scholarly journals Change of Direction Deficit in National Team Rugby Union Players: Is There an Influence of Playing Position?

Sports ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomás Freitas ◽  
Pedro Alcaraz ◽  
Chris Bishop ◽  
Julio Calleja-González ◽  
Ademir Arruda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rugby Union ◽  
Drop Jump ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
National Team ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Median Split ◽  
Rugby Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the change of direction (COD) ability and deficits of elite rugby union players, discriminating between position (backs and forwards), and between “faster and slower players”, in multiple COD tasks. Twenty-four male rugby union players from the Brazilian senior National team completed the following assessments: Squat and countermovement jumps; drop jump; standing long jump, horizontal triple jumps; 40-m linear sprint; Pro-agility, L-Drill, and Zig-zag COD tests; and squat 1-repetition maximum. The differences between backs and forwards and between faster and slower performers were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Backs were faster (in both linear and COD speed tests) and jumped higher than forwards. Moreover, they generated an inferior sprint momentum. No differences were found in COD deficit between playing positions. However, when dividing the sample by median split, faster players outperformed their slower counterparts in all power–speed variables and presented higher COD deficits. These results suggest that separating rugby players by playing position might not discriminate players with different COD skills and that the median split analysis is more sensitive to identifying these differences. Furthermore, the present data indicate that faster rugby players are less efficient at changing direction and tolerating higher approach velocities in COD maneuvers.

scholarly journals Influence of Physical and Technical Aspects on Change of Direction Performance of Rugby Players: An Exploratory Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13390
Author(s):  
Tomás T. Freitas ◽  
Pedro E. Alcaraz ◽  
Julio Calleja-González ◽  
Ademir F. S. Arruda ◽  
Aristide Guerriero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Inertial Sensors ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Kinematic Parameters ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
National Team ◽  
Body Kinematic ◽  
Rugby Players

We examined the relationships between change of direction (COD) speed and deficit, and a series of speed- and power-related measurements in national team rugby union players and analyzed the influence of movement patterns on COD ability. Eleven male athletes completed the following physical assessments on different days: day 1—anthropometric measurements, and lower-body kinematic parameters (assessed with eight inertial sensors) and completion time in COD tests (pro-agility, 45° cutting maneuver (CUT), and “L” (L-Drill)); day 2—bilateral and unilateral squat and countermovement jumps, 40 m linear sprint, and bar-power output in the jump squat and half-squat exercises. Pearson’s product–moment correlations were performed to determine the relationships between COD velocities, COD deficits, and the speed–power variables. Differences between players with higher and lower COD deficits were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Results showed that (1) greater sprint momentum was associated with higher COD deficits, particularly in drills with sharper angles and multiple directional changes (L-drill and pro-agility); (2) higher unilateral jump heights were associated with greater COD deficits in the pro-agility and L-drill but not in the CUT; (3) faster athletes were less efficient at changing direction and presented greater trunk and knee flexion angles during COD maneuvers, probably as a consequence of higher inertia.

Critical Evaluation of a Badminton-Specific Endurance Test

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Fuchs ◽  
Oliver Faude ◽  
Melissa Wegmann ◽  
Tim Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Maximum Velocity ◽  
Drop Jump ◽  
Endurance Test ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Speed Test ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Physiological Properties ◽  
Fitness Tests ◽  
Long Jump

Purpose:To overcome the limitations of traditional 1-dimensional fitness tests in analyzing physiological properties of badminton players, a badminton-specific endurance test (BST) was created. This study aimed at analyzing the influence of various fitness dimensions on BST performance.Methods:18 internationally competing male German badminton players (22.4 ± 3.2 y, 79.2 ± 7.7 kg, 1.84 ± 0.06 m, world-ranking position [WRP] 21–501) completed a straight-sprint test, a change-of-direction speed test, various jump tests (countermovement jump, drop jump, standing long jump), a multistage running test (MST), and the BST. During this on-court field test players have to respond to a computerized sign indicating direction and speed of badminton-specific movements by moving into the corresponding corners.Results:Significant correlations were found between performance in MST and BST (individual anaerobic threshold [IAT], r = .63, P = .005; maximum velocity [Vmax], r = .60, P = .009). A negative correlation (r = –.59, P = .014) was observed between IAT in BST and drop-jump contact time. No further associations between performance indices could be detected. Apart from a small portion explained by MST results (IAT, R2 = .40; Vmax, R2 = .36), the majority of BST performance cannot be explained by the determined physiological correlates. Moreover, it was impossible to predict the WRP of a player on the basis of BST results (r = –.15, P = .55).Conclusions:Neither discipline-specific performance nor basic physiological properties were appropriately reflected by a BST in elite badminton players. This does not substantiate its validity for regular use as a testing tool. However, it may be useful for monitoring on-court training sessions.

Relationship of the results from fitness test and points for performance in alpine skiing of the Czech national team of U14 and U16 categories in the season 2018/2019

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Jurečka ◽  
Tomáš Horáček
Keyword(s):  
Alpine Skiing ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
National Team ◽  
Fitness Test ◽  
Motor Abilities ◽  
Jump Test ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Shuttle Run

The main motivation for the research is a verification of applicability of the fitness test as a predictor for specific alpine skiing performance of the Czech national team of U14 and U16 categories. We want to verify if the results from the fitness test correspond with points for the performance in alpine skiing disciplines (slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom). In total, 42 men and women (U14 and U16 categories), members of the Czech national team, participated in the research. Participants were grouped by gender (women n=21, age 14.23 (± 1.04), men n = 21, age 14.19 (± 1.07)). Fitness test consisted of six individual tests and was used as a tool to examine the level of motor abilities (jumping over the Swedish bench, shuttle run 4 × 10m, standing long jump, hurdles agility run - boomerang test, twist test, 20m shuttle run - beep test). Points for the performance in alpine skiing show the best result from a single competition transferred to the points. In our research we were looking for relationship between the points from three different disciplines (slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom) and the results from the fitness test. In the men category we found high correlation (at the significance level of p ˂ 0.05) between super giant slalom and standing long jump (r = -0.73; r² = 0.53), between super giant slalom and boomerang test (r = 0.62, r² = 0.38) and between super giant slalom and shuttle run 4 × 10m (r = 0.61, r² = 0.37). Small correlation was found between slalom and box jump test (r = -0.31, r² = 0.1), between slalom and twist test (r = -0.33, r² = 0.11) and between super giant slalom and twist test (r = -0.34, r² = 0.12). In women category we did not found high correlation (at the sig-nificance level of p ˂ 0.05). Small correlation was found between slalom and box jump (r = -0.31, r² = 0.1), between giant slalom and twist test (r = 0.01, r² = 0.0001), between super giant slalom and standing long jump (r = -0.03, r² = 0.0009) and between slalom and shuttle run 4 × 10m (r = -0.05, r² = 0.0025). Twist test had very small correlation in both men and women categories. We can say that it is not relevant for prediction of alpine skiing per-formance. Based on different significance of correlations between men and women (super giant slalom and standing long jump; slalom/super giant slalom and shuttle run 4 × 10m) it might be necessary to adjust fitness testing as a predictor of alpine skiing performance according to a gender.

scholarly journals The Increased Effectiveness of Loaded Versus Unloaded Plyometric Jump Training in Improving Muscle Power, Speed, Change of Direction, and Kicking-Distance Performance in Prepubertal Male Soccer Players

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yassine Negra ◽  
Helmi Chaabene ◽  
Senda Sammoud ◽  
Olaf Prieske ◽  
Jason Moran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Power ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Sprint Time ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Jump Training ◽  
Jump Test ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Time Test ◽  
Speed Change

Purpose: To examine the effects of loaded (LPJT) versus unloaded plyometric jump training (UPJT) programs on measures of muscle power, speed, change of direction (CoD), and kicking-distance performance in prepubertal male soccer players. Methods: Participants (N = 29) were randomly assigned to a LPJT group (n = 13; age = 13.0 [0.7] y) using weighted vests or UPJT group (n = 16; age = 13.0 [0.5] y) using body mass only. Before and after the intervention, tests for the assessment of proxies of muscle power (ie, countermovement jump, standing long jump); speed (ie, 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprint); CoD (ie, Illinois CoD test, modified 505 agility test); and kicking-distance were conducted. Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. Results: Within-group analyses for the LPJT group showed large and very large improvements for 10-m sprint time (effect size [ES] = 2.00) and modified 505 CoD (ES = 2.83) tests, respectively. For the same group, moderate improvements were observed for the Illinois CoD test (ES = 0.61), 5- and 20-m sprint time test (ES = 1.00 for both the tests), countermovement jump test (ES = 1.00), and the maximal kicking-distance test (ES = 0.90). Small enhancements in the standing long jump test (ES = 0.50) were apparent. Regarding the UPJT group, small improvements were observed for all tests (ES = 0.33–0.57), except 5- and 10-m sprint time (ES = 1.00 and 0.63, respectively). Between-group analyses favored the LPJT group for the modified 505 CoD (ES = 0.61), standing long jump (ES = 0.50), and maximal kicking-distance tests (ES = 0.57), but not for the 5-m sprint time test (ES = 1.00). Only trivial between-group differences were shown for the remaining tests (ES = 0.00–0.09). Conclusion: Overall, LPJT appears to be more effective than UPJT in improving measures of muscle power, speed, CoD, and kicking-distance performance in prepubertal male soccer players.

Anthropometrics of Italian Senior Male Rugby Union Players: From Elite to Second Division

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 674-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Y. Fontana ◽  
Alessandro Colosio ◽  
Gabriela F. De Roia ◽  
Giorgio Da Lozzo ◽  
Silvia Pogliaghi
Keyword(s):  
Body Fat ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
National Level ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Fat Free Mass ◽  
Reference Database ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Percentage Body Fat ◽  
National Team ◽  
Rugby Players

Anthropometric evaluation of athletes is necessary to optimize talent identification and player development. Objectives: To provide a specific anthropometric reference database of senior male rugby players competing at different levels in the southern European region. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: In 362 professional players (25 ± 4 y; 138 Italian national team, 97 first-division, and 127 second-division national championships) the authors measured mass, stature, and percentage body fat (plicometry). Mean, SD, and coefficient of variation were calculated for forwards and backs and for positional subgroups. Binomial logistic regression and receiver-operating-characteristic curve were performed to assess which variables best predicted level assignment (international vs national level). Results: For all competitive levels forwards were significantly heavier and taller and had a larger percentage body fat and fat-free mass than backs. The lower the competitive level, the higher the within-role variability observed; furthermore, players in a specific positional subgroup were lighter, shorter, and fatter and had less fat-free mass. Fat-free mass is the variable that best predicts the likelihood of being classified as an international or national player (cutoff value 79.54 kg). Conclusions: The data confirm the specificity in the physical requirements of rugby in individual playing positions at all competitive levels and document significant differences among elite and 1st- and 2nd-division players in the same positional role. These differences may reflect the variable technical abilities, selection, training practices, and requirements of the game among these categories.

scholarly journals Selected Determinants of Acceleration in the 100m Sprint

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krzysztof Maćkała ◽  
Marek Fostiak ◽  
Kacper Kowalski
Keyword(s):  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Stride Frequency ◽  
Maximum Speed ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Motor Abilities ◽  
Back Squat ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Competitive Athletes ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between kinematics, motor abilities, anthropometric characteristics, and the initial (10 m) and secondary (30 m) acceleration phases of the 100 m sprint among athletes of different sprinting performances. Eleven competitive male sprinters (10.96 s ± 0.36 for 100 with 10.50 s fastest time) and 11 active students (12.20 s ± 0.39 for 100 m with 11.80 s fastest time) volunteered to participate in this study. Sprinting performance (10 m, 30 m, and 100 m from the block start), strength (back squat, back extension), and jumping ability (standing long jump, standing five-jumps, and standing ten-jumps) were tested. An independent t-test for establishing differences between two groups of athletes was used. The Spearman ranking correlation coefficient was computed to verify the association between variables. Additionally, the Ward method of hierarchical cluster analysis was applied. The recorded times of the 10 and 30 m indicated that the strongest correlations were found between a 1- repetition maximum back squat, a standing long jump, standing five jumps, standing ten jumps (r = 0.66, r = 0.72, r = 0.66, and r = 0.72), and speed in the 10 m sprint in competitive athletes. A strong correlation was also found between a 1-repetition maximum back squat and a standing long jump, standing five jumps, and standing ten jumps (r = 0.88, r = 0.87 and r = 0.85), but again only for sprinters. The most important factor for differences in maximum speed development during both the initial and secondary acceleration phase among the two sub-groups was the stride frequency (p<0.01).

scholarly journals Effect of Plyometric Training on Jumping, Sprinting and Change of Direction Speed in Child Female Athletes

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory Bogdanis ◽  
Olyvia Donti ◽  
Athanasia Papia ◽  
Anastasia Donti ◽  
Nikolaos Apostolidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Female Athletes ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Plyometric Training ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Jumping Performance ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Post Hoc

Background: This study examined the effects of 8 weeks of plyometric training on jumping, sprinting, and change of direction (COD) performance. Methods: Fifty female 7–9-year-old gymnasts were randomly assigned to a plyometric training group (PG; n = 33), that performed supplementary plyometric training twice per week, and a control group (CG; n = 17) that continued regular training. The following tests were performed before and after the intervention: 10 and 20 m sprints, 5 + 5 m and 10 + 10 m COD tests, one-leg and two-leg countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), squat jump (SJ), and standing long jump (SLJ). Results: Only a main effect for time was found for all jumping performance parameters (p = 0.001). However, the improvement of one- and two-leg CMJ in PG had a greater effect size than CG (0.72 and 0.67 vs. 0.34 and 0.18, respectively). Group × time interactions were found for 10 and 20 m sprint tests (p = 0.018 and p = 0.011, respectively) and for 10 + 10 m COD (p = 0.008) with the post hoc test showing improvement only for the PG (p = 0.001, 0.001, and 0.003 and d = 1.1, 1.14, and 0.6, respectively). Conclusions: Supplementary plyometric training increased sprint and COD performance more than regular gymnastics training, while jumping performance was equally improved in both groups.

scholarly journals Effects of conditioning programme on the changes of motor performance in youth categories in handball

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-141
Author(s):  
Silvia Priklerová
Keyword(s):  
Motor Performance ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Abdominal Muscles ◽  
Individual Decision ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Motor Abilities ◽  
Explosive Strength ◽  
Motor Test ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump

Abstract The ability to perform the stable playing performance during the whole match to larger extent depends on sufficient level of development of conditioning abilities. Technique of playing activities of an individual, decision-making process of players and especially speed of the game are influenced by already mentioned abilities. The aim of our study was to recognize the level of motor performance in regional centres of handball and at the same time to verify the efficiency of sports preparation. This programme includes the change of weekly microcycle practice, consisting of 2 conditioning trainings focused on strength and endurance. The research was realized in these age categories: younger (n=40) and older juniors (n=38). To evaluate the level of motor abilities we selected 5 simply performed activities: bench press (explosive strength of upper extremities ), run for 8x5 metres (speed with change of direction), sit-ups for 2 minutes (power of abdominal muscles), standing long jump with legs together (explosive strength of lower extremities) and 12 minutes run (aerobic endurance). When following microcycle programme weekly, the results of motor test pointed out the positive influence of this programme on the development of strength and aerobic endurance (p≤0.05). In category of older juniors the performance in test of 12 minutes run has fallen significantly in comparison with the first testing (p≤0.05). The result of this study indicates the lack of recommended aerobic running practice in weekly microcycles of monitored teams.

scholarly journals Associations between Fitness Measures and Change of Direction Speeds with and without Occupational Loads in Female Police Officers

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 1947 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin M. Orr ◽  
Filip Kukić ◽  
Aleksandar Čvorović ◽  
Nenad Koropanovski ◽  
Radivoje Janković ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Police Officers ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Female Police Officers ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Fitness Measures ◽  
Load Conditions

Female police officers may be required to pursue offenders on foot while wearing occupational loads. The aim of this study was to determine relationships between fitness measures and change of direction speed (CODS) in female police officers and the influence of their occupational loads. Retrospective data were provided for 27 female police officers (age = 32.19 ± 5.09 y, height = 162.78 ± 5.01 cm, and mass = 71.31 ± 13.42 kg) and included fitness measures of: lower-body power (standing long jump (SLJ)), upper-body and trunk muscle endurance (push-up (PU) and sit-up (SU)), aerobic power (estimated VO2max), and CODS (Illinois agility test). The CODS test was performed without and with occupational load (10 kg). Paired sample t-tests (between-load conditions) and Pearson’s correlations (relationships between measures) were performed with linear regression analysis used to account for the contribution of measures to unloaded and loaded CODS performance. CODS was significantly slower when loaded (unloaded = ~23.17 s, loaded = ~24.14 s, p < 0.001) with a strong, significant relationship between load conditions (r = 0.956, p < 0.001). Moderate to strong, significant relationships were found between all fitness measures ranging from estimated VO2max (r = −0.448) to SU (r = −0.673) in the unloaded condition, with the strength of these relationships increasing in the loaded condition accounting for 61% to 67% of the variance, respectively. While unloaded agility test performance was strongly associated with loaded performance, female police officer CODS was significantly reduced when carrying occupational loads. A variety of fitness measures that influence officer CODS performances become increasingly important when occupational loads are carried.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document