Conceptualising Rugby League Performance Within an Ecological Dynamics Framework: Providing Direction for Player Preparation and Development

Across team sports, it is critically important to appropriately define, evaluate and then aptly describe individual and team performance. This is of particular significance when we consider that performance models govern the direction of player preparation (short term) and development (long term) frameworks. Within the context of rugby league, this has traditionally been undertaken through hierarchical and linear processes. Such approaches have resulted in research and performance analysis techniques which aim to support these operational outcomes. Yet, these methods may deliver limited application on how or why match-play unfolds and therefore might be sub-optimal in providing insights to truly support coaches. In this paper, we propose the conceptualisation of rugby league performance through the lens of ecological dynamics, which may offer a different view to this traditional approach. We propose that this approach eliminates the silos of disciplinary information (e.g. technical, physical and medical) that may currently exist, allowing for a holistic approach to performance, preparation and development. Specifically, we consider that through the implementation of this ecological approach, all performance coaches (technical, physical and medical) may (co-)design learning environments that more collaboratively develop players for rugby league match-play. As a result, we put forward a new rugby league performance model from which preparation and development programs can be anchored toward. We conclude the paper by offering practical examples where these concepts are contextualised within the landscape familiar to practitioners working within rugby league.

Flow and music performance: Professional musicians and music students’ views

Performing music at the highest levels involves great competitiveness. When each performance represents a major personal challenge, success is no longer solely dependent on a high level of technical mastery: the psychological aspects of the performance also have a decisive impact. The concept of flow is presented as a phenomenon associated with significant improvements in the musician’s performance and well-being. This work explores musicians’ positive experiences in performance situations and studies the factors that promote the emergence of flow during competitions. Eleven musicians, both professionals and students, were interviewed to consider ways of promoting the emergence of flow that help them to produce high-quality performances. Our analysis revealed several different factors promoting the emergence of flow: social standing, performance preparation, connection to one’s body, awareness of skills and self-confidence, intrinsic motivation, attentional focus, and transcendence. These findings enhance our understanding of the conditions influencing the emergence of flow. We consider work pathways which might facilitate the emergence of flow experiences and thus help musicians to produce high-quality performances while protecting them from the harmful effects of stress and anxiety.

Razlike v skupinski dinamiki in psihični pripravi na nastop med glasbeniki in športniki v manjših skupinah / Differences in group dynamics and psychological performance preparation between musicians and athletes in small groups

Uspešen nastop je rezultat premagovanja številnih izzivov, tako fizičnih kot psihičnih, s katerimi se glasbene in športne skupine srečujejo na svoji poti. Na prvi pogled se mogoče zdi, da teme z glasbenega področja nimajo veliko skupnega s temami s športnega področja, vendar pa obstaja kar veliko podobnosti. Namen naše raziskave je bil ugotoviti, kakšne so podobnosti priprave in izvedbe glasbenega nastopa v manjših skupinah v primerjavi s pripravo in izvedbo tekmovanja v ekipnih športih. V raziskavi je sodelovalo 51 študentov Akademije za glasbo in 54 študentov Fakultete za šport, ki so člani manjših skupin (do 12 članov). Rezultati so pokazali, da med skupino glasbenikov in skupino športnikov obstajajo podobnosti pri dejavnikih, ki najpomembneje vplivajo na delovanje manjše skupine, podobnosti pri dejavnikih, ki vplivajo na uspešnost izvedbe nastopa, ter podobnosti pri psihični pripravi na glasbeno oz. športno izvedbo v manjših skupinah. Nekatere razlike so se pokazale v zaznavanju prednosti in slabosti skupinske izvedbe glede na individualno izvedbo. Prav tako so bile potrjene razlike v raznolikosti vrst izvedbe pri glasbenikih kot pri športnikih v manjših skupinah.

Activity classification and analysis during sports training session using fuzzy model

Sport training is a sporting performance preparation phase that consists of four parts: Training in conditioning, technical Training, Training in attitude, Training in psychology. The challenging factor of the sports training session is the realization of approximate and uncertainty. The valued idea involves the definition of fuzzy sets and rules and membership functions to overcome the challenges. A fuzzy logical explanation enables successful ambiguous situations, which are complex, continuous, and more practical, closer to the real world and human thought. The concept, which is highly valued, includes defining fluids and rules and membership functions to test training exercises for strength. This paper proposed a Fuzzy, assisted artificial intelligence monitoring framework (FAAIMF) that evaluates all athletes’ behaviors in an outdoor training setting using wearable inertial sensors. Data obtained from sensor fitted machines, feedback, and proper implementation requirements are considered in the design. The Random Forest Classifier uses a Discreet Transform Wavelet (DWT) to effectively and accurately effectively and accurately id. Second, the relative orientation of the wearable inertial sensors on a shield and thigh of a material from which the knee angle of flexion-extension is determined. The proposed method in various non-constrained settings for the exact classification of sports activities and accurate movement techniques assessment.

The undervalued set piece: Analysis of soccer throw-ins during the English Premier League 2018–2019 season

Set pieces in soccer (i.e., free kicks and corners) have been examined in detail and are a common focus for coaches during training and performance preparation. However, limited evidence is available on the impact of throw-ins on soccer performance and if coaches should dedicate time in training towards this specific set piece. Therefore, this research aimed to firstly examine if throw-in performance is linked with soccer performance, and secondly the effect throw-in direction and length has on first contact success rate, possession retention, mean time in possession and shot creation. 16,154 throw-ins from 380 English Premier League matches during the 2018–2019 season were analysed. Higher final league position was correlated to increased throw-in first contact success and possession retention. 83% of throw-in’s resulted in a successful first contact, 54% resulted in possession being retained and 8.8% of throw-ins led to a shot at goal from the possession achieved after a successful first contact. Throw-in’s which went backwards or laterally in direction resulted in increased first contact success, retaining of possession, and shot creation. The least efficient throw-in was forwards and long, which resulted in both reduced first contact success and possession retention. Findings highlight, that throwing the ball laterally or backwards should be a focus for coaches and players during attacking training. In contrast, a team’s defensive strategy should reduce the opportunities to throw backwards or laterally with a higher press and look to force a long forward throw-in, therefore, increasing the likelihood of winning possession and counter attacking.