Player Position Research Articles

Punching above their weight? Examining player development pathways in Belgian football: a retrospective analysis

PurposeBelgium has consistently produced world-class footballers, outperforming many larger football associations despite having a smaller talent pool and fewer resources. This paper aims to (1) examine the development pathways of Belgian professional players over the past decade and (2) quantify the role of opportunities in European leagues outside the “Big 5” for a comparative analysis of different player development systems. By exploring how Belgian players progress through various leagues and systems, this study seeks to identify strategic insights that can inform the development practices of both Belgian football and other European nations with similar constraints.Design/methodology/approachData on player performance were collected over ten seasons (2013/14 to 2022/23) from 15 European leagues, including the “Big 5” (England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) and ten other prominent leagues (Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, Switzerland and Turkey). The variables collected included player name, nationality, team, league, season, appearances, minutes played, age and position. For Belgian players in the sample, the youth academies they attended were also noted.FindingsBelgian players have achieved significant success, particularly in terms of transitioning into the “Big 5” leagues. However, the number of “home-grown” players making appearances and gaining minutes in the Belgian league is relatively low (ranking 13th of the 15 leagues studied). In contrast, Belgian players rank third in terms of total minutes played in the “Big 5” leagues, behind Portuguese and Dutch players. Anderlecht was the most successful Belgian club in developing professional players, and other key contributors were clubs with consistent Champions League participation.Originality/valueWhile substantial research exists on player development in the “Big 5” European leagues, comparatively little attention has been given to other significant European leagues. This paper addresses that gap by examining the role of smaller leagues in developing young talent, despite their limited resources and reduced access to Europe's elite competitions. The findings highlight the need for policy reforms and strategic improvements at both the national and European levels to enhance player development pathways.

Exploring Throwing Yips in Youth Baseball Players: Prevalence, Symptoms, Players’ Psychological Characteristics, and Triggers

Symptoms of “the yips” manifest in various sports and often cause athletes to retire prematurely from competition. While there have been case studies on yips-affected baseballers (YBBs), there has been no comprehensive demographic profile of YBBs, and contributing factors are only partially understood. We aimed to describe youth YBBs’ demographic characteristics and explore contributing factors to yips symptoms. We analyzed a self-report questionnaire administered to 285 youth baseballers to investigate yips symptoms and identify both players’ psychological characteristics and trigger factors for yips. We defined YBBs as players who exhibited symptoms of involuntary muscle contractions, characterized by jerks, tremors, or freezing during planned movements that resulted in unpredictability when throwing a baseball. Individuals without these symptoms were categorized as non-yips-affected baseballers (NBBs). In our total sample, there was a YBB prevalence of 10.2% with a significantly higher occurrence among pitchers than among players in other positions ( p < .05). Additionally, YBBs showed a significantly higher incidence of self-reported anxiety during throwing compared to NBBs ( p < .001), and a significantly greater proportion of YBBs than NBBs struggled particularly with gentle or light motion throws ( p < .001), especially at short distances (75.0% of the YBBs). Furthermore, 62.1% of YBBs faced difficulties in appropriately releasing the ball. Thus, we found approximately one in 10 youth baseballers experienced yips symptoms that were influenced by throwing distance and high-pressure situations. Our descriptive study advances an understanding of yips-related performance problems in youth baseballers.

Forecasting extremes of football players’ performance in matches

This study evaluates the use of simple linear or piecewise linear predictive models to predict extreme performance metrics in soccer matches, based on historical training and to match data of soccer players from RKS Raków Częstochowa football club. The data were collected from January to June 2023. The collected training and matched data average is 9000 records per month. A standard workweek at the RKS Academy consisted of 5 training units and at least 1 match. The best individual models found predict selected game performance metrics with a relative error of 2.3%, suggesting an excellent model fit between prediction and the actual value. This is illustrated by input data metric called “Metabolic Time Zone 5 and 6 Per Distance”, and output data by “Decelarations Total Distance in Zone 5 and 6 Per Distance”—calculated for in 3 min sliding window and characterized by the highest value of the generated parameter based on High Metabolic Load Distance (HMLD). The result concerns models run on aggregated performance metrics developed in APEX-PRO system using expert knowledge in soccer training, while raw GPS location-based models performing worse but still acceptably. Although we believe that the accuracy of the models still has limited reliability, their clarity and up-to-date quality make them useful in the daily planning of training activities and the management of workloads that affect player performance in the upcoming match, as well as the tactical decisions of the coach. More accurate predictions are given by individual models compared to aggregated models (player position), but there are exceptions where group models also perform very well. Adding a second metric to the input did not show a significant difference in the analyzed examples (the results are very similar). Our findings indicate that the model based on metrics from the last match also effectively predict extreme motor performances occurring in the game. In the case of the analyzed player, it was at the input “Accelerations Total Time Per Distance in Zone 6” at the output “Distance in Zone 6”. Specific training or match parameters can be key in predicting exceptional soccer performance, but they can also vary depending on the analyzed player. This confirms the need for further analysis of this issue.

The Major League Baseball Pitch Clock: one year position player injury analysis

ABSTRACT Background In 2023, Major League Baseball (MLB)implemented the pitch clock. The effects of the pitch clock on player injuryrates is largely unknown, and some, including the major league baseball playersassociation, have suggested that pitchers may be at an increased risk of injurywith its implementation. Position players have received little attention inthese discussions, even though they may be at the same theorized risk ofinjuries. The aim of this study is to determine if implementation of the 2023MLB pitch clock influenced the incidence of injuries in position players. It ishypothesized that implementation of the MLB pitch clock will lead to a rise ininjuries due to a reduction of time for the primary biological energy systemused by baseball to restore to normal levels. Methods Injury data was collected from thefangraphs.com injury database, the most comprehensive MLB data and statisticaldatabase website, for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 MLB seasons. The incidence rateratio was calculated and used to compare the injury rate for the 2023 season tothe 2021 and 2022 seasons for both major anatomical categories and anatomicalsubcategories. A z-test for proportions was used to determine significance. Results Incidence rate ratio comparison of the2023 MLB pitch clock season versus the 2021 MLB season showed a decrease in thetotal incidence of injuries (p < .001), lower extremity injuries (p < .001),and hamstring injuries (p = .032). Incidence rate ratio comparison of the 2023MLB pitch clock season versus the 2022 MLB season showed a decrease in thetotal incidence of injuries (p = .010), undisclosed injuries (p < .001), andknee injuries (p = .035). Conclusions Following the implementation of thepitch clock during the 2023 MLB season, the total number of injuries andseveral lower extremity injury categories decreased. Due to a decrease in theoverall time spent on the field in a single game and over a season, it could behypothesized that the pitch clock decreased the workload for position players,leading to this drop in injuries. Further longitudinal investigation must bedone to investigate if this influence of the MLB pitch clock persists overtime.

Evaluation of Lower Extremities Power, Movement, Position and Effectiveness in Volleyball

Background: This paper presents research on the comparison and evaluation of lower limb power, movement, position on the court, and effectiveness in the players of men’s volleyball. The study involved professional players in the first division of a men’s volleyball team. The main aim of this paper was to show the correlation between lower limb power, movement, position on the pitch, and volleyball efficiency. Methods: The authors presented basic somatic characteristics of anthropology metrics, advanced research results obtained with the Optojump measuring system, players’ results statistics obtained with the Data Volley software (v.4.2024.01), and by applying scientific statistical methods and graphics interpretation. Results: The analyses with the Kruskal-Wallis test showed statistically significant differences in all the variables studied. Flight time (TF, H = 122.967; p &lt; 0.001.) was the shortest for the players in the libero position, then the setter, attacker, middle and longest flight time was shown by the receiving players. The height of the jumps (JH, H = 123.018; p &lt; 0.001) was the highest for receiving and mid players, and then attackers and setters, and the lowest jumps were recorded by libero players. The highest power of lower limbs (P, H = 20.392; p &lt; 0.001) was characteristic for receivers, setters, mid-players and, curiously, libero achieved a better result than attackers. Conclusions: The analysis shows that the power of the lower extremities in volleyball players is associated with the function they perform on the court.

Ігрові амплуа в баскетболі: функції та вимоги до гравців

In modern basketball, effective team play requires players in different positions to perform specialized functions that match their physical, technical and psychological attributes. Understanding these functions is crucial to the success of the team. Identifying the functions and requirements of players at different positions is key to the success of any basketball team. This allows you to create an effective strategy where each player can maximize his or her potential. Purpose of the study: to consider the functions of basketball players playing in certain positions and to determine the requirements for players of different playing roles in basketball. Research methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature. Results of the study. The functions of basketball players playing at certain positions are characterized. The requirements for players of different playing roles in basketball are revealed: point guard, attacking guard, light forward, heavy forward, center. Conclusions. The functions of basketball players playing in different positions are determined by their roles and responsibilities on the court. The distribution of players by function is an important aspect of organizing team play in basketball. This distribution allows to achieve an organized and purposeful game, taking into account the individual capabilities of each player. The distribution of playing roles among players depends on their physical and psychological characteristics. The anthropometric data and skills of a player are taken into account when determining his role. However, it is also important to take into account the psychological characteristics of the player and his ability to cooperate with his teammates. It is necessary to clearly assign roles in the team in order to achieve success. Intragroup rivalry can have a negative impact on teamwork, so it is important that each player understands his own capabilities and has the ability to assess the capabilities of his partners. The requirements for players of different playing roles in basketball are their understanding of roles and responsibilities, ability to cooperate with partners, individual skill and ability to assess the situation on the court. This helps to effectively build a team that can succeed.

Psychological mood patterns among Jordanian handball players

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevailing mood patterns amongst handball players in Jordan. Therefore, this descriptive study was conducted on a sample consisting of (76) male handball players participating in the 2022/2023 Jordanian Handball League championship. The list of mood patterns for athletes was used as a data collection tool along with the following three statistical methods: Arithmetic mean, Standard deviations, and Two-Way ANOVA. The study results showed that the personal flexibility pattern emerged in first place with a high level and an arithmetic average of (2.3728). The cease operations pattern emerged second with a high level and an arithmetic average of (2.2556). The excitement operations pattern emerged third with a high level and an arithmetic average of (2.2257). Results relatively exhibited that there were no statistically significant differences in the level of mood patterns according to the variable of experience and player position amongst handball players. The researchers suggested a number of recommendations including, raising the awareness of handball players on psychological importance; in addition to mood preparation prior to the competitions. It is advised that players take courses and educational workshops that can be offered to athletes to enhance their psychological and physical performance Especially courses in regard to the excitement operations pattern, which obtained the lowest order among the three mood patterns.

Attack efficiency in first league men’s volleyball for playing positions, according to the value level of the teams

Background and Study Purpose. The attack is a crucial technical element in scoring points in volleyball. This research aims to identify differences in attack efficiency and errors based on the value level of teams in the competitive system, considering different playing positions. Material and Methods. The analysis included 86 attacking players from the rosters of 12 teams in the men’s domestic first league. The distribution by positions was as follows: 37 outside hitters, 19 opposites, and 30 middle blockers. Statisticians from each team recorded the data using Data Volley software during three championship matches. For each player, the following parameters were interpreted: Attack Efficiency (E%), Error% (=), Blocked Attack% (/), Poor% (-), Blocked but Recovered% (!), Positive% (+), and Winning% (#). Attack efficiency was analyzed for each playing position across top teams (positions 1-4 in the final ranking), mid-level teams (positions 5-8), and lower-level teams (positions 9-12). Results. Across all three playing positions, top teams demonstrate higher percentages in attack efficiency, winning executions, and positive outcomes compared to average and lower-level teams. Top and average teams also have lower percentages of errors in attack executions. For the outside hitter position, no statistically significant superiority is observed between top and middle teams for any attack variable, indicating a balance in player performance. In the opposite hitter position, top and middle-level players show higher attack efficiency and direct point scores (Winning). They also have lower poor execution rates, despite the lack of statistical confirmation for superiority in many attack variables. Among all positions, top middle blockers exhibit a clear superiority over low-level teams across all attack variables. Conclusions. The findings of the study highlight the critical role of team value level in influencing attack efficiency and execution quality across different playing positions in volleyball. The results underscore the importance of strategic differentiation in training and game planning. This is especially crucial for teams aiming to optimize their performance. Coaches and trainers should focus on tailored approaches that address the specific strengths and weaknesses of each playing position. They should also consider the overall team value level in their strategies. This approach could lead to improved competitive outcomes and a more effective utilization of player potential across all levels of competition.

Predicting goal probabilities with improved xG models using event sequences in association football.

In association football, predicting the likelihood and outcome of a shot at a goal is useful but challenging. Expected goal (xG) models can be used in a variety of ways including evaluating performance and designing offensive strategies. This study proposed a novel framework that uses the events preceding a shot, to improve the accuracy of the expected goals (xG) metric. A combination of previously explored and unexplored temporal features is utilized in the proposed framework. The new features include; "advancement factor", and "player position column". A random forest model was used, which performed better than published single-event-based models in the literature. Results further demonstrated a significant improvement in model performance with the inclusion of preceding event information. The proposed framework and model enable the discovery of event sequences that improve xG, which include; opportunities built up from the sides of the 18-yard box, shots attempted from in front of the goal within the opposition's 18-yard box, and shots from successful passes to the far post.

Application of Multiple Linear Regression Models in Predicting the Value of Football Players

In this study, the key factors affecting football player value were analyzed using a multiple linear regression model. The analysis considered variables such as nationality, location, historical achievements, experience, skill level, and market value. The results indicate that a player’s competitive level significantly enhances their value, while there is a negative correlation between market value and player value. The relationship between experience and value is complex and requires further exploration. Additionally, the study examined the distribution of players from various countries in the English Premier League, with French, Spanish, and Brazilian players ranking highest in appearances. French and Spanish players are versatile across positions, while Brazilian players excel primarily as forwards. Visual analyses demonstrated the proportions and performances of players in different positions, confirming the positive correlation between competitive level and net worth and the negative correlation with market value. The intricate relationship between experience and net worth was also highlighted. These findings offer valuable insights into the determinants of football player value and provide data to support team management and future research.

Positional assessment of Concentration among Mysore University Inter-collegiate Male Hockey Players

The Purpose of this investigation was to explore the level of Concentration between different positional play of Mysore University Inter-Collegiate Male Hockey players, the aged between 18 to 22 years. The researcher has randomly selected 165 Male Field Hockey Players those who were Participated in Mysore city inter collegiate Hockey tournament and those who are practicing regularly. The researcher was classified the total samples into eleven (11) categories according to positional play, such as Center forward, right in and right out, Left in and Left out, Center Mid, Right and Left Mid, Left defender, Right &amp; Left Defender and Goal Keeper and the samples were consisted fifteen (N=15) for each position. The Knox Cube imitation test was administered to know the level of concentration among selected subjects. In order to examine the hypotheses of the study one-way ANOVA test was used for multiple comparisons between mean scores of players in different positions for variables of concentration. The findings of the investigation showed that, the Concentration level was found to be higher for goal keeper than the other positional players. Whereas, the left midfielder had low level of concentration when compare with others which was clearly indicated that, there were significant differences in concentration of selected field hockey players with positional wise. On the basis of the present investigation, it will be summarized that the concentration was influencing by different positional play.

The dual problem of space: Relative player positioning determines attacking success in elite men’s football

ABSTRACT The concept of space has been successfully modelled in football using spatiotemporal player data and Voronoi diagrams. Current approaches, however, are narrow in scope by focusing on an inter-team allocation of space to measure space control. The present work extends this widespread perspective with an intra-team application of the Voronoi diagram and its dual Delaunay triangulation to measure space management. Both models are leveraged to derive novel performance metrics, which assess how teams use triangular positioning and how players tie up defenders during attacks. The outcome of N = 128,187 attacking sequences from 306 elite men’s football matches is analysed using linear mixed-effects models to validate the proposed performance metrics. Results show that attacking success is characterized by player positioning which promotes forming of large triangles especially in ball proximity, whereas the overall number of triangles is of no relevance. Furthermore, players tie up more defenders and thus create free teammates more often during successful attacks. The results demonstrate that a new perspective on space is helpful to better quantify and understand the effect of space management and player positioning on attacking performance in football.

Players in the Women's National Basketball Association Are More Likely to Tear Their Anterior Cruciate Ligament if They Are a Guard, Forward, or Driving to the Basket: A Case-Control Study.

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has grown in popularity since its induction in 1996. Furthermore, it is well known that female athletes are at an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears compared with their male counterparts. The purpose was to examine the player positions and player movements during basketball games and practices that contribute to ACL tears in WNBA players. Player position and demographics from WNBA players who suffered an ACL tear from 1996 to 2021 were collected from publicly available sources. Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) news reports and video analysis were reviewed to determine what movements each player was performing when the injury occurred. Injured players were matched with two noninjured players by age, position, height, and league experience. Performance statistics were collected one season prior to injury and compared with the matched controls. A total of 62 WNBA players with ACL injuries were identified with an average age of 26.7 (±3.9) years. More guards and forward were seen in the injured cohort and more players were injured while driving to the basket (p < 0.05). ACL injuries occurred more commonly during games than in practice (p < 0.05). Compared with controlled match cohort, the players who suffered ACL tears started more games (p = 0.007), had higher minutes played per game (p = 0.003), more field goals per game (p = 0.04), more field goal attempts per game (p = 0.03), more 3-point attempts per game (p = 0.04), more rebounds per game (p = 0.04), more steals per game (p = 0.02), and more points per game (p = 0.02). WNBA guards and forward were more likely to tear their ACL, especially while driving to the basket during real game play. Additionally, players with higher playing times, rebounds, and steals per game had higher rates of ACL tears. However, there was no impact on their performance on season statistics after returning to sport. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Machine Learning Based Assessment of Elite Football Players Based on Anthropometric and Motor Fitness Parameters with Regard to their Playing Positions

Sports players strive to be the epitome of human excellence, pushing the barrier of skill and execution with training, focus and direction, amplified by regular training and practice. This could be attributed to various factors such as response to stimuli, physical factors, psychological factors etc. The present study incorporated the prediction of the most suited playing position of elite male football players using machine learning approaches based on their Anthropometric Parameters (AP–11 parameters) and Motor Fitness Parameters (MFP–7 parameters). Of the features analysed, results identified the position indicative nature of some parameters among6 AP (Height, Body Mass Index, Basal Metabolic Rate, Fat %, Thigh Circumference, Calf circumference) and 4 MFP (120 m, 80 m, 40 m dash and T-Test) by Spearman’s Rank Correlation Test. Further, the prediction of ideal playing position was achieved using various classifiers such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), SVM with over sampled data, SVM with hyperparameter tuning, SVM with variable scaling and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XG Boost). Among these, the highest classification accuracy and f1-score at 92% and 0.92 respectively were obtained for XG Boost Classifier which portrayed a faster performance as compared to the other approaches. The present study could be useful in professional sports training and rehabilitation so as to help the players perform better in the football game.

Influence of Positional Play on Intelligence Ability of Mysuru University Inter-collegiate Male Hockey Players

The purpose of the study was to explore the Influence of positional play on the intelligence ability of University Inter-collegiate male hockey players. The researcher selected 165 male field hockey players who represented Mysore city inter collegiate and Chamundi zone championships. The player were selected by positional play, such as forwards (N=75), midfielders (N=45), fullbacks (N=30) and goal keepers (N=15) and they were assessed for intelligence ability. The subjects were assembled and explained the procedure and purpose of the tests before the administration of the tests. They were administered Raven’s progressive matrices Intelligence test for intelligence. To find out the influence of positional play, One-way ANOVA and Scheffe’s post hoc tests for multiple comparisons between mean scores of players in different positions was applied for intelligence scores. The results revealed that, the Goal keepers had the maximum scores in Intelligence compared to other players playing in other positions and Positional play did not influence extent of errors both in ascending and descending series. Goal keepers were found to be better in intelligence, than the players in other playing positions. Goal keepers had the maximum intelligence scores, followed by Centre midfielder, Right defender, Left defender, others are placed in between and Left midfielder having the least intelligence scores.

The frequency of injuries of Iranian male professional soccer players: a cross-sectional study.

Soccer is known to be a sport that carries a high risk of injuries due to its physical nature, involving intense contact and rapid movements like acceleration, deceleration, jumping, and sudden changes in direction. Compared to other sports, soccer is considered a contact sport with a heightened injury risk. The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of sports injuries among professional soccer players. In this cross-sectional study, 56 male professional footballers participated to assess their injuries. The Pre-Competition Medical Assessment (PCMA) was utilized as the standard protocol for evaluating the athletes. The study examined variables such as injury type, player position on the field, and body mass index (BMI) in accordance with the FIFA-recommended PCMA guidelines. Student t-test was used to compare demographic characteristics injured and healthy athlete. Chi square and fisher exact tests were used to assess the association between player position, injury type and BMI classification. In this study, the mean age of the soccer players was 19.38 ± 1.30 years, with a history of participating in 3 to 60 matches. The highest incidence of injuries was recorded in the knee (48.21%) and ankle (30.36%), respectively. A significant relationship was found between the players' positions on the field and knee pain, with strikers experiencing more knee pain compared to players in other positions (p less than 0.04). However, no significant association was observed between the players' BMI and the occurrence of sports injuries (p greater than 0.05). Given the widespread occurrence of knee injuries among footballers, particularly in attacking players, proper planning and appropriate training protocols would be useful to prevent knee injuries and reduce treatment costs.

The Influence of Home-Court Advantage in Elite Basketball: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review analyzes the factors that influence home advantage in basketball across various competitions in the United States and Europe. Through an investigation of English- and Spanish-language articles published in EBSCO, Scopus, Consensus, and Web of Science between 2010 and 2024 related to home advantage in basketball, 1682 articles were initially identified. After applying specific filters to ensure that only articles concerning National Basketball Association (NBA), Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), Euroleague, Spanish basketball, and European basketball were considered, 39 articles met the final requirements for in-depth analysis. The studies analyzed in this review suggested that player performance, player position, and sleep influenced home advantage in competitions in Europe and the United States. Fan behavior had a bigger impact in European competitions, where teams from capital cities have a lower home advantage. In the United States, where teams must travel long distances to play, several studies indicated that teams traveling eastwards tend to perform more strongly than teams traveling westwards. Also of note is that, in many cases, COVID-19 pandemic restrictions reduced home advantage. This review identifies factors contributing to home advantage in basketball, compares competitions in different regions, and proposes ideas for future research such as a greater focus on women's competitions, the impact of television, and the introduction of new performance indicators.

Elite women's soccer match demand can be described using complexity-based analyses and multifractals

The present study aimed to investigate the variability of the displacements in elite women soccer players during official matches according to the position of the players and to the match progression using non-linear analyses (entropy and multifractal spectrum).Sixty-three velocity profiles from global positioning devices of elite professional women soccer players were analyzed. The mean, coefficient of variation, and maximum velocity were calculated during the match using four equal segments. Sample entropy and seven parameters derived from the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis were also calculated. The players were split into five field playing positions: forwards (FW), offensive midfielders (OM), defensive midfielders (DM), central defenders (CD), and lateral defenders (LD).No significant playing position × period interaction was found for the different parameters analyzed. However, most parameters showed a significant main effect for playing position (p < .01) and period (p < .01). Compared to the other players, FW and OM have the lowest entropy. All players showed a dominance of small velocity fluctuations but FW players showed the widest multifractal spectrum primarily. In contrast, CD had a narrow spectrum and reduced amount of small fluctuations. As the game progressed, mean velocity and entropy significantly decreased. In contrast, the multifractal peak value significantly alongside with changes in asymmetry.From the present results, velocity profiles during elite women's soccer games depicted multifractal features sensitive to player position and match segment, which can help to understand the dynamics and variability of players' responses during a match.

From Strikers to Keepers: Somatotype of Football Players from Slovakia.

This study aims to analyze and compare the somatotypes of professional football players from Slovakia with a non-athletic population. Comparative analysis of professional soccer players by their positions, goalkeepers (n = 4; 8%), defenders (n = 16; 32%), strikers (n = 15; 30%), and midfielders (n = 15; 30%), in average age 16.88 ± 1.29 years, based on selected anthropometric parameters, somatotype components, and the resultant somatotype using the Heath-Carter method. The average somatotype of the soccer players was categorized as an ectomorphic mesomorph (40%). Goalkeepers showed significantly greater body height (BH 187.98 ± 3.166 cm) and weight (BW 82.33 ± 4.922 kg) than midfielders (BH 179.25 ± 6.126 cm; p = 0.03; BW 68 ± 6.304 kg; p = 0.014) and strikers (BH 176.04 ± 4.998 cm; p = 0.026; BW 68.93 ± 6.591 kg; p = 0.026). Defenders had significantly greater BH (182.14 ± 4.853 cm; p = 0.026) than strikers. Goalkeepers also had a significantly higher BMI than midfielders (23.28 ± 0.698 vs. 21.14 ± 1.282 kg/m2; p = 0.02) and greater epicondylar width of the humerus (EWH 7.36 ± 0.14 cm) compared to strikers (EWH 6.79 ± 0.308 cm; p = 0.014). The average somatotype values identified goalkeepers [2.0-4.1-3.1], defenders [1.6-3.9-3.2], and strikers [1.7-4.2-2.9] as ectomorphic mesomorphs, while midfielders were identified as mesomorph-ectomorphs [1.6-3.7-3.6]. The results highlight the importance of somatotype in player position suitability and its impact on physical attributes in football.

Differences in Player Performance and Longevity After Achilles Tendon Rupture Between Professional Basketball Players in the NBA and WNBA.

Prior studies in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) reported worse player performance after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). The purpose of this study was to compare time to return to play (RTP) and performance after ATR between NBA and WNBA athletes. It was hypothesized that there would be no relative difference between the NBA and WNBA players. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. ATRs in the NBA between 1987 and 2017 and WNBA between 2006 and 2017 were identified through a rigorous online search of articles. Included athletes had no prior leg injuries and had played ≥3 seasons before and after ATR. Sex, age, position, body mass index, height, years of experience, time to RTP, and player efficiency rating (PER) were recorded. Relative performance was measured by matching injured athletes to uninjured controls in the same league in a 1:2 ratio. Relative differences were compared between leagues, with adjustment for baseline features. Multiple regression analysis was employed to identify variables correlating with RTP and PER. Included were 102 professional basketball players, of whom 34 sustained ATR (21 male, 13 female). Sex/league correlated with differences in RTP (P < .001). There was a significant difference between the WNBA and NBA in PER when comparing 1 year pre- and 1 year postinjury (1.49 ± 0.25 vs 3.87 ± 0.43, respectively; mean ± SD P < .001). Compared with intraleague controls, the relative difference in PER postinjury was 0.81 ± 0.11 (WNBA) and 3.9 ± 0.89 (NBA) (P < .001). Multiple regression analysis indicated that when controlling for years of experience, player position, and age, NBA players took 126 days longer than WNBA players to RTP (P < .001) and NBA players had 9.96 times increased odds of taking >200 days to RTP compared with WNBA players (P = .006). Sex/league was a significant predictor of RTP after ATR. When compared with their respective controls, NBA players saw a greater decrease in postinjury performance than WNBA players. NBA players took longer to RTP than WNBA players. ATRs appear to more negatively affect NBA players than WNBA players.