Search Results (56)

Background: Neurofeedback training has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing performance by targeting specific brain activity patterns linked to motor skills, decision-making, and concentration. This study aimed to explore the associations between neurofeedback outcomes and football-specific performance metrics, including anthropometric, physical, technical, and tactical dimensions. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to examine the effects of a six-week neurofeedback training program on motor skills, tactical decision-making, and physical performance in young women’s football players (n = 8, aged 14–18). Participants underwent 30-min sessions three times a week targeting sensorimotor rhythms (SMRs) in the 12–15 Hz range within virtual football scenarios. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included anthropometric measures, neurophysiological evaluations, Loughborough Soccer Shooting Test (LSST), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIR1). Tactical decision-making was evaluated with a FUT-SAT-based instrument, and biological maturity was estimated using the Mirwald equations. Results: Statistical analyses using Pearson’s correlations revealed significant associations between neurofeedback outcomes, motor efficiency indices (MEIs), decision-making (DM), and football performance metrics. Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.504 to 0.998, with p-values from 0.010 to <0.001, indicating significant associations across physical, technical, and tactical dimensions. Conclusions: This study highlights the beneficial impact of neurofeedback on football performance in young female athletes. Full article

Sport has long served as a powerful vehicle for promoting social inclusion, particularly among marginalized youth. Football, due to its global appeal and participatory nature, is uniquely positioned to bridge social divides while fostering technical and tactical development. This study explores the dual function of small-sided games (SSGs) in advancing both performance outcomes and inclusive dynamics within youth football contexts. Utilizing a longitudinal case study of a Romanian U14 team during the 2022–2023 season, we implemented a tailored SSG training program aimed at enhancing offensive play and team cohesion. Performance was assessed using key technical and tactical indicators, with data analyzed via SmartPLS structural equation modeling. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in several offensive and defensive metrics, including crosses, collective goal-scoring, and ball recovery actions. Importantly, the format of SSGs facilitated equitable participation, reinforcing inclusionary practices. The findings support the integration of SSGs not only as effective pedagogical tools for football training but also as mechanisms for fostering social development through sport. This study underscores the strategic potential of SSGs in aligning youth athletic training with broader educational and social inclusion objectives. Full article

Sport performance results from the interaction of tactical, technical, physiological and psychological factors, but psychological aspects are often minimized or analyzed in a decontextualized manner. This exploratory pilot study aimed to contribute to the development of a diagnostic framework that links individual behaviors during football attack–defense transition moments (ADT) with psychological attributes. Twenty male U14 players were assessed across five official matches regarding their ADT performance indicators. The Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI-28) and the Resilience Scale (RS) were applied during the competition. Statistical analyses included correlation tests and Bayesian analysis. Players showed a significant tendency to sustain ball recovery behaviors after possession loss (p = 0.004). Psychological resilience and athletic coping skills varied substantially between individuals without positional differences, as well as RS scores were significantly below the high-resilience threshold (147; p = 0.013). A moderate positive correlation emerged between RS Factor 1 and the ACSI-28 subscale “Coping with Adversity” (r = 0.574, p = 0.008). Posterior distributions provide exploratory signals suggesting possible positive associations for two psychological constructs considering ADT individual behaviors: “Concentration” in relation to the maintenance of recovery actions (Mode = 0.439; 95% CI [0.030, 0.721]) and “Goal Setting” in relation to the rapid initiation of recovery actions (Mode = 0.465; 95% CI [0.059, 0.734]). Nevertheless, Bayes Factors favored the null model overall, indicating that these signals are weak and require replication. By contrast, most psychological constructs, including resilience, showed no reliable evidence of correlation with recovery-related actions. The findings highlight the need to further research the integration of psychological assessment into football performance diagnostics, while also indicating that psychological factors alone are insufficient to fully explain youth players’ individual ADT behaviors. Full article

Performance analysis in elite football still faces significant challenges: traditional descriptive statistics often fail to capture tactical adaptability, and African teams remain underrepresented in the scientific literature despite achieving historic breakthroughs. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 marked a turning point, with Morocco becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. This study systematically analyzed the tactical, physical, and structural performance of the Moroccan national team across seven matches using official FIFA post-match reports. A three-level methodological framework was adopted: (i) descriptive analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs); (ii) visual profiling through radar charts, heatmaps, and passing networks; and (iii) exploratory modelling using principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering. Results revealed consistent defensive organization, low ball possession (<40% in five matches), and effective counter-attacking transitions, with pressing peaks against Spain (288 actions) and France (299 actions). PCA explained 76% of the variance, identifying two principal axes (physical intensity vs. technical mastery; verticality vs. build-up play) and clustering distinguished three match types: low-block defensive games, transition-oriented games, and open matches. These findings highlight Morocco’s tactical adaptability and sustained physical commitment. The study demonstrates how AI-enhanced analytics and multidimensional data visualization can uncover latent performance patterns and support evidence-based decision-making. Practical implications include actionable insights for performance analysts and coaching staff, particularly as Morocco prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cups in 2026 and 2030. This integrative approach can serve as a model for federations seeking data-driven performance optimization in elite football. Full article

This study assesses energy management practices in the automotive sector of Poland’s Silesian Voivodeship, a highly industrialized region. Using structured interviews with 40 manufacturing firms, it examines the adoption of energy monitoring, submetering, Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs), audits, and energy efficiency investments. The research addresses the problem of persistent energy waste and the difficulties many firms face in integrating ISO 50001-aligned energy management into daily operations, where declared policies often outpace actual practices. Results show that 92.5% of firms monitor total energy consumption, but only 40% implement submetering, and 45% use EnPIs. Half have conducted energy audits, and 85% report taking energy-saving actions such as lighting upgrades, equipment modernization, and thermal improvements. However, no companies reported measurable energy or cost savings, and few track investment outcomes quantitatively. While energy awareness is widespread, many practices appear to be implemented in a tactical manner, potentially lacking strategic integration or consistent performance tracking. Larger firms are more likely to use audits and EnPIs, while smaller firms face barriers such as limited resources or technical expertise. The findings highlight a need for formalized EMS adoption, standardized energy governance, and greater use of performance-based tools such as EnPIs. By exploring EMS-aligned behavior without referencing management systems directly, the study provides a unique lens on the operational maturity of industrial firms. Full article

Football performance results from the dynamic interaction between physical, tactical, technical, and psychological dimensions—each of which also influences player well-being, recovery, and readiness. However, integrated monitoring approaches remain scarce, particularly in youth and sub-elite contexts. This systematic review screened 341 records from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with 46 studies meeting the inclusion criteria (n = 1763 players; age range: 13.2–28.7 years). Physical external load was reported in 44 studies using GPS-derived metrics such as total distance and high-speed running, while internal load was examined in 36 studies through session-RPE (rate of perceived exertion × duration), heart rate zones, training impulse (TRIMP), and Player Load (PL). A total of 22 studies included well-being indicators capturing fatigue, sleep quality, stress levels, and muscle soreness, through tools such as the Hooper Index (HI), the Total Quality Recovery (TQR) scale, and various Likert-type or composite wellness scores. Tactical behaviours (n = 15) were derived from positional tracking systems, while technical performance (n = 7) was assessed using metrics like pass accuracy and expected goals, typically obtained from Wyscout^® or TRACAB^® (a multi-camera optical tracking system). Only five studies employed multivariate models to examine interactions between performance domains or to predict well-being outcomes. Most remained observational, relying on descriptive analyses and examining each domain in isolation. These findings reveal a fragmented approach to player monitoring and a lack of conceptual integration between physical, psychological, tactical, and technical indicators. Future research should prioritise multidimensional, standardised monitoring frameworks that combine contextual, psychophysiological, and performance data to improve applied decision-making and support player health, particularly in sub-elite and youth populations. Full article

This study examined the effects of a short-term ballistic training program on neuromuscular performance and strength-deficit (SDef) in elite youth female soccer players. Twenty-two under-20 athletes completed a 4-week intervention during the pre-season phase, comprising 12 loaded and 8 unloaded ballistic training sessions performed at maximal intended velocity. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included vertical jumps (squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ]), sprinting speed (5, 10, and 20 m), one-repetition maximum (1RM) and peak force (PF) in the half-squat (HS), and peak power and velocity during jump squats (JS) at 30% of 1RM. SDef was calculated as the percentage difference in PF between 1RM in the HS and 30% 1RM. Significant improvements were observed in SJ, CMJ, sprint speed, 1RM-strength, and bar-derived mechanical outputs (ES = 1.18–1.66; p < 0.05), with no significant changes in SDef. These results indicate that elite youth female soccer players can improve strength-, power-, and speed-related capacities without compromising force production at higher movement velocities (thus maintaining their SDef). The improvements observed likely reflect the combined effect of a high-frequency, velocity-oriented training approach and a concurrent reduction in traditional technical–tactical (i.e., soccer-specific) training volume. This is the first study to demonstrate that ballistic exercises alone—when properly structured—can enhance neuromuscular performance in female soccer players without increasing SDef. These findings provide practical guidance for practitioners aiming to optimize physical development in team-sport athletes without relying on heavier training loads or extended resistance training sessions—and, especially, without compromising their ability to apply force at higher velocities. Full article

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

The purpose of this study was to analyze the trend of sprint momentum over three consecutive seasons in elite rugby union players, to assess how body mass and sprinting speed affected changes in momentum, and to determine the impact of between-season changes in momentum on a selection of technical/tactical match performance indicators. The body mass, 10-m sprinting speed, and momentum of n = 37 elite rugby union players (age: 25.9 ± 2.8 y; height: 186.5 ± 7.3 cm; 22 forwards and 15 backs) were assessed over three consecutive seasons (2018–2021). Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the impact of between-season changes in body mass and speed on momentum, and of body mass, speed, and momentum on technical indicators. Increased speed and body mass led to higher momentum (ES = 1.06–1.44). Speed changes improved effective carries, ineffective carries, carries, linebreaks, and offloads (ES = 0.48–1.17), while they reduced tackles (ES = −1.29). Changes in body mass reduced tackles (ES = −0.22) and improved effective carries (ES = 0.89) and carries (ES = 0.75). Changes in momentum reduced tackles (ES = −0.26) and ineffective contests (ES = −0.27), and improved offloads (ES = 0.61), effective carries (ES = 0.59), and carries (ES = 0.51). In conclusion, between-season improvements of momentum are achievable in elite rugby players, and, together with changes in speed and/or body mass, can have an impact on the technical/tactical performance during match play. Full article

Cryptocurrency markets are characterized by high volatility, nonlinear dependencies, and limited transparency, making short-term forecasting particularly challenging for both researchers and practitioners. To address these complexities, this study introduces a Temporal Fusion Transformer (TFT)-based forecasting framework that integrates on-chain and technical indicators to improve predictive performance and inform tactical trading decisions. By combining multi-source features—such as Spent Output Profit Ratio (SOPR), Total Value Locked (TVL), active addresses (AA), exchange net flow (ENF), Realized Cap HODL Waves, and the Crypto Fear and Greed Index—with classical signals like Relative Strength Index (RSI) and moving average convergence divergence (MACD), the model captures behavioral patterns, investor sentiment, and price dynamics in a unified structure. Five major cryptocurrencies—BTC, ETH, USDT, XRP, and BNB—serve as the empirical basis for evaluation. The proposed TFT model is benchmarked against LSTM, GRU, SVR, and XGBoost using standard regression metrics to assess forecasting accuracy. Beyond prediction, a signal-based trading strategy is developed by translating model outputs into daily buy, hold, or sell signals, with performance assessed through a comprehensive set of financial metrics. The results suggest that integrating attention-based deep learning with domain-informed indicators provides an effective and interpretable approach for multi-asset cryptocurrency forecasting and real-time portfolio strategy optimization. Full article

This study explores how age influences the relationship between physical performance (PP) and technical–tactical parameters (TPs) in youth soccer, analyzing 80 matches across four age groups: U15, U17, U19, and NB1 (adults). Team-level data were examined to assess how maturation affects the integration of physical and technical demands. Physical metrics included total distance (TD) and total high-intensity distance (THID), while TP metrics involved actions such as pressing, tackling, and ball possession. Pearson’s correlations and general linear models (GLMs) were used to identify associations between PP and TPs across age categories. The results showed age-related trends in performance integration. U19 and NB1 players demonstrated moderate-to-strong correlations between PP and TP variables, with TD and THID positively associated with pressing and tackling, indicating increasing synergy with age. U17 players showed emerging integration, while U15 players exhibited no significant correlations, suggesting developmental variability. Limitations include reliance on team-level correlational data and the absence of individual physiological or cognitive assessments. These findings suggest that training approaches should be tailored to players’ developmental stages, with increasing emphasis on combining physical conditioning and tactical understanding as players mature. Full article

Football is a complex game that requires combined technical, tactical, and psychological skills. The effect of training methods on players is crucial to improve their performance significantly. Different training methods can improve certain performance; however, the effect of combined training methodologies has not been sufficiently investigated. This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of small-sided games (SSGs), strength training (ST), and a combined training model (CTM) on the physical performance of soccer players. In this study, we analyzed 60 players in three groups. Two groups were trained independently with two single-training methods, small-sided games and a strength training model, and one group was trained independently with a double-training method, a combination of single-training methods. Before each training session, each group was given theoretical education specific to the training program they would perform. Eighteen physical measurements of the players were obtained using sensitive devices before and after they were completed. Four tree-based machine learning models, decision tree, random forest, gradient boosting, and extreme gradient boosting, were applied to solve the complex pattern of training strategies using the measurements. Extensive and comparative experiments were conducted to distinguish the groups of players. The distinction between the initial and final measurements was analyzed separately, and the extreme gradient boosting model achieved 0.73–0.80 and 1.00 accuracy for initial and final tests by outperforming other models. A superior model, XGBoost, was used to analyze the effective decisive factors that improved after the training sessions. The results showed that players in the double-training group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in skill performance compared to both single-training groups. In contrast, the skill gains observed in the single-training groups were modest and partially overlapping, indicating limited differentiation between them. These results suggest that integrated training programs may offer more comprehensive benefits and can inform evidence-based decision-making for coaches seeking to optimize physical development in soccer players. Full article

Despite the growing popularity of women’s basketball in recent years, scientific literature on the subject remains significantly less extensive compared to its male counterpart. The main objective of this research was to analyze successful offensive actions and patterns during critical moments in the Women’s EuroLeague. The sample consisted of 377 technical–tactical actions corresponding to plays with score differences of three points or less (one-possession games) in the final minute and overtime periods of the Women’s EuroLeague during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. This study was based on an observational design, utilizing the LINCE PLUS software together with a customized observation tool. Descriptive statistics and chi-square (χ²) tests were carried out using SPSS version 25, while T-Pattern detection was performed through Theme 5 software. A threshold for statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. The findings indicated that home teams achieved a higher percentage of successful plays compared to visiting teams. Most successful patterns occurred during the final phase of possession (8”–0”), regardless of game location or team result. Additionally, layups, plays involving shots after on-ball screen, and actions following personal fouls demonstrated the highest success rates. The practical implications discussed in this research provide valuable insights for coaches to optimize offensive strategies during high-pressure moments in elite women’s basketball. Full article

Corner kicks are one of the most frequent and potentially decisive set pieces in soccer, occurring approximately ten times per match. Aim: This systematic review aimed to synthesize the existing evidence on the technical–tactical execution of corner kicks in male soccer, assess the methodological quality of published studies, and provide practical recommendations for coaching staff. Methodology: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted on 2 March 2025, in the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Studies were included if they focused on the technical–tactical analysis of corner kicks in male soccer, published in peer-reviewed journals or conferences, and written in English. A total of 21 eligible studies were identified. Each study was assessed for quality using a 13-item checklist, and a qualitative synthesis was performed based on key tactical, contextual, and methodological dimensions. Results: The included studies showed that most corners were delivered to the central area between the six-yard box and penalty spot. Dynamic attacking organizations involving 3–4 players and indirect deliveries to the far post were associated with higher probabilities of shots on target. Defensively, mixed marking strategies with players covering the near post yielded lower concession rates. Methodological quality was generally moderate to high. Inconsistencies in zone division and limited reporting of contextual variables were common limitations. Only two studies examined the transition phase after ball loss. Conclusions: Despite their strategic importance, corner kicks remain understudied in certain aspects. There is a need for standardized frameworks in zone division and a greater focus on contextual and transitional elements. This review provides evidence-based recommendations for optimizing set-piece strategy and highlights key areas for future research, including the systematic integration of transition phases and meta-analytical synthesis of performance indicators. Full article

(1) Background: Handball is conceptualized as a complex dynamic system characterized by emergent behaviors, non-linearity, attractors, and self-organization, influenced by players’ interactions, environmental conditions, and tactical elements. This perspective emphasizes the importance of communication, adaptive strategies, and modern teaching methods like Non-linear Pedagogy for improving technical-tactical behaviors, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to deepen its understanding. Thus, this narrative review aims to explore how modern theories and approaches can be integrated to provide a deeper understanding of handball’s complexity from a broad and multidisciplinary perspective. (2) Methods: A narrative review approach was employed to integrate key concepts such as chaos theory, self-organization, and non-linear pedagogy as they apply to the game’s technical-tactical dynamics. The methodology involved a comprehensive literature review to identify how emergent perceptual and social interactions influence collective performance. (3) Results: Findings indicate that team performance is not solely dependent on individual skills but on their capacity for synchronization, adaptation, and self-organization in response to competitive demands. Communication and internal cohesion emerged as critical factors for adjustment and autonomous decision-making, framed within Luhmann’s social systems theory. (4) Conclusions: The conclusions suggest that training methodologies should incorporate non-linear approaches that promote self-organization, adaptability, and player autonomy. This multidisciplinary perspective offers a deeper understanding of handball and highlights its applicability to other team sports, maximizing performance through an integrative analysis of social, philosophical, and communicative components. Full article