Search Results (106)

This study investigated the impact of varying the number of small goals on elite female soccer players’ decision-making, technical–tactical skills, running performance, and perceived exertion during game-based situations (GBSs). Sixteen national female players (aged 22.33 ± 2.89 years) participated in three conditions within an 8vs8 game without a goalkeeper (45 × 40 m), each featuring a different number of small goals (1.2 × 0.8 m): (i) 1 small goal (1G); (ii) 2 small goals (2G); and (iii) 3 small goals (3G). Sensors to track players’ positioning, perceived exertion, and notational analysis were used to evaluate player performance. The results indicated that players covered a greater distance at low intensity during the 2G condition compared to both 1G (p = 0.024) and 3G (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, the 3G condition promoted a higher distance covered at high intensity compared to 2G (p ≤ 0.05). The 1G condition resulted in fewer accelerations (2G, p = 0.003; 3G, p < 0.001) and decelerations (2G, p = 0.012) compared to conditions with additional goals. However, there were no statistically significant effects on technical–tactical actions. Notably, a trend toward improved decision-making was observed in the 1G condition compared to 2G (ES = −0.64 [−1.39; 0.11]) and a longer ball possession duration compared to 3G (ES = −0.28 [−0.71; 0.16]). In conclusion, coaches working with elite female soccer players can strategically vary the number of goals to achieve specific physical aims (i.e., using 2G to emphasize acceleration and deceleration or 3G to promote high-intensity distance) with minimal effects on their perceived fatigue, technical–tactical variables, and decision-making. Full article

Professional training in elite team handball academies is key to developing top players, yet its direct impact on physical performance remains unclear. This study aimed to (1) provide professional training to elite adolescent players and (2) assess performance improvements using a team handball-specific test. Thirty elite male players (six goalkeepers, 24 field players) participated in an 11-week program, with nine under-19 (17.2 ± 1.3 years) and nine under-17 (15.6 ± 0.9 years) field players completing at least 80% of sessions. All underwent pre- and post-testing using the game-based performance test. A two-way ANOVA analyzed differences between tests and age groups as well as playing positions. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) were found in defense and offense time and body weight for both groups. Under-17 players also showed a significant increase in peak oxygen uptake (+9%), ball velocity (+7%), and jump height (+20%). Agility in defense and offense improved in under-19 (+3%) and under-17 (+6%) players, aligning with training goals. Positional differences were observed between backcourt players and wings (p < 0.01) in the ball velocity, while all players showed improvements in both defense and offense performance. We suggest that professional and targeted specific training at this age has a significant impact on the long-term development of adolescent team handball players and is the basis for a professional handball career. Full article

Background: Current advanced metrics do not sufficiently isolate and quantify the quality of the shooter’s technical execution under match conditions. Objective: This study aimed to develop an Expected Shot Impact Timing (xSIT) model to evaluate the shooting action by considering the spatial configuration of the shooter, the goalkeeper (GK), and all outfield players, as well as incorporating dynamic variables such as ball velocity and player reaction time. Additionally, this study sought to compare the performance and discriminative capacity of two existing post-shot expected goal metrics (xSIT and xGOT, expected goals on target) in evaluating the probability of scoring for shots on target after the moment of execution. Methods: Formal definitions were established for the following: (i) the ball shot location, (ii) the ball velocity, (iii) the GK location, and (iv) the outfield player’s location. An xSIT model incorporating geometric parameters was designed to optimize performance based on ball position and players’ position. The model was tested using all shots from the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2022 Men’s World Cup. A 5-fold cross-validation procedure was applied to evaluate the x SIT model’s performance, and an independent Student’s t-test was performed to statistically compare the performance of the xSIT and xGOT models. Results: The k-fold cross-validation yielded an AUC-ROC score of 0.92 and 84% accuracy, confirming the model’s ability to differentiate successful shooter performance. Statistically and clinically significant differences were observed between the xSIT and xGOT metrics across all analyzed variables, including total shots on target, goal shots, and saved shots (p < 0.001 in all cases). Conclusions: The xSIT metric offers a more nuanced and context-sensitive assessment of shot execution by the shooter, representing a significant advancement over existing post-shot evaluation models. Significant differences were observed between men’s and women’s tournaments. Full article

Background: Musculoskeletal injuries are frequent in handball players due to the high-impact nature of the sport. Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment are essential for recovery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the gold standard for evaluating complex sports-related injuries. This case report aims to assess the role of MRI in diagnosing trauma in professional handball players and the effectiveness of individualized treatment approaches. Methods: Four male members of the “Politehnica” Timișoara first team who sustained match- or training-related injuries between January 2023 and December 2024 underwent an 1.5 T MRI. Individualized conservative protocols included rest, NSAIDs, physiotherapy, and graded kinesitherapy. Results: The first case involved a right back with a knee hematoma and a vastus lateralis tear. Conservative treatment led to recovery. The second case was a left back with peripheral neuropathy caused by hamstring avulsion at the ischial tuberosity. Conservative therapy alleviated symptoms. The third case involved a left winger with adductor muscle tears, which recovered with conservative management. The fourth case, a goalkeeper, had a type III navicular fracture misdiagnosed on radiography, correctly identified via MRI and treated conservatively. Conclusions: MRI is invaluable in diagnosing handball-related injuries, enabling accurate assessments and effective individualized treatment, resulting in early recovery. Full article

Football is a low-scoring sport where a single goal can determine a team’s success. Understanding shot effectiveness and goalkeeper performance is crucial for optimizing match success. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of shots and goalkeeper interventions by identifying the most favorable areas on the field and within the goal. An observational notational analysis was conducted on 15,266 on-target shots from five major European leagues (Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1) during the 2022/2023 season. Data were extracted from FotMob and analyzed in SPSS using Pearson’s chi-square test (χ²) and adjusted residuals (AR) to determine significant patterns. Field and goal zones were divided based on previous studies, with the penalty area receiving further subdivisions due to its relevance to the analysis. The results indicated that match context, target areas within the goal, field zones, and previously identified high-effectiveness areas significantly influenced shot success (χ² < 0.001). Similarly, a significant association was found between the shooting foot and the side of attack (χ² < 0.001), while the body part used did not significantly affect the outcome (χ² = 0.077). Understanding these patterns helps coaches and players optimize team performance. Future studies should analyze additional seasons to confirm these results. Full article

Objectives: Water polo players ought to possess various physical capacities and well-developed cognitive functions that reflect the requirements of their specific playing position. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the cognitive performance, anthropometric characteristics and specific swimming capacities of youth water polo players in different playing positions. Methods: The present cross-sectional study involved 106 youth water polo players. The subjects were recruited as part of a project for talent identification and selection for the Croatian National Water Polo Team. Testing included anthropometric measurements, specific swimming capacities and cognitive performance (Stroop test). Results: Among the 106 youth water polo players, there were 15 goalkeepers (14.2%), 21 center-defenders (19.8%), 17 center-forwards (16.0%), 34 drivers (32.1%) and 19 wings (17.9%), with the mean age of 14.14 ± 0.38 years. The wings performed faster than center-forwards in both StroopOff time (wings: 57.14 ± 10.04 s vs. center-forwards: 67.03 ± 9.72 s, p = 0.016) and StroopOn time (wings: 66.18 ± 15.86 s vs. center-forwards: 80.24 ± 15.64 s, p = 0.019). Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrated significant differences between different playing positions in youth water polo players, specifically between center-forwards and wings. They performed faster than center-forwards in all tested variables of the Stroop test, measures of psychomotor ability, response inhibition and motor speed, as well as in specific swimming capacities measured in the 50 m crawl and the 400 m crawl. The results of this study provide a valuable foundation for establishing developmental recommendations for different playing positions, aimed at improving player’s performance. These recommendations should take into account anthropometric characteristics, specific functional swimming capacities and cognitive functions that influence players’ game intelligence, which can be enhanced through properly designed training programs. Full article

The assessment of cardiac autonomic regulation (CAR) with non-invasive techniques, such as heart rate variability (HRV), might be of practical interest in elite sports, considering its importance in determining training. We studied 117 soccer players (74 male and 43 female) from three First Division European soccer teams. We used a ranked Autonomic Nervous System Index (ANSI, resulting from the combination of multivariate statistical methodologies applied to HRV-derived indices) to assess CAR. We hypothesized that ANSI might differentiate playing positions, considering goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. We also assessed the perception of somatic symptoms and stress. We observed in male athletes that ANSI was significantly greater in males as compared to females (p < 0.001), being higher in midfielders and defenders (p = 0.035), who usually sustain the greatest external load. Interestingly, this result was not observed in female athletes, who, instead, reported a significantly higher perception of somatic symptoms (p = 0.018) and stress (p = 0.049), the latter being particularly high in midfielders and forwards (p = 0.045). This approach might represent a convenient model to study the effects of long-term physical exercise on CAR in soccer, even to unveil possible differences due to sex, different playing positions characterized by distinct exercise routines, or stress perception. Full article

Background: Recent research suggests that an athlete’s gaze behavior plays a significant role in expert sport performance. However, there is a lack of studies investigating sex differences in gaze behavior during technical and tactical actions. Objectives: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the eye movements of elite female and male handball goalkeepers during penalty throws. Methods: In total, 40 handball goalkeepers participated in the study (female: n = 20; male: n = 20). Eye movements were recorded during a series of five penalty throws in real-time conditions. The number of fixations and dwell time, including quiet eye, for selected areas of interest were recorded using a mobile eye-tracking system. Results: Significant differences were found in quiet-eye duration between effective and ineffective goalkeeper interventions (females: mean difference (MD) = 92.26; p = 0.005; males: MD = 122.83; p < 0.001). Significant differences in gaze behavior between female and male handball goalkeepers were observed, specifically in the number of fixations and fixation duration on the selected areas of interest (AOIs). Male goalkeepers primarily observed the throwing upper arm AOI, the throwing forearm (MD = 15.522; p < 0.001), the throwing arm AOI (MD = 6.83; p < 0.001), and the ball (MD = 7.459; z = 3.47; p < 0.001), whereas female goalkeepers mainly observed the torso AOI (MD = 14.264; p < 0.001) and the head AOI (MD = 11.91; p < 0.001) of the throwing player. Conclusions: The results suggest that female goalkeepers’ gaze behavior is based on a relatively constant observation of body areas to recall task-specific information from memory, whilst male goalkeepers mainly observe moving objects in spatio-temporal areas. From a practical perspective, these results can be used to develop perceptual training programs tailored to athletes’ sex. Full article

Background: The effective monitoring of athletes’ adaptation is crucial to optimize the outcomes of altitude camps and minimize the risk of maladaptation to the hypoxic stress and intensive training. This case report assessed the hematological adaptations in 22 world-class female water polo players during a 16-day ‘live high-train high’ (LHTH) altitude camp (2320 m) and evaluated the differences between selected (n = 13) and non-selected (n = 9) players and between playing positions. Methods: Hematological parameters, including total hemoglobin mass (tHB_mass) and blood volume, were measured before and after the camp. Resting heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, body mass, fatigue, and sleep were monitored daily. Results: Relative tHb_mass increased PRE to POST (5.4 ± 5.1%, range −3.9–20.2), but blood volume did not change (p = 0.797). Erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and red cell distribution width increased PRE–POST (p < 0.001, ES = 1.21–2.69), while mean corpuscular volume and hemoglobin decreased (p < 0.001, ES = 0.51 and 0.72, respectively). No substantial differences were observed in the hematological parameters between selected and non-selected players. There was a large difference in the change in relative blood volume between centers (n = 4, PRE 74.1 ± 5.4, POST 69.7 ± 5.9 mL/kg; mean ± SD) and field players (n = 15, PRE 80.8 ± 10.6, POST 82.8 ± 6.8 mL/kg; adj p = 0.046, ES = 1.15) and between centers and goalkeepers (n = 3, PRE 89.7 ± 9.6, POST 82.0 ± 7.1 mL/kg; adj p = 0.046, ES = 1.62). Conclusions: A 16-day LHTH camp can induce favorable hematological adaptations in world-class women’s water polo players, without substantial differences between selected and non-selected players, and larger increases in field players. Full article

Adductor strains are prevalent injuries in professional soccer. The purpose of this study is to identify further evidence of characteristics associated with adductor injury. MLS and other worldwide leagues have differing styles of play warranting further investigation of injury mechanisms. A descriptive cohort study was conducted with a single professional team in the MLS. Injury data was collected between the 2016 to 2022 seasons to characterize adductor injury. Player position type, age, previous injury, and mechanism(s) of injury (MOI) were assessed to understand the injured population. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were utilized to assess the odds of future injury among the injured and non-injured populations. Adductor strains (n = 30) made up 15.5% of all soft-tissue, lower extremity injuries (n = 194) in a single MLS cohort. These injuries were the second most common defined soft-tissue, non-contact injury after hamstring strains (26.4%) and before quadricep strains (11.9%). Among the position types, 28% of defenders, 25% of goalkeepers, 21.4% of forwards, and 20.5% of midfielders experienced at least one adductor strain. The MOI most responsible for these injuries were overuse (30%), change of direction (26.7%), running (13.3%), and kicking (10%). Athletes with previous adductor injury had 167.2 times the odds of adductor injury in a future half-season compared to non-injured athletes. The findings from this study provide further descriptive evidence of player position types and mechanisms related to adductor strain. Insights into the nature of injury within an MLS team and support of previous evidence shows the prevalence of adductor injuries in elite soccer players. Full article

A key challenge in utilizing the expected goals on target (xGOT) metric is the limited public access to detailed football event and positional data, alongside other advanced metrics. This study aims to develop an xGOT model to evaluate goalkeeper (GK) performance based on the probability of successful actions, considering not only the outcomes (saves or goals conceded) but also the difficulty of each shot faced. Formal definitions were established for the following: (i) the initial distance between the ball and the GK at the moment of the shot, (ii) the distance between the ball and the GK over time post-shot, and (iii) the distance between the GK’s initial position and the goal, with respect to the y-coordinate. An xGOT model incorporating geometric parameters was designed to optimize performance based on the ball position, trajectory, and GK positioning. The model was tested using shots on target from the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Statistical evaluation using k-fold cross-validation yielded an AUC-ROC score of 0.67 and an 85% accuracy, confirming the model’s ability to differentiate successful GK performances. This approach enables a more precise evaluation of GK decision-making by analyzing a representative dataset of shots to estimate the probability of success. Full article

Background: Body composition plays a key role in both anaerobic and aerobic performance in professional soccer. However, its relationship with physical performance in female players remains underexplored. Assessing these parameters at the beginning of the pre-season provides valuable insights for optimizing player readiness. This study investigates the correlation between anthropometric profile, body composition, and physical performance in professional female soccer players at pre-season onset. Additionally, it analyzes positional differences and their relation to the specific physical demands of women’s soccer. Methods: A cross-sectional study of thirty-four female soccer players (age: 23.06 ± 4.29 years, height: 164.15 ± 5.84 cm, weight: 58.39 ± 6.62 kg, and ∑6 skinfolds: 74.57 ± 18.48 mm) who performed anthropometric measurements, the Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) on the first day of the pre-season. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test assessed positional differences, while Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation coefficients evaluated relationships between anthropometric variables and performance outcomes. Results: Very high positive correlations were found between body and muscle mass with the power variables in CMJ and WAnT (r = 0.70–0.89; p < 0.001). An almost perfect correlation was observed between body mass and peak power in WAnT (r = 0.904; p < 0.001). In contrast, fat mass showed moderate negative correlations with jump height and aerobic performance (Yo-Yo IR1 distance) (r = 0.30–0.49; p < 0.04). Significant differences were observed in the mean (757.60 ± 95.59 W) and peak power (773.59 ± 101.88 W) of CMJ pre-WAnT, with goalkeepers showing higher values compared to defenders and midfielders (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Body composition significantly influences athletic performance, showing positive correlations of muscle and body mass with anaerobic power and capacity. In contrast, fat mass showed negative correlations with explosive strength, recovery, and aerobic capacity. Full article

Introduction: Football analysis has experienced significant growth in recent years as an applied research field. This study aims to contribute to this area by applying the chain on goals model to analyze both the attacking and defensive phases of football matches. Additionally, it introduces four practical concepts to better understand player and team performance in Spain’s professional football leagues. Method: Data for the 2023/24 season were collected from Football Reference, covering both men’s (LaLiga) and women’s (LigaF) leagues. Variables analyzed included team performance, attack and defensive performance, goals saved above average (GSAA), goals and possession value (PV), expected goals (xG), and xG on target (xGOT) for attack and defensive phases. Four practical concepts analyzed were off-ball movement (PV-xG), player’s offensive quality (xG-xGOT), team’s positioning (PVA-xGA), and player’s defensive quality (xGA-xGOTA). Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were performed to compare all variables between the two leagues using an Independent Student’s test. Additionally, correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the relationships between the four concepts. Results: Significant differences were observed between leagues in defensive performance (p = 0.03) and GSAA (p < 0.001). Practical concepts revealed disparities in off-ball movement and team’s positioning (p < 0.001 in both). No correlations were found between off-ball movement and player’s offensive quality or between team’s positioning and player’s defensive quality. Conclusions: The Spanish women’s league exhibited defensive weaknesses, conceding more goals and showing lower goalkeeper performance. PV was the most influential variable in the women’s league, while xG was critical in the men’s league. Full article

This preliminary study examined the effects of playing walking football with and without a goalkeeper (GK) on physiological, physical, technical, and perceptual variables in older men. Twenty participants (67 ± 4.7 years) engaged in two five vs. five walking football sessions, one WITH-GK and one WITHOUT-GK, using a randomized crossover design. The heart rate (HR), distance covered, technical actions, perceived exercise intensity, and enjoyment were measured. The results showed a significantly higher average HR (131 bpm vs. 123 bpm, p < 0.001), %HRmax (79% vs. 74%, p < 0.001), and time in higher HR zones (>80%HRmax, p < 0.05) in the WITH-GK condition. Participants also covered more total distance in the WITH-GK condition (1123 m vs. 1083 m, p < 0.001), particularly at speeds above 4 km/h (834 m vs. 781 m, p < 0.001). Conversely, more passes were made in the WITHOUT-GK condition (20 vs. 16 passes, p < 0.001), while the WITH-GK condition showed more shots (two vs. one, p < 0.001). The perceived exercise intensity was slightly higher in the WITHOUT-GK condition (five vs. four, p = 0.01), although the enjoyment levels were similar, with a slight preference for WITHOUT-GK. Overall, playing WITHOUT-GK provides a safer, lower-intensity alternative to WITH-GK, reducing the physical and perceived strain while maintaining enjoyment. This makes WITHOUT-GK particularly suitable for older adults or individuals with health conditions, promoting participation and rehabilitation with minimized risks. Full article

Beach soccer has gained increasing interest for study in the sports sciences. In this sense, the analysis of activity profiles is important for training design and load individualization. Therefore, the aims of this study were to identify the most important variables to assess the activity profile and to compare them according to the playing position and game periods in international beach soccer matches. A total of 19 matches of the Spanish national beach soccer team were analyzed during their participation in different international competitions during the 2021–2022 season. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to objectively select the external load variables that best explain the data. Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin values of 0.705 and Bartlett’s Sphericity (p < 0.01) were obtained. Kruskal–Wallis and Friedman tests was performed for playing positions and game period comparisons, respectively. The PCA showed seven components that grouped a total of 20 variables, explaining 66% of the total variance. Only PC1 and PC2 explained more than 15% (23% and 17%, respectively). Differences were found between playing positions (H > 22.73; p < 0.01) and between game periods (X2 > 16.46; p < 0.01). A significant decrease was found throughout the game, with the highest demands in period 1 and the lowest in period 3. The highest workloads were performed by wingers and the lowest by goalkeepers. The differences between positions and game periods were found in the following: Total Distance (m/min), HIBD (m/min), High Acc (m/s), High Dec (m/s), Acc 1–2 m/s² (m), Acc 2–3 m/s² (m), Imp 4–5G (n), Imp 5–6G (n), Sprint (n), and Dec 10–6 m/s² (m) (p < 0.01). In conclusion, physical and tactical demands faced by elite-level beach soccer players will be influenced by playing positions and game periods. Coaches needs to develop position-specific training programs and optimize substitution strategies for enhancing overall team performance. Full article