Abstract It is unknown what teaching styles (range of pedagogies) coaches are employing during coaching sessions and whether these teaching styles are associated with recommended pedagogical principles advocated by sport and coaching scholars. It is unknown whether twenty years of coach education has shifted coaching practice as the insights into the pedagogical diversity and preference of teaching styles that underpin and inform the coaches’ decisions to employ particular teaching strategies during coaching sessions are undetermined. This paper addresses these unknowns in the field of tennis coaching in Australia by reporting the findings of a study that address the lack of information on the teaching styles employed by tennis coaches by asking the following research question: What teaching styles are junior coaches in Australia actually using during coaching sessions? This study used The Spectrum (Mosston & Ashworth, 2008) of teaching styles as a tool to assess the observed teaching styles of twelve junior coaches. Contrary to the educational convictions of Australian sport coach education materials the results from this study indicated that the coaches in this study potentially did not offer players developmental opportunities beyond a limited range (i.e., motor skill development in the physical learning domain) due to a narrow pedagogical mix in their coaching.
Abstract Accelerometry is the de facto standard in objective physical activity monitoring. However traditional accelerometer units undergo proprietary pre-processing, resulting in the ‘black-box’ phenomenon, where researchers are unaware of the processes and filters used on their data. Raw accelerometers where all frequencies related to human movement are included in the signal, would facilitate novel analyses, such as frequency domain analysis and pattern recognition. The aim of this study was to quantify the mean, standard deviation and variance of the SlamTracker raw accelerometer at a range of speeds. Four tri-axial accelerometers underwent a one minute static condition test nine movement condition tests. Accelerometers were assessed for mean, standard deviation, sample variance and coefficient of variation throughout in all axes for all experimental conditions. The sample variance was <0.001g across all speeds and axes during the movement condition tests. In conclusion, the SlamTracker is shown to be an accurate and reliable device for measuring the raw accelerations of movement.
Abstract Because international elite football is concerned with talent identification, this has generated a great deal of knowledge about what it takes to become a professional footballer. This research has however primarily focused on individual development and how external factors affect athletic performance. In this article we sought to describe the characteristics of the developmental environment in the youth department of the Norwegian elite club Rosenborg BK. Our case study, using a holistic and ecological development perspective as a framework, we followed the club’s under-19 team for a total of 21 days, during 3 separate weeks in the 2014 season. The results showed that Rosenborg seems to offer an environment focusing on aspects highlighted by the ecological model athletic talent development environment (ATDE). The club seems to focus on giving players tools and resources both on and off the field, using a holistic and systematic methodology. Yet it appears that the club has a weak relationship between the youth department and its own senior team, even indicating a competitive relationship, also found in other elite academies. Furthermore, it may seem that the importance of developing players with local ties is downgraded because of the club’s need for short-term success.
Abstract This study reports the effects of a recovery intervention in young elite athletes in high school. The scissors model (Kellmann & Kallus, 2001) was used as a theoretical foundation for the intervention. An intervention group (n = 40) participated in 12 weekly intervention sessions, while the control group (n = 58) did not. A Danish version of the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes measured recovery levels in the participants, at baseline and at the end of intervention. Qualitative interviews were conducted with four of the participants. Quantitative results did not show an improvement in recovery and stress levels. Qualitative results showed that the intervention had an effect on the participants, and also revealed areas, in which the intervention could be improved. Suggestions for future interventions are given.
Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of additional short and long running stride workouts on acceleration kinematics and jumping performances with respect to the competition phase. Thirteen voluntary male sprinters participated in this study (100 m PB: 10.45-11.30s). The sprinters were separated into three groups [control group (CG), short stride group (SSG), long stride group (LSG)] in a randomised order. Sprinters continued their competition phase training over a two-week period; however, the SSG and LSG run an additional 6 × 40 m three times per week. The pre- and post-training results regarding, acceleration kinematics and jumping performances were compared using the Kruskal Wallis test for several independent samples of intergroup and the Wilcoxon Two Related Samples Test for intragroup differences. If there were intergroup differences, the Mann Whitney U test was used for two related comparisons of the groups. The probability level for statistical significance was set to p≤0.05. Only the LSG showed significant pre- and post-training differences with respect to certain acceleration kinematics (sprint time, sprint velocity, stride length) (Z= −2.023, 2.032, 2.060, respectively; p<0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study show that there is no significant effect of a two-week training regimen involving additional long and short stride running workouts on Turkish sprinters in the competition phase; however, long stride running workouts may be useful for sprinters who have short stride sprint characteristics.
Abstract This study’s purpose was to investigate how junior football players representing a professional club experienced stressors according to there given playing time. Participants (N43) represented 3 football clubs (mean 17.4 yrs). The results showed that the players playing all matches reported a lower level of stress related to performance and future stress compared to the players playing few matches. Furthermore, evaluation and performance stress was reported higher among player given few matches compared to players playing most matches. Even so, the present study found that Norwegian junior players have a low level of stress. Based on this fact, our results suggest that coaches should focus on the players playing few matches, since they reported a higher level of stress on three dimensions, potentially impairing their development as football players.
Abstract Presumably, individuals are taught skills throughout their primary education that are required to live a healthy lifestyle throughout the lifespan. The primary purpose of this study was to assess adult psychological need satisfaction in relation to high school participation. Participation included university employees and students of two mid-sized universities and members of a state health organization. Participants (n = 512) completed the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise (PNSE) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The current study found modest associations between measured motivation constructs on physical activity levels. Standardized coefficients report competence and autonomy had a significant effect on physical activity in predicting adult physical activity levels. Results of this study provide insight into the determinants underlying the development of physical activity tendencies in adults and suggest high school physical education and sport participation have an equal influence on adult physical activity levels.
Abstract Fundamental movement skills are considered the basic building blocks for movement and provide the foundation for specialized and sport-specific movement skills required for participation in a variety of physical activities. However, kinematic analyses of fundamental movement has not been performed. The aims of this study were to, (1) characterise the relationship between facets of fundamental movement and, (2) characterise the relationship between overall integrated acceleration and three-dimensional kinematic variables whilst performing fundamental movement skills. Eleven participants (10±0.8y, 1.41±0.07m, 33.4±8.6kg, body mass index; 16.4±3.1 kg·m2) took part in this study, had anthropometric variables recorded and performed a series of fundamental movement tasks, whilst wearing a tri-axial accelerometer and were recorded using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Maximum shoulder external rotation (°) and maximum shoulder internal rotation velocity (°.s−1) (r=0.86, p<0.001), mediolateral centre of mass range (cm) and centre of mass coefficient of variation (%) (r=0.83, p<0.001), maximum stride angle (°) in the jog and walk (r=0.74, p=0.01) and maximum sprint stride angle and maximum shoulder internal rotation velocity (°.s−1) (r=0.67, p<0.02) were significantly correlated. Maximum sprint stride angle (hip: r=0.96, p<0.001, ankle: r=0.97, p<0.001) and maximum internal rotation velocity (ankle: r=0.6, p=0.05) were significantly correlated to overall integrated acceleration. Overall integrated acceleration was comparable between participants (CV: 10.5), whereas three-dimensional variables varied by up to 65%. Although overall integrated acceleration was comparable between participants, three-dimensional variables were much more varied. Indicating that although overall activity may be correspondent, the characteristics of a child’s movement may be highly varied.
Abstract The fitness industry has undergone an explosive growth in recent decades. Some reasons for this are related to the increase in leisure time in the developed world and the importance attached nowadays to having a young-looking fat-free body. This article, based on ethnographic data from Santiago, Chile and Amsterdam, the Netherlands, seeks to add nuanced and complementary explanations to those reasons already mentioned. For example, the importance of moral, personal, social and identity significances that have also contributed to this rise are explained. I complement this with comparative information that emphasizes and clarifies the cultural factors influencing the culture of gyms.
Abstract The goal of my article is to analyze football in Basque Country, or better to say Basque national football representation, as a political tool since its inception. I decided to focus on this specific region because football, and Basque national team as well, has a long history and plays an important role in the whole Spanish society. Football in Spain is a political issue because of the multi-national composition of the state where we observe strong separatist or secessionist demands. In my opinion, Basque national team has never been “only” a football selection. Euskal Selekzioa is a well-known Basque nationalist speaker because of the way how it represents Basque nation. It uses one of the most popular things all round the world, kicking the ball. This article is divided into four main parts. In the first chapter, I deal with the birth of Basque national movement and with the discovery of the game of football in Spain. The second chapter is dedicated to the Spanish Civil War when the world-famous Basque national football team existed. Another part observes the Basque nationalism in the context of football, not only in Franco’s time but during the years of the transition to democracy. I finish my article with a contemplation of the officialization of Basque national football team.
Abstract The specificity of the technical performance in judo and karate demands from athletes to perform fast and powerful actions at a high level, therefore, much importance is given to the development and supporting motor system, in particular, HGS function. Research aim was to determine the characteristic of maximal isometric HGS in Greek elite male judo and karate kumite athletes that may be important for competitive success in the aspect of age and BMI and identify any differences between these two compact sports. The studies were carried out in the competitive period of 2015 training cycles. The subjects were male judokas with mean weight 84.24 ± 12.38 kg and karateka’s 76.63 ± 10.46 kg. Average BMI (kg/m2) for judokas 25.67± 3.60 and karateka’s 23.03 ± 1.75. Research results showed that the HGS in dominant and nondominant hand in karateka’s was 68.28 ± 7.3 kg and 63.28 ± 7.5 kg and in judokas 73.72 ± 7.85 kg and 71.34 ± 8.10 kg. karateka’s had significant less stronger HGS compered to Judokas in dominant and nondominant hand, t32= -2.089 and p<0.05 and t32= -3.016 and p<0.05. Karateka’s had significant higher differences between the two hands 4.94 ± 2.15 kg compered to judokas 2.38 ± 1.84 kg, t32= 3.722 and p<0.05. The two groups had significant difference in BMI, t32= -2,771 and p<0.05. Pearson correlation showed a significant correlation between HGS and BMI, r=0.563 and p<0.05. In conclusion judo and karate have different requirements and training methods due to the objectives and generally the technical training nature with judokas appearing stronger in the HGS compere to karateka’s.
Abstract This study provided a case analysis of the effects of plyometrics on post-activation potentiation (PAP) of 20-m (0-5, 0-10, 0-20 m intervals) sprint performance in strength-trained females. Three college-aged participants performed a one-repetition maximum (1RM) squat, which was used to set the load for a jump squat with 30% 1RM (JS30). Over three sessions, participants performed three PAP protocols: a control condition of 4 min rest (CC); 3 sets x 5 repetitions of the JS30; and 3 sets x 10 repetitions of the alternate leg bound (ALB). Peak and mean power were recorded during the JS30. Participants performed two baseline sprints prior to each condition, and then six sprints from immediately after for 16 min post. Results indicated that the JS30 and ALB could potentiate sprinting, although responses were highly individual. The two more powerful participants experienced more sprint enhancements across more time points than the less powerful participant. Any performance changes were in the range of 1-4%, which is typical of PAP research. It cannot, however, be confirmed whether the JS30 and ALB were superior to the CC. Nonetheless, the data suggest the JS30 and ALB could potentiate sprinting in females. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
AbstractBecause youth with disabilities participate less in physical activity than young people without disabilities and that schools play an important role in adopting a healthy lifestyle, it is important to deepen our understanding of the elements that foster participation of young people with disabilities in physical activity. The objective of this research is twofold: 1) establish the determinants of participation of youth with disabilities in physical education according to practitioners and 2) document the effects of an initiation and competition program for youth with disabilities on their physical activity. The collection of data using semi-structured interviews was conducted in two phases. The first, among teachers and school-based practitioners (n = 18), aimed to understand their experiences relating to the adoption of healthy lifestyles among their students with disabilities. As for the second, practitioners (n = 12) were interviewed during organized adapted sporting events. Analysis of the interviews shows two categories of determinants, namely determinants relating to school (winning conditions of the environment, the importance of extracurricular activities, and obstacles) as well as determinants relating to the professional competence of teachers (the role of teachers, collaboration between professionals, the benefits of sport and physical activity and obstacles encountered).
Abstract Using a sample of student-athletes’ (N=64) first year (seventh grade) enrolled at a school with a sport profile, the aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate (a) levels and changes as regards to worry about sport performance, perception of peer climate, and perceived competence; and (b) the relationship in levels and changes between these studied variables. The primary results from latent growth models (LGMs) and parallel process LGMs revealed that, during their first year, the student-athletes’ level of worry and perceived ego-oriented peer climate increased, whereas perceived competence decreased. Further, the results showed that perceived competence was negatively associated with worry at the beginning of the students’ first year. The slope of perceived ego-oriented peer climate was positively associated with the slope of worry. Future research in relation to the findings is discussed, and recommendations for future actions are given.
AbstractSport science and sport media give special attention to professional coaches from individual and team sport. However, there is not a lot of knowledge on those two approaches: Science and media. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to present sport science approach oriented on research, and sport media approach based on description of “coach life stories”. In this article we describe five cases of individual and team coaches. Similarities and difference in these two approaches are discussed.
Abstract Young people with disabilities participate in sports to a lesser extent than other adolescents. That physical activity has positive effects on young people are understood. Sports clubs are identified as potential environments for physical activity. The reasons why young people with disabilities participate to a lower extent in organized sport is complex and barriers can be deriving from many different levels. However, barriers have been studied more than what can facilitate participation in organized sport. Therefor the aim of this study is to increase the understanding of how sports clubs include children and adolescents with disabilities in their activities. The results of this systematic search are presented using the three research questions: What are the characteristics of the sports clubs that include young people with disabilities?; How are the young people with disabilities included in sports clubs’ activities?; and finally Why are young people with disabilities included in the sports activities?. A vision must be to go from adapting physical activity for disabled persons to adapting physical activity for all people, because the diversity of people’s reasons for doing sports, their differing backgrounds and their uniqueness all demand it. This will result in more people doing sports for longer in life.
Abstract This paper presents an abbreviated version of an ‘elite’ interview conducted with Madeline Manning-Mims. The 1968 Olympic protest was a pivotal moment in Olympic and American sports history. At the forefront of the protest was the pre-eminent sport sociologist Dr. Harry Edwards. Edwards’ leadership catalyzed the African American boycott of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, however, Black female athletes were either silenced or recused themselves from the protest. A series of semi-structured, retrospective interview questions were posed to Manning-Mims to gather her perspectives on the progress that Black American, women Olympic athletes have made in the USA from 1968 to present. Analysis of the ‘expert’ interview with Mims indicated that: 1) the social conditions in the United States that have plagued Black female athletes in 1968 had changed for the better; 2) on the whole Black U.S. athletes in the second millennium have become “commoditized” after the Olympics and gain substantially from their celebrity; and 3) Black female athletes can become enslaved to the economics of their celebrity if they are not careful.
AbstractThis study investigated relationships between lower-body power, measured by a vertical jump (VJ) and standing broad jump (SBJ), with multidirectional speed in collegiate female rugby players. The rugby player data was compared to that of general team sport athletes to ascertain whether there were characteristics specific to collegiate rugby players. Multi-directional speed was measured by a 20-meter (m) sprint (0-5, 0-10, 0-20 m intervals) and 505 change-of-direction speed test. Eight rugby players and eight team sport athletes completed all tests. Spearman’s correlations calculated relationships between the VJ and SBJ with the speed tests, and stepwise multiple regressions determined whether the jump tests predicted speed performance (p≤ 0.05). For the rugby players, the VJ correlated with the 0-20 m interval (r = −0.73). The SBJ correlated with the 0-5 and 0-10 m intervals, and the left-leg 505 (r = −0.71 to −0.88), and predicted 0-5 m and left-leg 505 time (r2= 0.50-0.58). For the team sport athletes, only the VJ correlated with left-leg 505 (r = −0.80), and predicted left- and right-leg 505 times (r2= 0.61-0.69). The results suggest that horizontal power measured by a SBJ has a greater contribution to multidirectional speed in collegiate female rugby players.
Abstract The conceptual model of sport cohesion that Carron developed describes the relationships between cohesion and performance including the antecedents and consequences of the variables. Although researchers have conducted a plethora of studies around the relationship between cohesion and performance, there is a gap in literature regarding longitudinal changes of this relationship as well as its direction. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to examine the relationship between cohesion and performance for soccer teams during a full competitive season as well as the direction of the relationship. The study suggests a new model for the relationship between cohesion and performance. In total, 173 Greek soccer players (M=21.91) completed the Group Environment Questionnaire (Carron et al., 1985) in all the measurements from the beginning of the preparation to the end of the competitive season. The results showed that cohesion and performance are two variables that affect each other in soccer, with a stronger direction from cohesion to performance. However, cohesion affects performance either positively or negatively throughout the season.
AbstractIn this study the stature, wingspan and stature-to-wingspan ratio (S:W) was recorded for N = 474 elite and international mixed martial arts (MMA) competitors who appeared in televised bouts over the course of one calendar year. Each weight division was split into three or four ranking groups (RG) depending on division size, as well as into groups depending on if the competitors had won or competed for a world title (El) or had done neither (In). One-way ANOVA (≤0.05) found that shorter competitors are ranked higher in flyweight and in the middle in women’s strawweight. Independent t-tests (≤0.05) found that shorter competitors also have more chance of winning or competing for a world title in featherweight and flyweight. Independent t-tests (≤0.05) also found a significant difference between males and female for S:W. There was a weak, negative correlation and a moderate, negative correlation between stature and rank in lightweight and light heavyweight respectively and a moderate, negative correlation between S:W and rank in featherweight. There were no other significant differences found. Overall, whilst MMA competitors have a S:W of 1:1.024, due to the paucity of significant differences found, it was determined that anthropometrical measurements cannot be used to predict success in elite and international mixed martial arts.
