Youth Team Research Articles

Effect of special exercises with auxiliary means according to the offensive playing centres in developing the agility and accuracy of the skill of the blocking wall for the players of the Kufa Volleyball Club

The problem of the research was through the researchers’ observation and follow-up of the league matches and developments in the game of volleyball and their follow-up to the training processes of youth teams. I found that most of the coaches put in their training curricula exercises to develop physical, motor and skill abilities in general and for all players without focusing on the offensive playing positions of the players to resolve the matches Also, it does not take into account the interdependence between physical, motor and skill abilities in the exercises and does not give enough space in their training curricula. Hence the research problem in preparing special exercises with auxiliary means according to the center play to develop agility and accuracy of the volleyball wall to reach the players to the higher levels Achieving outstanding results in matches.

THE LEVEL OF DORSIFLEXION IN YOUNG GYMNASTS COMPARED TO YOUNG ATHLETES - PILOT STUDY

Gymnastic training develops strength, flexibility, concentration, balance, precision, and speed. The purpose of the study is to determine if gymnastic preparation leads to an increase in weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in a closed kinematic chain in young artistic gymnasts compared to a different type of sport. The weight-bearing lunge was chosen to measure the dorsiflexion range of motion in the ankle joint in the closed kinematic chain. The first group consists of members of the Slovak national youth team in artistic gymnastics (n-26). The second group consists of members of the Slovak national team in rhythmic gymnastics (n-13). The control group consists of young athletes (n-22). The mean dorsiflexion range of motion in artistic gymnasts was 47.32 ° in the right ankle joint and 44.75 ° in the left ankle joint. The mean dorsiflexion range of motion in rhythmic gymnasts was 44.32 ° in the right ankle joint and 43.41 ° in the left ankle joint. The mean dorsiflexion range of motion in young athletes was 44.27 ° in the right ankle joint and 42.32 ° in the left ankle joint. Results indicate a statistically significant difference in favor of artistic gymnasts compared to rhythmic gymnasts at the right ankle joint (p-0.04). In the left ankle, the two groups did not differ significantly from each other (p-0.38). There was no significant difference between artistic gymnasts and athletes in the right ankle joint (p-0.09) and the left ankle joint (p-0.19). There was no significant difference between rhythmic gymnasts and athletes at the right ankle joint (p-0.38) and the left ankle joint (p-0.24). A greater dorsiflexion range of motion in a closed kinematic chain in the ankle joint was detected in young gymnasts compared to rhythmic gymnasts. There was no significant difference between artistic gymnasts and athletes.

Audio innovation and songs to spur change in global health: evidence from a national crowdsourcing open call for youth social innovation in Malaysia

IntroductionAudio innovations remain an important medium to drive innovation in health, especially in low-resource settings. This article explores the role of audio innovation to spur change in the context of...

Development of a modified cross-over hop test to reduce measurement errors in return-to-competition testing.

Hop tests play an important role in the rehabilitation process after injuries. A comparison of the jumping distances of both extremities allows for an evaluation of the injured limb. In the conventional cross-over hop test for distance, the jump width (medial vs. lateral) that the athlete has to cross during the jump is not standardised and therefore highly variable. This affects the absolute jump length in each jump series. Modifying the test may reduce the jump length variance between test series of an athlete as well as the test-dependent variations in the cross-over hop for distance. N = 47 athletes from the German and French national Judo youth teams were included in the study (age: 15.3 years ± 13-17). A modified version of the cross-over hop for distance was developed with a cross-over width of 50 cm and a fixed landing zone of 10 cm. The jump lengths of the conventional test and the modified test were documented. The change in jump length variations of the two sexes were compared. The mean value of the coefficient of variation decreased significantly from 4.09 % to 2.83 % (p < 0.01) due to the test modification. This resulted in an absolute improvement in accuracy of 1.26 % and a relative improvement of 30.8 %. A comparison of the limb symmetry index between the conventional and the modified cross-over hop for distance revealed no significant differences. The modified cross-over hop for distance showed a significantly lower variation in jump lengths compared with the conventional cross-over hop for distance. As a result, more accurate statements can be made regarding the patient's return-to-competition progress.

Assessment of Physical Fitness Status of Male Athletes of the Vovinam Youth Team in Ho Chi Minh City age 16 – 17

On the basis of synthesizing and analyzing the opinions and knowledge of experts, selecting the fitness assessment tests for male athletes of the Vovinam youth team of Ho Chi Minh City aged 16 - 17. Through the research, 10 tests have been identified to assess the physical condition of male athletes of the Vovinam youth team of Ho Chi Minh City age 16 - 17. Initial test results show that the physical strength of Vovinam male athletes is similar with no dispersion.

Determination of internal service quality in a sport organization: the case of "Kaunas Žalgiris" football club

The internal service quality in an organization is a particularly important factor that determines not only the internal users (employee) satisfaction, but also their loyalty to the organization and their performance. The aim of the study is to determine the internal service quality in "Kaunas Žalgiris" football club. Methods: A qualitative methodological approach, semi-structured indepth interviews (non-probabilistic targeting). The study showed that different recipients of internal services receive services of different quality. Coaches, men's football team players, administration and service staff receive the highest quality internal services. The lowest quality internal services are received by those who do not generate income for the club - women's and youth football teams. The club should ensure that all resources are available to all football teams belonging to the club. Although "Kaunas Žalgiris" football club has created an entire pyramid for the education of young footballers, it faces a lack of loyalty from them due to quality problems of internal services provided. It is recommended that "Kaunas Žalgiris" football club solve the problems of internal service quality and develop a strategy aimed at promoting the loyalty and pride of youth teams in belonging to "Kaunas Žalgiris" organization.

Preparation of future teachers for organizational activities

The essence of organizational activity is determined, the relevance of training teachers for organizational activity is justified on the basis of the requirements of professional standards “Teacher (pedagogical activity in the field of preschool, primary general, basic general, secondary general education)ˮ, “Specialist involved in organizing the activities of a children's and youth team (counselor)ˮ, “Teacher of additional education for children and adultsˮ. The purpose, tasks, approaches (reflexive-activity, subject-oriented, practice-oriented), binary principles of preparation are considered. The content of the module “Educational activityˮ is revealed, consisting of three interrelated disciplines and practices, the content of which provides for the study of theoretical aspects of organizational activity, the use of modern technologies for the development of organizational abilities of future teachers, the formation of the need for self-organization and self-development. The possibilities of educational classes, extracurricular activities for preparing students for organizational activities are shown. A subject-oriented technology is proposed, including self-diagnosis, self-analysis, self-determination, self-realization, self-esteem and self-affirmation, which can be the basis for the development of students' self-organization and the formation of their subjective position. The relevance of students' involvement in the design of individual and collective activities is emphasized, and the importance of organizing collective creative activities, project activities, and the development of student self-government is also noted. In conclusion, conclusions are drawn about the conditions for preparing students for organizational activities.

Examination of the Correlation Between Foot Biomechanics, Plantar Pressure and Balance in Adolescent Volleyball Players

Objective: To investigate the relationship between foot biomechanics and pedobarographic evaluation with balance in adolescent male volleyball players.Method: Total of 36 male athletes of adolescent age (average 16.16±1.52 years) who played volleyball in the youth team of the Halkbank Sports Club were included in the study. Demographic information and physical characteristics (age, height, weight and sports age) of the athletes were recorded. The foot biomechanical evaluation of the athletes was recorded with the navicular drop test, metatarsal width, subtalar joint angle and hallux valgus angle. Balance values were recorded using the Biodex Balance Stability System (Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY, USA). Anterior / Posterior Balance Index, Total Balance Index and Medial / Lateral Balance Index values were recorded. In the evaluation of plantar pressure errors and surface contact errors during walking were recorded using freemed® (Sensor Medica Inc., Rome, Italy) pedobarographic device. The data were evaluated using the SPSS 22.0 package program. The relationship between independent variables with each other was analyzed by Spearman Correlation Analysis. The statistical significance level was accepted as p &amp;lt;0.05.Results: As a result of our study, it was found that there was no relationship between foot biomechanical values and balance (p&amp;gt;0.05). When the relationship between the athletes' plantar pressure distribution values and their balance measures was investigated, it was discovered that some pressure distribution values and balance values were related. (p&amp;lt;0.05).Conclusions: According to the results obtained from the study, it was seen that the plantar pressure was related with balance. We think that it is important to perform foot plantar pressure distribution analysis in terms of both improving the balance performance of athletes and preventing foot injuries. We believe that the training programs to be organized with the applications for the changes in the plantar pressure distribution can be more effective for the athletes.

Using human-centred design to tackle COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for children and youth: a protocol for a mixed-methods study in Montreal, Canada

IntroductionTo successfully combat COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and increase uptake, research has demonstrated that interventions are most effective when tailored to meet local needs through active engagement and co-development with communities....

Cocreating injury prevention training for youth team handball: bridging theory and practice

Although it is advocated that end-users are engaged in developing evidence-based injury prevention training to enhance the implementation, this rarely happens. The ‘Implementing injury Prevention training ROutines in TEams and...

"Yeah, I Mean, You're Going to Handball, so You Want to Use Balls as Much as Possible at Training": End-Users' Perspectives of Injury Prevention Training for Youth Handball Players.

Young handball players experience high injury rates. Specific injury prevention programs reduce injury rates but are not well implemented into youth players’ training. The ‘Implementing injury Prevention training ROutines in TEams and Clubs in youth Team handball (I-PROTECT)’ project addresses this challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate how youth handball coaches and players experienced the recently developed I-PROTECT GO pilot program, by focusing on barriers and facilitators. Three focus group interviews were conducted with coaches and players, and their answers were analyzed using a general inductive approach. The participants appreciated the program and found it useful for their context. The participants’ statements about facilitators and barriers centered around the categories of resources, exercises, program design, and learning. Facilitators that emerged were motivating exercises (e.g., handball-specific), a helpful set-up (e.g., variation), having a clear purpose of exercises, the possibility to fulfil basic psychological needs while training, receiving instructions and feedback, and having role models. Barriers that emerged were limited space and material, difficulties with exercises, an unhelpful set-up (e.g., too repetitive), and undisciplined training. It is important to address perceived barriers and facilitators among coaches and players when developing injury prevention training programs to enhance the uptake of such training.

Leveling the Playing Field: A New Proposed Method to Address Relative Age- and Maturity-Related Bias in UK Male Academy Soccer Players.

Relative age selection bias persists within all major soccer leagues and youth soccer academies across the globe, with the relative age effect (RAE) being typically characterized as the over selection of relatively older players (who have sometimes also been shown to be early maturing). The aim of this study was to examine if a new allocation method (i) eliminates the RAE, and (ii) reduces the presence of any additional maturity-related differences in anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics which may exist between players within the same selection category. In the first phase, 1,003 academy soccer players [under (U) 9–16] from 23 UK professional soccer clubs were sampled and a clear RAE per birth quarter (Q) was observed for the overall sample (Q1 = 45.0% vs. Q4 = 9.8%) as well as for the different age categories. Using the newly suggested reallocation method, youth players were divided by allocation date which was defined as the midway point between the chronological age and the estimated developmental (ED) birthdate. Stature was used as an anthropometric reference point on the P50 of the growth curve to determine the developmental birthdate for this new method. After the reallocation of the players using ED, the distribution of players was more equally spread (Q1 = 25.3%, Q2 = 25.6%, Q3 = 22.4%, Q4 = 26.7%). After reallocation, the mean delta stature was reduced by 16.6 cm (from 40.3 ± 7.08 to 23.7 ± 4.09 cm, d = 2.87). The mean delta body mass difference after allocation was reduced by 6.7kg (from 33.2 ± 6.39 to 26.5 ± 4.85 kg, d = 1.18). The mean age difference increased from 1.8 to 3.9 years. A total of 42.7% of the sample would have been reallocated to a different age group compared to the current one. After reallocation, 45% of the anthropometric and physical fitness comparisons showed reductions in the within-group variation expressed as a percentage of coefficient of variation (CV%). The U10 players demonstrated the largest reduction in CV% (−7.6%) of the anthropometric characteristics. The U10 squad also showed the largest reduction in CV% for various physical fitness characteristics (−7.5%). By both eliminating the RAE and reducing temporary maturity-related anthropometric and physical fitness differences, soccer academies across the world may diversify and increase the size of the talent pool both for clubs and national youth teams. In conclusion, this study provides further evidence that the newly proposed allocation method shows the potential to remove the RAE and to create a more “leveled playing field” by reducing the within-group variation of anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics affording relatively younger, and eventually, late-maturing players the opportunity to develop their talent fairly.

Ndicators of physical fitness of handball players of the youth team of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Strict coordination of the orientation of the educational and training process and the specific requirements of competitive activity is necessary to further improvement of the methods of modern sports training. The whole process of long-term preparation of a sportsman should be focused on the effective prediction of the potential capabilities of a sportsman and the minimization of pedagogical errorsin determining the modes of training loads in the youth development period. The purpose of the researchis to improve the special physical training of handball players of youth age. Material and research methods.30 sportsmen, members of the youth handball team with sports qualifications –candidates in masters of sports and the 1stcategory were examined. The control group trained according to a traditional program designed for handball players of youth age. Integrated training methods are used in the training process of the experimental group, including specific means used in game sports. Results.Using the experimental program in the training process of the experimental group made it possible to reliably increase the performance in 3000 m run, 1000 m run, in the triple jump, in dribbling 8 (p&lt;0,05). Other tests were also positive, but their changes were unreliable (p&gt;0,05). Controls tended to improve, but the changes were insignificant (p&gt;0,05). Conclusions.Using the experimental program improved the physical fitness of handball players of the experimental group. The qualitative growth was 3000 m in running –7,11%, in 1000m run -by 8,66%, in shuttle run -by 4,26%, in a complex exercise -by 2,13%, in triple jump -by 6,74%, in shots for accuracy -by 10,5%, in dribbling 8 -by 8,2%, in bending and breaking hands in hang on a crossbar -by 13,04%.

Enhancing HIV Self-Testing Among Nigerian Youth: Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of the 4 Youth by Youth Study Using Crowdsourced Youth-Led Strategies.

Although HIV self-testing (HIVST) has expanded in many regions, a few HIVST services have been tailored for and organized by youth. Innovative HIVST models are needed to differentiate testing services and generate local demand for HIVST among youth. The current pilot study aimed at examining the feasibility and efficacy of crowdsourced youth-led strategies to enhance HIVST as well as sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Teams of youth iteratively developed HIVST interventions using crowdsourcing approaches and apprenticeship training. Five interventions were selected and then evaluated among youth (ages 14–24) from September 2019 to March 2020. Given the similar outcomes and approaches, we present cumulative data from the completed interventions. We assessed HIVST uptake (self-report), STI uptake (facility reports for gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B, and chlamydia testing), and quality of youth participation. Mixed-effect logistic regression models estimated intervention effects at baseline and 6 months. Of the 388 youths enrolled, 25.3% were aged 14–19, 58.0% were male, and 54.1% had completed secondary education. We observed a significant increase in HIVST from 3 months compared with 6 months (20% vs. 90%; p < 0.001). Among those who received an HIVST at 3 months, 324 out of 388 were re-tested at 6 months. We also observed significant increases in testing for all four STIs: syphilis (5–48%), gonorrhea (5–43%), chlamydia (1–45%), and hepatitis B testing (14–55%) from baseline to the 6-month follow-up. Youth participation in the intervention was robust. Youth-led HIVST intervention approaches were feasible and resulted in increased HIV/STI test uptake. Further research on the effectiveness of these HIVST services is needed.

High Injury and Concussion Rates in Female Youth Team Sport: An Opportunity for Prevention.

The aim of this study was to investigate sport-related injury rates, types, locations, and mechanisms in female youth team sports. This was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study. An anonymous online survey was administered to high school students (ages 14-19) in Alberta, Canada. The survey included questions regarding demographic information, sport participation and self-reported injuries sustained in the past year. Results were analyzed for girls who reported playing a top ten team sports for female participation. For girls participating in team sports, the overall injury rate was 55.5 injuries/100 participants/year. The rate of at least one concussion was 9.4 concussions/100 participants/year. Injury and concussion rates were highest in ringette (Injury rate=42.9 injuries/100 participants/year, Concussion rate=19.0 concussions/100 participants/year) and rugby (Injury rate=40.0, Concussion rate=15.3). The top three most serious injury locations were the knee (24.7%), ankle (21.6%) and head (16.1%). The most common injury types were joint/ligament sprain (26.71%), fracture (13.0%) and concussion (11.8%). Contact mechanisms accounted for 73.4% of all serious injuries reported in girls team sports. Team sport injury rates are high in female youth team sports. Specific consideration of sport-specific injury rates, types and mechanisms in girls' team sports will inform development and evaluation of targeted sport-specific prevention strategies.

Group dynamics in Canadian recreational team sports later in life

As interest and participation in physical activity later in life increases, evidence is needed to inform the promotion, design, and delivery of community-based sport for older people. One important consideration is the dynamics of the group, which may influence experiences of team sport among aging populations. A qualitative study was undertaken to explore group dynamics concepts and perceived outcomes experienced by older adults involved in Canadian community-based recreational teams. Seventeen mid-life and older adults (Mage = 64.06, SD = 6.40) who previously participated in youth team sport and were currently involved in adult recreational team sport participated in semi-structured phone interviews. Results were organized into categories outlined in the conceptual framework for the study of sport teams (Eys et al., 2020). Issues specific to team dynamics experienced in older adulthood are highlighted and relate to competitiveness, sport specific skills/knowledge, competitive level, motivational climate, interdependence, team stability, group norms, roles, cohesion, leadership, social support, conflict, enjoyment, personal development, and social connections. Findings underscore the relevance of team dynamics in older adulthood and importance of understanding individual and environmental attributes in relation to group processes, structures, emergent states, and outcomes specific to sport for older adults. Directions for future research and practical implications to encourage greater involvement and sustained participation in team sport throughout the lifespan are discussed.

Planning and execution of handball goalkeepers training: a descriptive study in youth categories teams in Brazil

Aim: This study aimed to describe how specific training for goalkeepers of youth handball teams is planned and executed in Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive and quantitative study was based on information from 134 coaches responsible for specific training of handball goalkeepers for youth (under 12 - U12; U14; U16; and U18) teams. The selection of participants was non-randomly for convenience, using the virtual snowball method. The information was obtained through an online self-completion questionnaire carried out by the Google Forms platform. The questionnaire data were tabulated and assessed using the SPSS statistical program, and the information was presented using descriptive statistics. Results: The results show that specific training of goalkeepers occurs in 71.1% of youth handball teams. About the structure of the specific training session, most of it is performed 1 or 2 times a week (70.9%), lasting from 25 to 60 min (73.9%) and given by the team's leading coaches (77.6%). More than half of the participants stated that the training session occurs with the goalkeepers and the person in charge (55.2%). Most participants (69.4%) stated that the teams analyze and assess the goalkeepers' performance, and the training planning takes place weekly (39.6%). Conclusion: This data provides essential information that partially fills gaps in the literature and allows researchers and coaches to reflect on their practices, considering the importance of planning specific training for goalkeepers.

Validity of Session Rating of Perceived Exertion for Measuring Training Load in Youth Team Handball Players.

Pedersen, A, Randers, MB, Luteberget, LS, and Møller, M. Validity of session rating of perceived exertion for measuring training load in youth team handball players. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 174-180, 2023-Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) is a subjective self-reported measure of training load and is a popular method in several different team sports. This study aimed to investigate the validity of sRPE, by correlating sRPE load (sRPE × minutes of training) and heart rate (HR) expressed as Edwards Summated Heart Rate Zones (SHRZ) and PlayerLoad among Danish youth team handball players. Second, the study aimed to investigate sRPE load's ability to descriptively differentiate between a low and a high training load category. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the in-season period. Fourteen training sessions were measured from 6 teams, in which PlayerLoad, Edwards SHRZ, and sRPE load were measured for the training session and collected from 47 subjects (23 males and 24 females). Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficients were calculated between sRPE load and Edwards SHRZ and PlayerLoad. Furthermore, a high and a low load category were made from PlayerLoad or Edwards SHRZ to investigate sRPE load's ability to discriminate between high and low objective load. Large correlations between sRPE load and Edwards SHRZ (0.52 [95% CI 0.27:0.70]) and between sRPE load and PlayerLoad (0.67 [95% CI 0.47:0.80]) were observed. Our findings further indicate that sRPE load can differentiate between a high and a low training load category in both Edwards SHRZ and PlayerLoad. Our results show that sRPE load reflects both internal and external load during team handball training sessions and seems to discriminate between high- and low-intensity training sessions. These results support the validity of sRPE load for measuring training load in young team handball players.

Effects of a preparatory training protocol on the movement and body stability of handball players

Handball is a sport with a high risk of injury, The prevalence of injury is only obtainable through a thorough and comprehensive analysis. One of the most commonly used test batteries for interpreting the characteristics of an injury is the Functional Movement Screen (FMSTM). It makes possible to possible to identify movement limitations and asymmetries which are believed to impact injury risk in sports. The aim of this study is to use the FMSTM to determine whether an eight-week training protocol can predict and prevent injuries in handball. The study sample comprised the fifteen members of the Borac handball club youth team. The initial measurement showed that most players (80%) had an overall score in the test battery ranging from 15 to 20 points. In addition, three players were found to have asymmetry. Only one of the three players had an overall score in the FMSTM of ≤14. The participants scored the lowest in the initial measurement for Rotary Stability, followed by Deep Squat and Hurdle Step Left. They scored the highest in the Shoulder Mobility. After the implementation of the exercise protocol for improving body mobility and stability, the final measurements showed that all the participants had an overall score in the FMSTM of &gt;14. The value of eta squared showed that training in between the two measurements had a significant impact. At the time of testing and protocol implementation no players sustained any injuries during matches or in training. This study confirmed that the FMSTM can be used to predict injuries in sports.

An introduction to the co-creation of policy briefs with youth and academic teams

ABSTRACT Drawing on insights from a four-day online workshop, which explored geo-engineering and policy making with 13 youth participants, an academic and youth authorial team provide a guide to the co-creation of policy briefs. Drawing on excerpts from the policy brief at different stages of development and commentary provided by the authors during the workshops, we set out four stages including (1) Identifying the key message and audience, (2) Reading and critically engaging with examples of policy briefs during the drafting process, (3) Developing the policy brief text, and (4) Reviewing and revising the policy brief. We have developed this guidance with a co-creative, group work approach in mind and suggest that this has relevance for those working in and beyond the discipline of geography.