Youth National Team Research Articles

Deconstructing the physical output between tapering sessions, match days, and post-match training sessions: A single case report

Talented adolescent professional soccer players can experience multiple within-career transitions during the course of a competitive season in Major League Soccer. Consequently, players may shift between multiple team environments, including the first team (FT), reserve team (RT) and youth national team (NT). When changing environments, players must adapt and cope with increased physical demands associated with training and competing in the FT (Morris et al., 2016, J Appl Sport Psych, 28, 375-391), as well as the NT (McKay et al., 2022, J Appl Sport Psych, 34, 1272-1294). Consequently, the aim of this single case report was to analyse the physical output during matches, tapering and post-match sessions from a professional adolescent shifting between multiple team environments. External load data were collected via Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for an entire competitive season in three different environments (FT, RT, NT) across tapering sessions (MD-2 and MD-1), match days (MD), and post-match training sessions (MD+1/+2; ≥60 and <60 minutes played). The following intensity related measures (i.e., relative distance covered in meters, which is divided by the duration of the training session or match in minutes) were extracted for analysis: total distance covered, distance covered in multiple speed zones (Zone 1: 0-0.6 km/h; Zone 2: 0.7-7.1 km/h; Zone 3: 7.2-14.3 km/h; Zone 4: 14.4-.19.7 km/h; Zone 5: 19.8-25.1 km/h; Zone 6: >25.1 km/h), moderate speed running distance (>Z4; MSRD), and high speed running distance (>Z5; HSRD). A multivariate analysis of variance with physical output variables as dependent variables and session type (MD+/-) as fixed factors was conducted. The results indicated that the session type had a significant effect on all variables (F8,128 = 22.14-158.86; P < 0.01; ES = 0.41-0.83), as well as the environment (F2,128 = 3.8-26.7; P < 0.5; ES = 0.06-0.30) except relative distance covered in Z6 and SPD (P > 0.05). However, the interaction between session type and environment had no significant effect on any variable (P > 0.05), except for total distance (F8,128 = 2.33; P = 0.02; ES = 0.13) and distance covered in Z1 (F8,128 = 5.32; p<0.001; ES = 0.25). In conclusion, the adolescent professional player was exposed to different relative intensities in training and matches across multiple team environments over the course of a competitive season. In particular, the adolescent player recorded greater relative intensities in the FT environment relative to the RT and NT environments.

Model characteristics of technical and tactical activity of basketball players at the stage of preparation for higher achievements

The article examines the features of the competitive activity of basketball players who are at the stage of preparation for higher achievements. Presented are model characteristics of implementation of technical and tactical actions by basketball players aged 18-20, taking into account their role in the game. The need to take playing time into account when building model characteristics of technical and tactical actions is well-founded. The players of the youth national teams (U 20) show a tendency to increase the quality of the implementation of various shots in the match (two-point, three-point, free throw) in comparison with the players of the youth national teams (U 18). Significant differences (p<0.05) in terms of these indicators were observed in basketball players playing the central player position (49,91±17,06 vs. 55,06±12,47).
 According to such technical and tactical actions as block shots and steals of the ball, the basketball players of the youth national teams (U 18) were reliably ahead of the players of the youth national teams (U 20) (0,18±0,30 vs. 0,10±0.21, 2,19±1, 24 vs. 1,87±1,07, respectively). Considered possible directions of using the developed models during the training of basketball players of youth teams and prospective methodical provisions for creating reference models of technical and tactical activity for the best basketball players within the framework of a specific game role.

Comparison of physical fitness and game demands between young female rugby sevens athletes in different sports development contexts

Aim: This study aimed to compare the physical and game demands among young women rugby sevens athletes inserted in a long-term athlete development process (LTAD) and selected to the national team. Methods: Twenty-four athletes were recruited in two different contexts: thirteen participants were inserted in the LTAD process (VSR) and eleven Brazilian athletes were selected for the youth national team (BRA). One-repetition-maximum tests, jumping performance, sprint times, and aerobic capacity determined the physical performance and GPS recorded the game demands in the national championship. T-tests for independent samples and Mann-Whitney were used to compare the groups, and effect size (ES) was presented using Cohen's d. Results: 10-m sprint time (p = 0.001; ES = 1.47), 30-m sprint time (p = 0.005; ES = 1.42), sprint distance (p = 0.030; ES = 1.14) and distance in zone 5 (p = 0.040; ES = 0.92) showed differences between groups, with better results in BRA. Moreover, VSR athletes covered greater distances in zone 1 while BRA had greater distances in zone 4, with moderate ES. The strength, power of lower limbs, and aerobic fitness variables did not present significant differences between the groups. However, VSR had the highest mean in squat jump and countermovement jump, with moderate ES. Conclusion: Speed in physical tests and game demands differentiated the groups, and these parameters are essential for selection for the national team. However, the LTAD process can bring physical

IS THERE ANY EFFECT OF THE SEVERITY OF FLEXIBLE PES PLANUS ON THE BALANCE PERFORMANCE IN ELITE GYMNASTS?

Flexibility is an important component of athleticism in gymnasts' training, as its insufficient development can significantly complicate the process of formation of specific skills and movement coordination and limit the possibility of manifesting and increasing strength and speed abilities (Дейнеко & Біленька, 2021). The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of the severity of FPP on balance performance in different planes (frontal, sagittal and overall balance) in the Turkish national youth team. This study is a prospective and double-blinded cohort study conducted in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation of Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University. The evaluation protocol consists of two main phases: first, the measurement of joint positions or angles (subtalar joint position, subtalar joint angle, first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) extension angle and tibia-femoral angle measurement), second, the measurement of balance. 20 participants aged 13-18 years, male and female, from the Turkish national youth gymnastics team were included in this study. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine whether there is an effect of severity of FPP on balance performance. There is no clear effect of FPP severity on balance performance in youth gymnastics at the national level. However, some evaluations show significant associations in the frontal plane in relation to the mediolateral stability index. None of the assessments showed a significant association with the anteroposterior stability index.

The Relationship between Perceived Parenting Styles and Youth Athletes’ Sporting Achievement in Singapore

The role of parents is key to the success of youth athletes, but not much is known about the influence of parenting styles on sporting achievement in youth athletes. The present study aims to explore whether parents’ perceived parenting style is associated with various areas of sporting achievement. Eighty-three Singaporean student athletes from various local educational institutes and sporting organisations completed an online survey assessing parenting styles (Parental Authority Questionnaire, PAQ) and various levels of sporting achievement (entry to national youth team; medalling at international youth competitions). Cluster analysis was first used to identify the different clusters of youth athletes according to their perceived parenting styles. Subsequent chi-square tests of independence were then conducted to identify whether there was a significant association between the parenting style clusters and different levels of sporting achievement. The results indicated that there were no significant associations between the perceived parenting styles and various areas of sporting achievement in youth athletes. Key takeaways from this study include the need to consider more complex and nuanced parenting style profiles; the cultural differences that youth athletes from Asian contexts might face; and the complexity of sporting achievement, which might not be explained by parenting styles in isolation.

Selection-Dependent Differences in Youth Elite Basketball Players’ Relative Age, Maturation-Related Characteristics, and Motor Performance

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of players’ relative age, maturation-related characteristics, and motor performance tests on two different stages of talent selection (regional and national level) in youth elite basketball. Methods: Relative age, maturation-related variables (height, weight, maturity offset, maturity timing) and motor performance (Countermovement jump, Standing long jump, Modified agility T-test, Linear sprint 20 m) of N = 68 male youth basketball players (M age = 14.39 ± 0.28 years) were assessed during the initial selection tournament for the German U15 national team. Pre-selection biases regarding relative age and maturity timing on the regional level were investigated utilizing one-sample t-tests. Differences in relative age, maturation-related characteristics and motor performance between players selected (n = 27) and non-selected (n = 41) for the youth national team were examined via independent samples’ t-tests and logistic regression analyses. Results: Strong pre-selection biases toward early-born and early-maturing players were confirmed on the regional level. Significant advantages in height and weight and higher values in maturity offset and maturity timing were found for selected players. Among the motor variables, only Countermovement jump performance was significantly better in selected players. When controlling for relative age and biological maturation regression models including motor performance variables did not significantly discriminate players’ selection status. Conclusion: Coaches working in national, but also preceding selection stages (regional and club level) should raise their awareness to relative age and biological maturation when evaluating players’ potential and current (motor) performance.

The Effect of special exercises on some of the functional variables and offensive skills of the players of the National Youth Squash

The importance of research is through the knowledge of the role of special exercises and the preparation of a set of special exercises according to the correct scientific bases in sports training and the adoption of modern methods and methods and knowledge of the impact of some functional variables and offensive skills of the national team of youth squash game, through the researcher's experience and record his observations and diagnosis about these games found The level of special physical abilities, including the ability to endure the force and speed in the young players in most games, which involve the decline of the level of physical performance and skill in the last half of the squash games, Due to the decrease in the concentration of lactic acid and some other functional variables to be studied, the most important objectives: To identify the effect of special exercises in some functional variables of the players of the national team for youth Squash. The members of the research sample to recognize the impact of special exercises in some of the offensive skills of the national youth team Balasquash individuals sample research. The researcher used the experimental method in one of its basic determinants (by identifying the one group with the pre-test and the post-test). The sample was chosen by the intentional method and included (6) squash players aged (19-17) years. The most important conclusions: The development of the capacity resulting from the special exercises came in line with what has been implemented to the level of the members of the research sample, which was reflected clearly on the skill performance. The repetition of exercises within the training modules that have been applied positively affected the development of the muscles of the arms and legs together and reflected in Directly on the development of functional capabilities. Special exercises have a positive effect in raising the skill level of some offensive skills in squash.

The motor response and its relationship to the accuracy of the performance of the high preparation skill in volleyball for juniors


 Introduction and the importance of the research: The development of the player's motor response represents the main goal that the coach seeks to achieve in the physical preparation period The Plane . Research problem: In view of the lack of scientific studies that are concerned with studying the skill of high numbers in volleyball and as a result of the use of traditional educational methods that did not take into account the development of the player's ability to respond to the movement leading to the development of the level of accuracy in skillful performance. Research objectives : To identify the correlation between the motor response and the accuracy of performing the high preparation skill in volleyball for juniors. Research hypotheses: There is a significant correlation between the motor response and the accuracy of the high numbers of junior volleyball players. The human field: the juniors of the Maysan volleyball team (2022). The researcher used the descriptive approach due to its suitability to the nature and objectives of the research. The research community and sample are the well-trained players of the Maysan youth national team.. Presenting and analyzing the results of the pre and post tests of the two research groups and discussing them. Discussing the results of the post-test for the two groups under discussion in the tests of the accuracy of the high preparation of junior volleyball. Conclusions and Recommendations: Conclusions: The experimental group achieved better results in the physical and skill tests than the control group under study. Recommendations: The researcher recommends the need to adopt the special educational approach in developing the motor response by volleyball coaches. The researcher recommends the need to adopt the special educational curriculum in developing the motor response by volleyball coaches.
 

The effect of taking doses of magnesium supplements on the development of the enzyme (CPK) and the achievement of 100 m freestyle swimming among young men

The aim of the study is to identify the effect of magnesium supplementation in the development of CPK for young men's backgammon. The study was conducted on a sample of the national youth team swimmers for short distances (100) m free and there were (10) swimmers. The pilot experiment was conducted on two swimmers from the main research sample and after providing all the necessary requirements and requirements for the implementation of the research program, the researcher, in collaboration with the national youth coach, conducted a pre-test involving the withdrawal of a blood sample from the hand by 5 cc. 100 m After the completion of the test and recording the results in a special form was given the amount of prescribed doses of magnesium to swimmers in the prescribed period with the application of the vocabulary of the training program prepared by the trainer and approved by the Central Iraqi Swimming and The researcher concluded that the magnesium supplementation doses used by the swimmers were useful for raising the level of the CPK enzyme in the blood and thus raising the achievement level in the research sample in swimming pool 100 m. The researcher recommended the selection of appropriate dietary supplements that fit The level of players, the training age of the swimmers, their levels and the training objective for which they were set up

Relative age effect across the talent identification process of youth female soccer players in the United States: Influence of birth year, position, biological maturation, and skill level.

The aims of the study were to examine the relative age effect (RAE) in youth female soccer players in the United States (US) and the influence of birth year, playing position, estimated maturation and skill ratings. The sample consisted of 3,364 youth female soccer players who were active in the 2021-2022 US soccer season across three main stages of the talent identification (TID) process for Youth National Team (YNT) players (i.e., Club, TID Center, and YNT). A prevalent RAE for players born in Q1 was present in the full sample. A significant prevalence for Q1 players were identified for both Club and TID Center, but not YNT. A significant RAE prevalence for Q1 players was identified for most of the age groups from U13-U18 at Club (except U18) and TID Center (except U17). Significant RAEs prevalence for players born in Q1 were found in Goalkeepers, Center Backs, Midfielders, and Center Forwards at Club and TID Center (except Wide Forwards). The data identified a consistent RAE prevalence for Q1 players in early and on-time-maturers across all levels. An even birthdate spread was evident in YNT with a prevalence for Q4 players and a higher percentage of late-maturers than elsewhere in the TID process. Results reinforce evidence indicating RAEs still exist in soccer, yet show for the first time within a youth female soccer TID process, the influence of contextual factors on the prevalence of RAE. This information can be used to advance TID and development across the US soccer landscape.

Embedded, Embodied, Enculturated, and Enabling Processes: The Identification and Evaluation of Sporting Talent by Ice Hockey Coaches in Norwegian Youth National Teams

Elite sports systems are characterized by structured attempts to identify, select, and develop talented athletes and to increase the likelihood that athletes will achieve future international success. Studies of such systems have focused mostly on the procedures and measures that are intended to improve talent identification, but less attention has been given to the crucial role of coaches. The aim of this case study is therefore to explore how coaches of Norwegian youth ice hockey national teams identify and evaluate sporting talent within these structured settings. The data were generated using nine semistructured interviews. These interviews included questions about how coaches identify talent and discussions about four hypothetical examples of ice hockey players, each with specific histories and skill sets. Building on recent developments in motor learning research, we contend that coaches identify and select talent using embodied (rather than entirely rational or cognitive) processes. These approaches are embedded in the ebb and flow of situated sports performances, and shaped by the broader and unique cultural settings in which they are situated. The results of this study show that talent identification and evaluation of sporting talent cannot, and should not, be separated from the subjectivities of the coaches themselves or from their individual preferences. The implications of this study for future research, policy, and practice are discussed.

Monitoring load, wellness, and psychological variables in female and male youth national team football players during international and domestic playing periods.

To study differences in total load exposure, wellness, and psychological variables in youth female (N = 19) and male (N = 20) national team football players during domestic and international playing periods, respectively. The players filled out questionnaires on well-being, stress, and resilience before and after both playing periods lasting 8 days each. The Hooper index was used to monitor daily wellness levels during both playing periods. The number of training sessions and matches were recorded, and the session rating of perceived exertion was collected. Training load, monotony, and strain were calculated. Daily measurements were used to evaluate in-period changes, and composite scores were used to describe differences between periods. The international compared to the domestic playing period was for both groups characterized by more matches played, longer field training session durations, and of fewer gym-based sessions (P < 0.05). The male players increased total exposure time (25%; P < 0.05), monotony (P < 0.001), and strain (P < 0.001), which was not changed in the female players. Well-being decreased (P < 0.05) during the international playing period in male players. Stress levels were higher (P < 0.05) for both genders during the international compared to the domestic playing period. During the international playing period, positive correlations were found between the initial levels of stress, and the change in stress (P = 0.03; r2 = 0.12), and between the changes in total load and changes in well-being (P = 0.02; r2 = 0.12), whereas a negative correlation was found between the changes in wellness and stress (P = 0.03; r2 = 0.14). A playing period characterized by increased match focus, longer field training sessions, and fewer gym-based training activities may lead to changes in the physical and mental profiles of youth national team football players. Alterations to load exposure and wellness may influence mental health. Players with high initial stress levels may be subjected to greater changes compared to other players. Sports scientists and medical staff may benefit from initiating structured monitoring systems to track alterations in physical load and mental health in youth national team players.

The relationships between relative age effect, personality constructs and achievement level in soccer.

Youth soccer academies are challenged with the constant recruitment process of young talented players to select those who will achieve long-term success as an athlete. Youth soccer academies strive to enhance the physical and technical skill development as well as personality development of talented players because psychological characteristics play a crucial role in players' future success in their transition to professional soccer. The least mature players and relatively young players may have a greater need to possess superior technical/tactical or psycho-behavioral skills than those relatively older counterparts because of the higher selection rates of early maturing players. Due to RAEs, a significant decrease in the overall quality of professional soccer teams might be observed because of the loss of talent of physically smaller, but psychologically stronger and more versatile relatively young players who possess proper technical and tactical attributes at an early age. The first objective of this study was to examine any possible relationship between RAE and personality constructs. A second objective was to identify factors and effects that can help in the further improvement of talent selection and equal opportunities for elite youth soccer players based on their underlying RAE. The third objective was to consider the impact of RAE on long-term career development. In this retrospective observational study, 151 elite youth soccer players between 15 and 18 years of age were first grouped in birth quartiles. Personality constructs were then assessed, using a combination of observations, interviews, and a self-assessment questionnaire. Next competition level after 8 years was evaluated to identify RAEs, differences in personality characteristics and opportunities to reach professional soccer player status between relatively older vs. younger players. A clear significant RAE was observed for the whole database (Q1 = 38.4% vs. Q4 = 13.9%) with OR of 2.61 (χ2 = 19.46, p < 0.01, r = -0.85). Relatively young players had higher median scores on personality constructs such as self-confidence (p = 0.04), while relatively old players had higher median scores on personality constructs such as team orientation (p = 0.03). In the long term, more players of the youngest birth quartile were signed as professional players (76.2%), compared with relatively old players (46.6%). 65.0% of the 20 players had the highest total score on personality constructs developed as a professional soccer player, vs. 35.0% of the 20 players with the lowest scores. In conclusion, this study showed not only further evidence of the RAE but also provided evidence supporting "the underdog hypothesis" in national elite youth teams. Relatively young players were also more likely to get higher value senior professional contracts in the long term. We propose that this may be due to the relatively young players developing superior psychological skills and technical expertise to compensate for their early physical disadvantage. This in turn suggests the need for greater awareness of the importance of personality constructs in the future development of youth elite soccer players. Therefore, the crux of the issue is how youth soccer academies elicit the "best of both worlds" ie. moderating RAE whilst also gaining the benefits of the underdog hypothesis by creating the right environment for every player to develop to their full potential in elite youth soccer academies.

Examining the Talent Selection Determinants of Ultimate Frisbee Players Selected Into a National Youth Team.

The purpose of the study was to examine whether various athletic performances, anthropometric measures, and playing experience differentiate selected and nonselected ultimate Frisbee players trialing to compete in the world championship. Forty-three Australian male ultimate Frisbee players (age = 21.2 [1.2]y; height = 1.7 [6.8]m; body mass = 69.7 [8.2]kg; playing experience = 3.5 [1.5]y) participated in a 30-m sprint test, single-leg run-up jump approach (both left [JumpLL], and right leg [JumpRL]) and a stationary bilateral vertical jump (JumpBIL), and change-of-direction speed test. Following a selection camp, players were subdivided according to their selection or nonselection into the team. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed that height, 10-m sprint time, acceleration, JumpLL, JumpRL, and JumpBIL were significantly greater for selected players than nonselected players (P < .05). Area under the curve (AUC) was greatest for JumpRL (AUC = 79%; optimal cutoff value of 37.5cm, sensitivity and specificity values of 77% and 71%, respectively), JumpLL (AUC = 74%; optimal cutoff 38.5cm, sensitivity and specificity values 77% and 77%, respectively), and JumpBIL (AUC = 78%; optimal cutoff value of 40.5cm, sensitivity and specificity values 71% and 79%, respectively). The largest AUC (AUC = 81%; 95% CI 0.66-0.97; P = .001) was found when combining the explanatory variables that demonstrated moderate to large effect sizes (ie,height, playing experience, 10-m sprint, acceleration, JumpLL, JumpRL, and JumpBIL), with sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 71%. These athletic performance and anthropometric characteristics differentiating selected and nonselected players may help inform targeted training and player-development strategies.

Modern information technologies for holding a tournament for UralGUFC applicants

UralGUFC decided on the expediency of holding a large-scale weekend tournament (200 participants) among applicants in football, basketball, badminton and table tennis on a weekly basis. An online form of personal championship in team sports is proposed, while maintaining the number of parties, which allows you to announce an open competition for a place in the club, national youth teams, and hold a weekend tournament in UralGufc. An automatic competition system is being created based on the judges entering the results, processing and receiving ratings of participants, forming further schedules and SMS notifications for each of the participants. An online resource has been created http://personal-champ.ra-first.com/championships which allows you to generate a large number of personal championship micro-matches with the usual ratio of players (4 by 4, 5 by 5, 6 by 6, etc.) with an even distribution of all players, both partners and rivals. This allows you to see the difference created by the player during his stay on the field, arrange them in descending order of such a difference and, thereby, hold a competition among an arbitrarily large number of participants. Personal superiority excludes the subjectivity of the third assessment.

Technical and tactical evaluation of ball possession in international youth water polo matches using the Team Sport Assessment Procedure (TSAP) instrument

In water polo, the playing style of a team is characterized by players’ tactical behaviour. The purpose of this study was to provide an analysis of offensive actions, by means of the Team Sport Assessment Procedure (TSAP) of the first four youth national teams during the 20th FINA Junior Water Polo World Championships. Twenty-nine elite youth (U20) water polo matches, involving the national teams of Greece (n=7), Serbia (n=7), Italy (n=7) and Croatia (n=8) were selected for the analysis. The TSAP included: i) two indicators of gaining possession of the ball; ii) four indicators of disposing the ball. Using these indicators, the following indices of technical performance were computed: Volume of Play (VP), Efficiency Index (EI) and Performance Score (PS). The field was divided in twelve zones. The one-way ANOVA showed no significant differences between teams for all parameters (p&gt;0.05), except that for Offensive Balls (OB) and Successful Shots (SS) occurred in specific zones of the field: for OB significant differences were found in zone 1 (p=.019), in zone 2 (p=.014) and in zone 5 (p=.007); for SS significant differences were found in zone 1 (p=.026) and in zone 2 (p=.008). The main reason of between-teams differences could be explained by the presence of a left-hand player in the game, and by the tactical behaviour of coaches and players. The TSAP instrument could offer productive feedback to coaches to perceive the different requirements of playing and to evaluate how players understand the game.

Junior to senior transition pathway in Italian Football: The rocky road to the top is not determined by youth national team's selections.

Football is a popular sport, but little is known about the youth-to-senior transition rates in elite players, particularly in large and successful countries. This study aims to investigate the youth-to-senior transition rate in the Italian national football team, both prospectively and retrospectively, and to explore if Relative Age Effects (RAEs) affect this transition. Data from 885 players selected in youth and senior Italian national teams between 2000 and 2021 were included in the study. For each player, the birthdate and the number of selection in Under 16, 17, 19, 21 and senior team was considered. The transition rate was determined by the number of youth players competing in the Senior National team (and vice versa), whilst birth quarter (Q) distributions with a chi-square goodness-of-fit test. Prospectively, the transition rate increased as age increased (i.e., from ~20% in U16 to ~50% in U19). Retrospectively, less than 10-20% of youth players were subsequently selected for the senior team. Data revealed a skewed birth date distribution in all age groups, and the RAEs magnitude decreased when age increased (i.e., ORs for Q1 vs Q4 was ~ 9 in U16 and ~ 1.7 in senior teams). Nevertheless, the RAE magnitude was smaller for successfully transitioned players. In conclusion, most players in the senior team were not previously selected for youth teams suggesting that junior international experience may not be a prerequisite for later success. Moreover, while the birthdate strongly influences the selection of youth national teams, its impact is less evident in the youth-to-senior transition.

Relative age effect and performance in elite youth male basketball

The aims of the study were to (i) assess the Relative Age Effect (RAE) on elite young male basketball players, (ii) to analyze whether there is a difference between birth quarters (BQ) according to their minutes played and efficiency ratings as individual performance parameters and, (iii) to analyze the relationship between team efficiency, team success, and RAE with a new approach. The research was conducted on 678 players (Age:15.84 ± 0.42) from 53 teams in six different tournaments (from 2014 to 2019). Although, chi-square test showed that more players were born in first BQ than in all other BQs (p < 0.05), no significant difference between BQs and performance measures was found (p > 0.05). However, a relationship between team RAE score, tournament ranking, and team efficiency score was found (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a relationship between tournament rankings and team RAE rankings (p < 0.05). While players born in the first months of the year were more likely to be selected for the national youth teams, performance parameters did not show any significant difference when compared to other players who were born later in the same year. However, results showed that teams that have a higher number of athletes who were born in the earlier months of a year showed higher achievement in the tournaments.

Football movement profile analysis and creatine kinase relationships in youth national team players.

Creatine kinase (CK) is widely used as a monitoring tool to make inferences on fatigue and readiness in elite soccer. Previous studies have examined the relationship between CK and GPS parameters, however these metrics may not accurately describe the players' load during soccer-specific movements. Football Movement Profile (FMP) monitoring is a viable option for such purposes, providing solely inertial sensor-based data and categorizing movements according to intensity (very low, low, medium, high) andmovement type (running-linear locomotive, dynamic - change of direction or speed). Weinvestigated the relationship between the FMP distribution of youth (U16-U21) national team soccer players and the absolute day-to-day change in CK. We applied Spearman's correlations, principal component analysis and K-means clustering to classify players' CK responses according to their specific FMP. Moderate to large negative associations were found between very low intensity FMP parameters and CK change (r = -0.43 ± 0.12) while large positive associations were identified between CK change and other FMP metrics (r = 0.62 ± 0.12). Best fitting clustering methods were used to group players depending on their CK sensitivity to FMP values. Principal component analysis explained 83.0% of the variation with a Silhouette score of 0.61 for the 4 clusters. Our results suggest that soccer players can be clustered based on the relationship between FMP measures and the CK change. These findings can help to plan soccer training or recovery sessions according to the desired load on skeletal muscle, as FMP monitoring might bridge the limitations of GPS telemetry.

Modern approaches to the organization children's and youth basketball: abroad experience

Purpose: the high level of basketball players’ individual skill at the international arena requires radical changes in the approaches to the preparation of a high-quality reserve and the enlargement of the Ukrainian children's and youth basketball system, taking into account modern world trends in the evolution of the game. The study of practical experience and the generalization of the foreign specialists’ opinions will contribute to the buildout of a high-quality training process of young basketball players. The aim of the study is to summarize the modern features of the organization of children's and youth basketball based on the study of the professional opinions of foreign coaches. Material and methods: 10 foreign basketball coaches who have been engaged in the international youth competitions, who got high results in the championships of their own countries and trained young players in youth national teams, were chosen as qualified experts. They were proposed to answer 10 questions in special questionnaire regarding the modern trends in the youth basketball. Theoretical analysis and generalization of data from scientific and methodological literature, and Internet resources, questionnaires in Google form using the ranking method, and the method of expert evaluations were applied in the research. Results: the opinions of foreign coaches who successfully work with young basketball players were studied and summarized. That made it possible to determine the current trends in the development of children's and youth basketball. Consistency of experts' opinions was confirmed using Kendall's concordance coefficient, all examinations were confirmed, experts' opinions were agreed. Conclusions: the priority objects of the examination were formed according to the distribution of experts' evaluations, namely: preference was given to the experience of the USA as a reference point for the evolution of basketball; the young basketball players’ training system as a combination of education and training with multi-level selection on the basis of a basketball school (academy) is idealized; the overwhelming majority chose the focus on planning the educational and training process taking into account modern approaches to the psychological characteristics of young basketball players as a priority component; a common vision was expressed regarding the selection of players for the teams entered in the national championships, which should take place taking into account the combination of current skill and prospects for realizing individual potential; the existing need for scientific substantiation of a new style of management, taking into account the peculiarities, needs, motives and interests of the individual, is indicated.