Tactical skill in Australian youth soccer: Does it discriminate age-match skill levels?

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1057-1063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad S Keller ◽  
Annette J Raynor ◽  
Fiona Iredale ◽  
Lyndell Bruce

Objectives Football Federation Australia (FFA) has identified that Australian athletes are proficient physically, however often lack the technical and tactical skills to excel internationally. The aim of the current study was to assess if a video-based decision-making test could discriminate different age-matched skill levels of talent in Australian soccer. Design Cross-sectional observational. Methods Sixty-two youth male soccer players completed a video-based decision-making test. Results An ANOVA test showed that the video-based test significantly discriminated between all three groups, with the national elite athletes selecting more correct responses than the state elite (65.3 ± 8.1%; 56.0 ± 9.1%, respectively). The state elite were more accurate than the sub-elite (45.9 ± 8.8%). Conclusions Results suggest that a video-based test may be a suitable tool to use in the selection of athletes as a measure of decision-making skill. The low accuracy scores, even for the national elite cohort, suggest that decision-making skill at the youth level has room for improvement and should be prioritised as an area for development.

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 819-824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad S Keller ◽  
Annette J Raynor ◽  
Lyndell Bruce ◽  
Fiona Iredale

Objectives To determine whether the technical ability of Australian youth soccer players could distinguish between various playing levels. Design A cross-sectional observational design was used with each player required to complete four technical tests. Methods Sixty-two participants were representatives of three cohorts of youth soccer in Australia: national elite ( n = 18), state elite ( n = 22) and sub-elite ( n = 22). The technical tests used were Loughborough Short Passing Test (LSPT), long passing test (LPT), shooting test and speed dribbling, with all players familiarised with the tests prior to data collection. Differences between cohorts were analysed using a multiple analysis of variance test with follow-up analyses of variance and Tukey Honest Significant Difference post-hoc test, which were subsequently used to inform a sensitivity analysis, more specifically a bootstrapped receiver operating curve to determine cut-off scores for each variable. Results The national elite cohort scored better than state- and sub-elite cohorts on the LSPT, however, the state elite produced the fastest time before penalties. The sub-elite cohort scored less points on the LPT compared to both national- and state-elite cohorts, on both feet. In regards to speed dribbling, national-elite players were faster than both the state- and sub-elite cohorts. Shooting accuracy and velocity were able to discriminate the national- and sub-elite cohorts on the dominant foot, with shooting velocity on the nondominant foot being faster for the national elite compared to both the state- and sub-elite cohorts. Conclusions A number of differences in technical ability were identified between varying levels of Australian youth soccer players. Youth soccer coaches and sports scientists should use the cut-off scores for the technical tests in the talent identification and development process, with aspiring players aiming to reach these levels.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 787-793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brad S Keller ◽  
Annette J Raynor ◽  
Lyndell Bruce ◽  
Fiona Iredale

Objectives To determine whether Australian youth soccer players of varying levels could be distinguished based on their anthropometrical and physical attributes. Design A cross-sectional observational design was used, involving six anthropometrical and physical tests for each player. Methods Participants represented three youth levels of competition, namely national elite (n = 18), state elite (n = 22) and sub-elite (n = 22). Anthropometrical and physical tests included standing height; body mass; 5, 10, 30 m sprint and 20 m ‘flying start’ sprint; zig-zag agility test; vertical jump and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1. A multiple analysis of variance for the main effect of cohort, with a follow-up ANOVA and Tukey's Honest Significant Difference were used to discern which attributes differed between each cohort. Receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated, providing cut-off values between cohorts. Results The national elite cohort was significantly taller than the state elite cohort (ES = 0.94) and faster than the sub-elite athletes across 30 m (ES = 0.79) and 20 m with a flying start (ES = 0.77) (P < 0.05). The national elite cohort had a significantly higher level of intermittent endurance, compared to the state elite athletes who also performed better than the sub-elite cohort. The discrepancy between groups in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1 was exemplified by the receiver operating characteristic with 94.1% of national elite players running further than 1980 m, while 95.7% of state elite and 100% of sub-elite players failed to reach this distance (ES = 0.88–1.77). Conclusions It is evident that anthropometrical and physical attributes differ between youth cohorts, particularly intermittent endurance. It is important to use this knowledge to enhance the current processes used to identify future talent for success in Australian soccer.


2012 ◽  
Vol 112 (10) ◽  
pp. 3487-3494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshihiro Hoshikawa ◽  
Tomomi Iida ◽  
Nozomi Ii ◽  
Masataka Muramatsu ◽  
Yoshiharu Nakajima ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 232596711988337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiyuki Iwame ◽  
Tetsuya Matsuura ◽  
Naoto Suzue ◽  
Joji Iwase ◽  
Hirokazu Uemura ◽  
...  

Background: Soccer is played by many children younger than 12 years. Despite its health benefits, soccer has also been linked to a high number of sport-related injuries. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between clinical factors and knee or heel pain in youth soccer players. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Study participants included 602 soccer players aged 8 to 12 years who were asked whether they had experienced episodes of knee or heel pain. Data were collected on age, body mass index, years of playing soccer, playing position, and training hours per week. Associations of clinical factors with the prevalence of knee or heel pain were examined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Episodes of knee and heel pain were reported by 29.4% and 31.1% of players, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that older age and more years of playing soccer were significantly and positively associated with the prevalence of knee pain ( P = .037 and P = .015 for trend, respectively) but did not identify any significant associations for heel pain. Conclusion: In this study of youth soccer players, knee pain was associated with older age and more years of play, but heel pain was not significantly associated with any factor.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
John Garry ◽  
James Pow ◽  
John Coakley ◽  
David Farrell ◽  
Brendan O'Leary ◽  
...  

Abstract How much public and elite support is there for the use of a citizens’ assembly – a random selection of citizens brought together to consider a policy issue – to tackle major, deadlock-inducing disagreements in deeply divided places with consociational political institutions? We focus on Northern Ireland and use evidence from a cross-sectional attitude survey, a survey-based experiment and elite interviews. We find that the general public support decision-making by a citizens’ assembly, even when the decision reached is one they personally disagree with. However, support is lower among those with strong ideological views. We also find that elected politicians oppose delegating decision-making power to an ‘undemocratic’ citizens’ assembly, but are more supportive of recommendation-making power. These findings highlight the potential for post-conflict consociations to be amended, with the consent of the parties, to include citizens’ assemblies that make recommendations but not binding policy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-137
Author(s):  
Aurelio Olmedilla ◽  
Marta Cánovas ◽  
Belén Olmedilla-Caballero ◽  
Enrique Ortega

El estudio de los factores psicológicos relacionados con el rendimiento deportivo tiene un importante recorrido en la literatura científica. Conocer si existen diferencias entre hombres y mujeres deportistas, cuáles son estas, y en qué aspectos se manifiestan es una cuestión que podría ayudar a mejorar la labor de entrenadores y técnicos deportivos. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si existen diferencias de género en el perfil psicológico de futbolistas juveniles relacionado con el rendimiento deportivo. Se utilizó un diseño descriptivo transversal. La muestra objeto de estudio estuvo formada por un total de 329 jugadores juveniles de fútbol (46.8% varones y 53,2% mujeres), con una edad media de 17.02 (±1.50) años;. Para la evaluación de las características psicológicas se utilizó el Cuestionario Características Psicológicas Relacionadas con el Rendimiento Deportivo (CPRD). Los resultados de este estudio indican que existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre chicos y chicas en control de estrés (CE), influencia de la evaluación del rendimiento (IER) y en cohesión de equipo (CH). Los jugadores chicos manifiestan puntuaciones mayores que las jugadoras chicas en CE, es decir, gestionan mejor el estrés propio de la competición, y en IER, es decir, los jugadores chicos gestionan mejor que las jugadoras chicas el impacto que supone la evaluación de su rendimiento, el que hacen los otros (entrenadores, compañeros, padres/madres, etc.) y el que se hace a sí mismo. Sin embargo, las jugadoras chicas presentan mejores puntuaciones en CH, es decir, manifiestan una mayor tendencia a trabajar en grupo y fortalecer el equipo. The study of psychological factors related to sports performance has an important track record in the scientific literature. Knowing if there are differences between male and female athletes, what they are, and in what aspects they manifest is an issue that could help improve the work of coaches and sports technicians. The aim of this study is to determine if there are gender differences in the psychological profile of youth soccer players related to sports performance. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The sample under study was formed by a total of 329 youth soccer players (46.8% male and 53,2% female), with an average age of 17.02 (± 1.50) years. The Psychological Characteristics Questionnaire Related to Sports Performance (CPRD) was used to evaluate psychological characteristics. The results of this study indicate that there are statistically significant differences between male and female in stress control (CE), influence of performance evaluation (IER) and in team cohesion (CH). The male players show higher scores than the female players in CE, that is, they better manage the stress of the competition, and in IER, that is, the male players manage better than the female players the impact of evaluating their performance, the one that others do (coaches, partners, fathers / mothers, etc.) and the one that makes itself. However, female players have better CH scores, that is, they show a greater tendency to work in groups and strengthen the team. O estudo de fatores psicológicos relacionados ao desempenho esportivo tem um histórico importante na literatura científica. Saber se existem diferenças entre atletas masculinos e femininos, o que são e em que aspectos eles se manifestam é uma questão que pode ajudar a melhorar o trabalho de treinadores e técnicos esportivos. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar se existem diferenças de gênero no perfil psicológico de jovens jogadores de futebol relacionados ao desempenho esportivo. Foi utilizado um desenho descritivo de corte transversal. A amostra estudada foi composta por um total de 329 jogadores de futebol juvenil (46,8% masculino e 53,2% feminino), com idade média de 17,02 (± 1,50) anos. O Questionário de Características Psicológicas Relacionadas ao Desempenho Esportivo (CPRD) foi utilizado para avaliar as características psicológicas. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que existem diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre meninos e meninas no controle do estresse (EC), influência da avaliação de desempenho (IER) e na coesão da equipe (HC). Os jogadores pequenos apresentam pontuações mais altas do que as jogadoras da CE, ou seja, administram melhor o estresse da competição, e no IER, ou seja, os jogadores pequenos gerenciam melhor do que as jogadoras o impacto de avaliar seu desempenho , o que os outros fazem (treinadores, parceiros, pais / mães, etc.) e o que se faz. No entanto, as jogadoras têm melhores pontuações no HC, ou seja, mostram maior tendência a trabalhar em grupo e fortalecer a equipe


Author(s):  
Javier Sevil-Serrano ◽  
Ángel Abós ◽  
Sergio Diloy-Peña ◽  
Pedro L. Egea ◽  
Luis García-González

The coach is one of the most influential agents in the sport commitment of youth players. Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), numerous studies have examined the influence of the coach’s autonomy-supportive behaviours on athletes’ motivation. However, fewer studies have examined the influence of the coach’s controlling behaviours. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyse the influence of young soccer players’ perception of their coach’s autonomy-supportive and controlling behaviours on the satisfaction and frustration of their basic psychological needs (BPN) and sport commitment. A total of 203 soccer players (86% boys), aged 10–19 years (M = 14.88; SD = 1.54) participated. Coach autonomy support positively predicted BPN satisfaction which, in turn, positively explained sport commitment. Coach intimidation behaviours positively predicted BPN frustration, which, in turn, negatively explained sport commitment. In cross-relationships, autonomy support negatively explained BPN frustration, while intimidation behaviours and the controlling use of rewards negatively predicted BPN satisfaction. To conclude, these results suggest that it is important for the coach not only to support autonomy, but also to avoid the use of controlling behaviours, especially intimidation and controlling use of rewards, because of their influence on the motivational processes and sport commitment of youth soccer players.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1143-1156
Author(s):  
João Vítor de Assis ◽  
Sixto González-Víllora ◽  
Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽  
Felippe Cardoso ◽  
Israel Teoldo

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 902-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Read ◽  
Jon Oliver ◽  
Mark De Ste Croix ◽  
Gregory Myer ◽  
Rhodri Lloyd

AbstractQuantifying hopping and landing performances can assist coaches in identifying young male soccer players who may be at increased risk of injury. The influence of chronological age and maturation on these measures in this population is unknown. Single leg hop for distance (SLHD) and 75% horizontal hop and stick landing force (75%Hop) were examined in a cross-sectional sample (N=400) of elite male youth soccer players. Between-group differences for both chronological age (U11–U18) and stage of maturation (pre-, circa- or post-peak height velocity (PHV)) were analyzed. Absolute 75%Hop increased with both age and maturation. Apart from the U18s, pre-PHV and U11–U12 players displayed the greatest relative landing forces compared to all other groups (p<0.001; d=0.56–0.93). Absolute and relative SLHD were greatest in the U18s and post-PHV players (p<0.001; d=0.35–2.04). A trend showed increased SLHD with each consecutive age group although a reduction in performance was identified in the U13s (d=0.50–0.59). High volumes of accumulated soccer participation in the U18s may lead to altered landing strategies indicative of high injury risk. A temporary reduction in hop performance in the U13s may also be linked to a period of adolescent awkwardness.


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