Tool For Coaches Research Articles

Evaluation of the BJJFitness test: differences between competitors and non-competitors in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

This study introduces the BJJFitness Test, a novel tool designed to evaluate the physical and technical performance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners, distinguishing between competitors and non-competitors. The test demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.992) and strong test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.894). Key variables such as resting heart rate, heart rate during the test, number of takedowns, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were critical in differentiating the two groups. Competitors exhibited superior cardiovascular fitness, technical proficiency, and lower perceived exertion compared to non-competitors. The BJJFitness Test mimics real-match conditions, providing a practical and comprehensive assessment method that reflects the unique demands of BJJ. These findings underscore the importance of specific conditioning and technical skills for competitive success in BJJ. The study also highlights the potential of the BJJFitness Test as a valuable tool for coaches and athletes to identify strengths and areas for improvement, guiding targeted training interventions. Keywords: physiological assessment; anaerobic capacity; aerobic capacity; martial arts; performance metrics.

A Smart Ski Pole for Skiing Pattern Recognition and Quantification Application.

In cross-country skiing, ski poles play a crucial role in technique, propulsion, and overall performance. The kinematic parameters of ski poles can provide valuable information about the skier's technique, which is of great significance for coaches and athletes seeking to improve their skiing performance. In this work, a new smart ski pole is proposed, which combines the uniaxial load cell and the inertial measurement unit (IMU), aiming to provide comprehensive data measurement functions more easily and to play an auxiliary role in training. The ski pole can collect data directly related to skiing technical actions, such as the skier's pole force, pole angle, inertia data, etc., and the system's design, based on wireless transmission, makes the system more convenient to provide comprehensive data acquisition functions, in order to achieve a more simple and efficient use experience. In this experiment, the characteristic data obtained from the ski poles during the Double Poling of three skiers were extracted and the sample t-test was conducted. The results showed that the three skiers had significant differences in pole force, pole angle, and pole time. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the sports data of the people with good performance, and the results showed that the pole force and speed (r = 0.71) and pole support angle (r = 0.76) were significantly correlated. In addition, this study adopted the commonly used inertial sensor data for action recognition, combined with the load cell data as the input of the ski technical action recognition algorithm, and the recognition accuracy of five kinds of cross-country skiing technical actions (Diagonal Stride (DS), Double Poling (DP), Kick Double Poling (KDP), Two-stroke Glide (G2) and Five-stroke Glide (G5)) reached 99.5%, and the accuracy was significantly improved compared with similar recognition systems. Therefore, the equipment is expected to be a valuable training tool for coaches and athletes, helping them to better understand and improve their ski maneuver technique.

The Impact of Wearable Technologies on Marginal Gains in Sports Performance: An Integrative Overview on Advances in Sports, Exercise, and Health

Wearable technologies have become increasingly popular in recent years, as athletes and coaches look for ways to gain a competitive edge. These devices can track a variety of metrics, including heart rate, sleep quality, and movement patterns. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and make small, incremental changes that can lead to significant gains in performance. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an integrative overview of the literature on the impact of wearable technologies on marginal gains in sports performance. The literature review was conducted using the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, and a total of 55 papers were considered eligible. The results of the literature overview suggest that wearable devices can be classified into three main categories. (1) Location-based wearables (LBW) track an athlete’s location and movement, which can be used to analyze training patterns and identify potential injury risks. (2) Biometric wearables (BMW) track physiological data such as heart rate, sleep quality, and body temperature; these data can be used to monitor an athlete’s fitness levels and identify signs of overtraining. (3) Performance wearables (PMW) track performance metrics such as power output, speed, and distance; this information can be used to optimize training programs and track progress over time. For each category, this paper provides the five most important data points measured by each suggested device. Additionally, sport-specific examples are provided for each category based on the literature data. The limitations of wearable devices, such as accuracy, validity, reliability, interpretability, and cost, are also discussed. However, despite these limitations, the results of the literature review suggest that wearable technologies can be a valuable tool for athletes and coaches who are looking to improve performance. Ultimately, this technological evolution in sports science is likely to dramatically change the state of the art in athletic monitoring and sports analytics.

Performance in professional soccer players: normative data and benchmarks from official matches for metabolic power and high-intensity activities.

The opportunity to compare data among players using normative data and benchmarks may represent a helpful tool for coaches to assess the players' physical performance easily and quickly. This study aimed to create normative data and benchmarks that can be exploited to compare professional soccer players' physical capacity competing in the Premier Division Championship (series A). Match data from six professional soccer teams competing in the Premier Division championship (Serie A and Italy Cup matches) were collected during the entire season. Players (N.=112) were divided based on the role positioning as follows: forwards and wingers (FW), midfielders (MF), side-backs (SB), and center-backs (CB). All the teams analyzed competed with a 4-3-3 formation, and only players who played for the entire match (85-95 minutes) were considered. The video analysis system STATS SportVU was used to collect the data during official matches. Average metabolic power (AP) was considered to estimate the energy cost. The number of power events (PE), distance (m) covered at more than 25 W/kg (D25), and finally, the distance covered at v>25 km/h (VHS) were considered as high-intensity assessments. Standardized T-scores (scaled from 0 to 100) were calculated for each role and variable. T-score data was used to create performance bands combined with qualitative description (ranging from extremely poor to excellent), and a traffic light system approach was implemented to simplify the data's interpretation. The results could be used to compare different athletes' performance quickly and effectively, to detect symptoms of overtraining, and to give helpful insights to coaches on what the training should be focused on.

Nutrition for European Elite Fencers: A Practical Tool for Coaches and Athletes.

The aim of this narrative review is to create a comprehensive, innovative, and pragmatic resource to guide elite fencers and coaches in making strategic nutritional choices to enhance performance and facilitate recovery. The literature review identified only 12 articles specifically addressing the topic of nutrition for fencers. Thus, the recommendations provided in this review derive also from articles dealing with similar sports, such as martial arts, and from investigations with European elite fencers and their coaches. For elite fencers, it is suggested to consume daily 7-11 g/kg of body weight (BW) of carbohydrates and 1.5-2 g/kg of BW of proteins and allocate 25% to 30% of the total energy intake to essential fats, with a specific focus on omega-3 fatty acids. The timing of meals, ideally within one hour after exertion, plays a pivotal role in restoring glycogen reserves and preventing injuries. The intake of leucine, creatine, omega-3, collagen, and vitamins C and D is proposed as a strategy for injury recovery. It is worth acknowledging that even when personalized plans are provided, implementation can be challenging, especially during competitions and training camps.

Alat Ukur Power Menendang Futsal Berbasis Mikrokontroler

The development of a kicking power measurement tool in futsal is crucial, considering the effectiveness of measurements in sports plays a significant role in achieving peak performance. This research aims to develop a futsal kicking power measurement tool based on microcontroller technology. The research method used is Research and Development with the ADDIE model. The five steps involved in developing this model include analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The research sample consisted of 15 U-15 futsal athletes from Rusun Rawa Bebek. The research findings show that the athletes' perception of the developed tool indicates that this kicking power measurement tool is "Very good." Based on this research, it can be concluded that the development of this kicking power measurement tool is an effective tool for Indonesian coaches to measure the accuracy of kicking power and passing strength in futsal, thus making it highly suitable for widespread use.

Efektifitas Media Komunikasi Atlet dan Pelatih Olahraga Petanque Menggunakan Aplikasi Sports Training Program Monitor Berbasis Android

The purpose of sports monitoring training program monitoring is to inform instructors of the implementation of athlete training. The issue with this research is that there is no communication pattern between athletes and instructors, so there is still a significant amount of missed communication during training and matches. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the efficacy of the sports training monitoring program as a communication tool for petanque athletes and coaches. The procedure utilized in this study is a survey. This investigation included 304 pétanque athletes and coaches from the Central Java province. This study employed a technique of purposive sampling, in which the researcher selected samples based on their characteristics and abilities. This study's sample consisted of 115 athletes and 30 instructors. This study's findings indicate that the instrument used for data collection is valid, with r calculated > r table (0.444) and Cronbach's alpha greater than 0.90, yielding a faultless conclusion. The chat feature of the sports training program monitor application yields data with a value greater than 90 percent and very excellent conclusions. The findings of this study indicate that this Android-based sports training monitoring application is an effective means of communication between instructors and athletes during the implementation of training programs.

Research note: Evaluating the efficacy of an online post event reflection tool in competitive sport

In competitive sport environments, coaches and sport psychology practitioners work to optimize individual and team performance. One strategy identified as a key to optimal sport performance is athlete self-awareness. This study evaluated the efficacy of a novel, online post-event reflection (PER) tool. Using a mixed methods design, 22 members of a competitive women’s ice hockey team completed the PER across one season. The PER demonstrated efficacy through tailored insight used as a basis for athlete discussions, complementing other performance-related feedback. Follow-up interviews with three team members and the head coach provided additional support for the efficacy of the PER. Lay summary: In competitive sport environments, coaches and sport psychology practitioners work to optimize individual and team performance. This study provides evidence to support the use a novel, online post-event reflection tool by athletes, coaches, and sport psychology practitioners to enhance athlete self-awareness of mental skills and performance.

NPCs in video games: a reflective resource for sports coaches and participant engagement.

This perspective article explores the potential of non-player characters (NPCs) in video games as a reflective tool for coaches to enhance participant engagement in sports. While coaches traditionally focus on movement skill instruction, their role extends to fostering young people's immersion in sports contexts and potentially contribute to the possibility of lifelong participation. However, challenges persist in translating coaching theory in coach education programs into practice, including the awareness of roles and how to make young people immersion in sports. Integrating elements from video games, where NPCs play pivotal roles in shaping player experiences, presents a possible avenue for re-thinking the role of coach, especially in participation. By drawing parallels between NPCs and coaches, this article advocates for a new reflection tool for coaching roles. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of leveraging NPCs to enhance athlete engagement and motivation, ultimately creating dynamic and inclusive coaching environments that cater to the evolving needs of participants.

A Self-Reflective Toolkit of Adult-Oriented Coaching Practices in Masters Sport

The Adult-Oriented Sport Coaching Survey (AOSCS) assesses psychosocial coaching practices for coaches who work with adult athletes. The AOSCS can be used as a self-assessment tool for coaches’ professional development, but there is a need to better understand its relevance for coaches. The purpose of this study was to explore coaches’ perspectives of the AOSCS as a self-assessment tool for reflecting, intuitively appraising, and provoking elaborations on contextually embedded psychosocial practices when coaching adult athletes. Thirteen Canadian coaches (nine women/four men, aged 59–78 years) completed the AOSCS prior to watching a webinar regarding the research on coaching Masters athletes and the development of the AOSCS. Each was subsequently shared a copy of their AOSCS results and interviewed about their perceptions of the relevance and utility of the AOSCS. Interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, which resulted in three higher order themes (relevance of the AOSCS, using the AOSCS, and input from others) with six subthemes. The coaches see the AOSCS as provoking meaningful coach reflection, introspection, and learning intrapersonal coaching knowledge that serve ongoing coach development. As such, this paper outlines evidence with respect to the prospective relevance and practical utility of the AOSCS.

Coach Mentorship Using the Adult-Oriented Sport Coaching Survey

The Adult-Oriented Sport Coaching Survey (AOSCS) is an evidence-based assessment tool for coaches that stimulates self-reflection and learning of adult-oriented coaching practices. The AOSCS, comprised of 22 items that form five coaching themes, was used in this mixed-methods case study by a coach of adult skiers, who sought facilitation and mentorship from a coach developer to apply the AOSCS to strategically improve his coaching across a season. A pragmatic paradigm was adopted for this mixed-methods qualitatively dominant, sequential study. The coach and his skiers (n = 10) completed the AOSCS at three points in time (pre-, mid-, and postseason). At each point, the coach journaled prior to debriefing with the coach developer for 20–50 min. Through reflexive thematic and correlation analyses, eight adult-oriented coaching practices were identified as strong points of integration. The findings indicated that working with the coach developer enabled the coach’s reflection of the AOSCS scores to refine, strategize, and align coaching with his adult skiers’ perceptions for adult-oriented coaching. This study outlined the facilitation of reflection on AOSCS scores can be used advantageously across a season to promote more deliberate coach learning and practice.

The Positive Impacts of Data Analytics on NBA Teams

This study probes into the application of big data technology in NBA events and analyzes the impacts of big data on NBA players, the teams, and the team's performance. The research result shows that elaborate statistics of NBA events not only allow a search of information on individual players but enables comparison of two players and their respective performance in attack-defense. The Sports VU's extensive data system makes sports data a hot cake again. Big data technology provides a tool for coaches to guide and train the players and NBA trade. NBA can also share the information with broadcasters to bring in marketing benefits. Big data will go a long way to international communication in the NBA.

Wheelchair basketball, health, competitive analysis, and performance advantage: a review of theory and evidence.

The purpose of this study was to review the various risks and benefits of wheelchair basketball (WB) and explore some of the research which outlines factors that influence WB player performance and conditioning. WB offers several physical and psychological advantages. Physically, it can improve muscle strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness while decreasing the prevalence of chronic physical disorders. From a psychological standpoint, WB has been shown to alleviate anxiety and feelings of depression while also creating and improving social relationships. Despite the many benefits, WB can cause injuries, particularly in the upper extremities, and preventative measures should be employed. WB necessitates intense intermittent efforts and athletes must maintain excellent cardiovascular fitness, strength, and muscular endurance. Healthy sleeping patterns have also been shown to improve performance in WB players. Wheelchair mobility and biomechanical variables as well as wheelchair size and weight appear to be critical success elements in WB. WB can be a powerful tool for coaches and therapists to boost the physical and emotional health of individuals with disabilities and motivate them to participate in team-based sport.

Exploring the use of individualized consideration by minor hockey coaches

Transformational leadership has been presented as a tool for coaches to foster positive youth development. One component of this concept is individualized consideration (IC), where leaders show care through supporting their followers’ individual needs. Examining the unique context of minor hockey will provide a more nuanced and complex description of IC. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to demonstrate how minor hockey coaches consider individual differences and tailor their practice to athletes’ needs. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 male minor hockey coaches whose teams consisted of 9- to 13-year-old, predominantly male, athletes. Findings show these coaches demonstrated the use of IC through three steps (a) gathering information about their athletes (e.g. engaging in interactions), (b) assessing individual needs (e.g. developmental) and (c) acting to support IC (e.g. adjusting coaching practices). Findings suggest (a) IC can be implemented to support basic and more complex needs of athletes, (b) IC can be implemented with teams of athletes and (c) the context of minor hockey is constraining the implementation of IC.

Oxidative Stress and Performance after Training in Professional Soccer (European Football) Players.

Vitamins, hormones, free radicals, and antioxidant substances significantly influence athletic performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether these biological mediators changed during the season and if this was associated with the rate of improvement in performance after training, assessed by means of a standardized test. Professional male soccer players took part in the study. Two evaluations were performed: the first in the pre-season period and the second at the mid-point of the official season, after about 6 months of intensive training and weekly matches. Blood levels of vitamins D, B12, and folic acid, testosterone and cortisol, free radicals, and antioxidant substances were measured. Two hours after breakfast, a Yo-Yo test was performed. The relationships between the biological mediators and the rate of improvement after training (i.e., the increase in meters run in the Yo-Yo test between the pre-season and mid-season periods) were evaluated by means of a linear mixed models analysis. Results: Eighty-two paired tests were performed. The athletes showed better performance after training, with an increase in the meters run of about 20%. No significant relationships between the vitamin and hormone values and the gain in the performance test were observed. Plasmatic levels of free radicals increased significantly, as did the blood antioxidant potential. An indirect relationship between oxidative stress and the improvement in performance was observed (free radicals β ± SE: = -0.33 ± 0.10; p-value = 0.001), with lower levels of oxidative stress being associated with higher levels of performance in the Yo-Yo test. Monitoring the measures of oxidative stress could be a useful additional tool for coaches in training and/or recovery programs tailored to each player.

Reliability and validity of the 21-m shuttle-run test and its application to youth soccer players during the preseason training.

This study has two purposes: first to assess the reliability and validity of the 21-m shuttle-run test (21-m SRT) and, second, to evaluate the practicality of the 21-m SRT for youth soccer players during preseason training. Twenty-seven youth soccer players (15.9 ± 0.7 yrs., males) participated in the present study. To assess the reliability of the test, each player performed the 21-m SRT twice, on separate days. Criterion validity of the 21-m SRT was determined by examining the relationship between directly measured V3 O2max and 21-m SRT performance. To test the practicality of the 21-m SRT, three 21-m SRTs and two graded exercise tests on a treadmill were performed by each youth soccer player during preseason training. Results revealed that the 21-m SRT has high correlation coefficients (r = 0.87) between test and retest and has moderate correlation coefficients (r = 0.465) between V3 O2max and SRT performance. As V3 O2max significantly increased after the training period, SRT performance (distance and heart rate immediately after the 67th shuttle run) also positively changed during the preseason training period. The 21-m SRT has high reliability with moderate validity, and it is an effective tool for coaches to examine aerobic capacity and the efficacy of a training program for youth soccer players during the preseason training period.

Capturing in Season Change-of-Direction Movement Pattern Change in Youth Soccer Players with Inertial Measurement Units

This study aimed to examine the utility of inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology to identify angle, step-specific, and side-specific differences between youth soccer players with and without a history of lower limb injury during soccer-specific field tests. Thirty-two youths (mean age 16.4 years) who were elite soccer players (Females n = 13, Males n = 19) wore IMUs during pre- and postseason soccer-specific change-of-direction assessments. A response feature analysis was used to compare the change in peak resultant acceleration of the groups at a level of significance of p < 0.05. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in change of peak resultant acceleration of right leg final foot contact in a 180° pivot turn (p = 0.012, ES = 1.0) and a 90° cut (p = 0.04, ES = 0.75) between the two groups. These data suggest that players with a history of lower limb injury might experience greater angle and side-specific change within a season in peak resultant acceleration when compared with injury-free athletes. This study demonstrates that IMUs may present a useful method to analyze youth soccer players’ change of direction movement after returning to play. These results can inform future studies investigating player monitoring and may prove to be a useful tool for coaches when designing individualized training programs in this population.

Utility of the W´BAL model in training programme design for masters cyclists

ABSTRACT The present study aims to determine the utility of integrating balance model (W´BAL-INT) in designing interval training programmes as assessed by improvements in power output, critical power (CP), and W prime (W´) defined as the finite work capacity above CP. Fourteen male cyclists (age = 42 ± 7 yr, body mass = 69.6 ± 6.5 kg, height = 175 ± 5 cm, CP = 302 ± 32 W, relative CP = 4.35 ± 0.66 W·kg−1) were randomized into two training groups: Short-Medium-Long intervals (SML-INT; n = 7) or Long intervals (L-INT, n = 7) [training sessions separated by 72 h], along with 3–4 sessions of moderate intensity training per week, for 4 weeks. All sessions were designed to result in the complete depletion of the W´ as gauged by the W´BAL-INT. CP and W´ were assessed using the specified efforts (i.e. 12, 7 and 3 min) and calculated with the 2-parameter CP linear model. Training loads between the groups were compared using different metrics. CP improved in both the SML-INT and L-INT groups by 5 ± 4% and 6 ± 5% (p < 0.001) respectively, without significant changes in W´. Mean maximal power over 3, 7 and 12 min increased significantly in the SML-INT group by 5%, 4% and 9%, (p < 0.05) without significant changes in the L-INT group. There were no differences between groups in training zone distribution or training load using BikeScore and relative intensity, but there was significantly (p < 0.05) higher TRIMPS for the Long-INT group. Therefore, W´BAL model may prove to be a useful tool for coaches to construct SML-INT training programmes. Highlights CP significantly improved with both training models during the present intervention and in power output in some of the time to exhaustion (TTE) trials, despite a difference in training load between the groups as assessed by TRIMPS. We recommend designing endurance training sessions based on the use of the W´BAL-INT model. The structured interval model can be an easy and standardized way for cyclists and coaches to monitor their potential for flat and mid-mountain stages.

The Integration of Muscle Strengthening in the Improvement of Muscular and Technical Parameters of Young Footballers

Summary The study aimed to evaluate the effect of an integrated muscle strengthening program on the improvement of muscular and technical parameters in young football players. There were two objectives, scientifically to measure the impact of integrated muscle strengthening on young players, and practically to present an educational tool for coaches and students to understand this concept of training. To carry on this research, we proceeded to a development of the 8-week program applied to a sample of 24 well-trained players of the first division under 18 years. The hypotheses put forward, were confirmed through the educational intervention and the results obtained were significant. Our results have increased the importance of strength training integrated into the training of young footballers. The margin progress of the experimental group was significant compared to the control group, and the impact of this concept proved to be positive in the approach to the physical preparation of young footballers. It is recommended to pay attention to the concept of integrated muscle building, with all its technical components.

A Field-expedient Arm Care Screening Tool Can Identify Musculoskeletal Risk Factors in Baseball Players.

Preseason movement screening can identify modifiable risk factors, deterioration of function, and potential for injury in baseball players. Limited resources and time prevent high school baseball coaches from performing movement screens on their players. The arm care screen (ACS) will be highly sensitive to detecting musculoskeletal risk factors. Cross-sectional. Level 3. A total of 150 baseball players were independently scored on the ACS electronically by reviewing a video recording of each player's screening performance. Discriminability of the ACS was determined with a 2 × 2 contingency table dichotomizing musculoskeletal risk factors as present or absent based on a predetermined cutoff value and those who passed or failed the corresponding ACS subtest. High sensitivity was observed on the reciprocal shoulder mobility (0.89; 95% CI 0.81-0.94), 90/90 total body rotation (0.86; 95% CI 0.79-0.92), and lower body diagonal reach (0.85; 95% CI 0.78-0.91) tests of the ACS suggesting sufficient ability to identify musculoskeletal impairments and risk factors. The ACS is a simplistic screening tool that the coach can administer to discriminate between youth, high school, and college-level baseball players who possess musculoskeletal risk factors. The ACS subtests demonstrated high sensitivity for correctly identifying musculoskeletal risk factors common in baseball players and can be useful as a screening tool for baseball coaches developing arm care exercise programs. A field-expedient screen could provide coaches the ability to identify musculoskeletal risk factors that need to be addressed to minimize injury risk factors in a time-efficient manner.