements in the technique of performing a kick on the right increased the pace of play and the number of conscious use of this element by students of the experimental group in the game at the expense, which gave brightness, efficiency, interest and more successful results in game combinations.

Kinematic Analysis of the Racket Position during the Table Tennis Top Spin Forehand Stroke

The present study aims to assess the position of the racket, and racket height with respect to the floor, during the table tennis top spin stroke. A stereophotogrammetric system (Smart-D, BTS, 8 cameras, 550 Hz) was used to track the table tennis racket during cross-court (CC) and long-line (LL) shots. Ten national level players completed ten CC and ten LL top spin strokes responding to a robot machine. The racket motion throughout the shot showed specific technical characteristics: the minimum height of the racket was detected during the backswing phase; racket height at the end of backswing phase (maximal distance racket/table) was higher than the minimum; height at the racket maximum velocity (ball/racket impact) was greater than the net’s height. Furthermore, the maximum height of the racket occurred at the end of the forward swing. No differences in these kinematic variables between CC and LL were found. Conversely, a higher inclination of the racket at the moment of maximum speed was detected in LL vs. CC. From a practical perspective, the present findings suggest that table tennis players need to introduce specific exercises in order to increase the height of the racket during the forehand top spin stroke, to improve its effectiveness.

Improvement of Physical Performance Following a 6 Week Change-of-Direction Training Program in Elite Youth Soccer Players of Different Maturity Levels.

Background: Change-of-direction (CoD) is a necessary physical ability of a field sport and may vary in youth players according to their maturation status.Objectives: The aim of this study is: to compare the effectiveness of a 6-week CoD training intervention on dynamic balance (CS-YBT), horizontal jump (5JT), speed (10 and 30-m linear sprint times), CoD with (15 m-CoD + B) and without (15 m-CoD) the ball, in youth male soccer players at different levels of maturity [pre- and post-peak height velocity (PHV)].Materials and Methods: Thirty elite male youth soccer players aged 10–17 years from the Tunisian first division participated in this study. The players were divided into pre- (G1, n = 15) and post-PHV (G2, n = 15) groups. Both groups completed a similar 6-week training program with two sessions per week of four CoD exercises. All players completed the following tests before and after intervention: CS-YBT; 5 JT; 10, 30, and 15 m-CoD; and 15 m-CoD + B, and data were analyzed using ANCOVA.Results: All 30 players completed the study according to the study design and methodology. Adherence rate was 100% across all groups, and no training or test-related injuries were reported. Pre-PHV and post-PHV groups showed significant amelioration post-intervention for all dependent variables (after test > before test; p < 0.01, d = 0.09–1.51). ANOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction only for CS-YBT (F = 4.45; p < 0.04; η2 = 0.14), 5JT (F = 6.39; p < 0.02; η2 = 0.18), and 15 m-CoD (F = 7.88; p < 0.01; η2 = 0.22). CS-YBT, 5JT, and 15 m-CoD improved significantly in the post-PHV group (+ 4.56%, effect size = 1.51; + 4.51%, effect size = 1.05; and -3.08%, effect size = 0.51, respectively), more than the pre-PHV group (+ 2.77%, effect size = 0.85; + 2.91%, effect size = 0.54; and -1.56%, effect size = 0.20, respectively).Conclusion: The CoD training program improved balance, horizontal jump, and CoD without the ball in male preadolescent and adolescent soccer players, and this improvement was greater in the post-PHV players. The maturity status of the athletes should be considered when programming CoD training for soccer players.

Physical Demands of Women's Soccer Matches: A Perspective Across the Developmental Spectrum.

Female soccer players are exposed to specific physical demands during matches, which vary according to the standard of play. Existing studies have largely focused on quantifying the distances covered for professional and international level players. This approach is limited in scope regarding the broader aspects around physical demands and is detached from development pathway models. An understanding of the demands across all standards will provide valuable insights about appropriate player development and help ensure physical readiness for the demands of the sport. The aim of this perspective paper is to describe the physical demands experienced during women's soccer matches across the developmental spectrum. A combination of evidence from the literature and data from the author's research (JDV) is presented. Specifically highlighted are the trends for locomotor distances, acceleration and deceleration frequency, and metabolic power metrics for youth (≤U17), college (NCAA/U20), professional (domestic) and international standards of women's soccer. In addition, the changes in match demands between levels of play are used to help illustrate gaps that must be overcome in order to successfully achieve physical readiness to compete at higher levels. The evidence demonstrates the importance of training appropriate attributes to prepare female soccer players who are striving to play at progressively higher standards.

Balance dynamics are related to age and levels of expertise. Application in young and adult tennis players.

In tennis, coaches consider balance fundamental for the acquisition of skilled motor performance. However, the potential relationship between balance and tennis expertise and performance has not been explored yet. Therefore, this study assessed the relationship between balance and tennis performance using linear and non-linear parameters through 1) the comparison of tennis players of different ages and levels of expertise, and 2) analyzing the relationship between balance and tennis serving speed and accuracy. One hundred and six recreational and expert male tennis players took part in the study (age range 10-35 years old). Temporal dynamics of postural control during a balance task on an unstable surface were analyzed through the mean velocity and the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFAV) of center of pressure (COP). Tennis serve performance was quantified by measuring accuracy and speed. Traditional variables measuring balance performance only showed differences according to age but not to sport performance. COP showed a reduction of auto-correlated variability (reflected by DFAV) with age but mainly in expert players. COP dynamics was the only balance parameter discriminating sport expertise and it was related to age. Balance dynamics exhibited by expert tennis players DFAV results support the idea that, along the years, sport experience induces balance adaptations characterized by a higher ability to perform postural adjustments. These results also reinforce the use of non-linear analysis to reveal subtle balance adaptations produced by sport practice. Finally, the lack of correlations suggests that balance, measured with scattering variables, in a non-specific task is not a main determinant of sport performance in tennis serve.