Understanding the relative contribution of technical and tactical performance to match outcome in Australian Football

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess if tactical and technical performance indicators (PIs) could be used in combination to model match outcomes in Australian Football (AF). A database of 101 technical PIs and 14 tactical PIs from every match in the 2009–2016 Australian Football League (AFL) seasons was merged. Two outcome measures Win-loss and Score margin were used as dependent variables. The top 45 ranked technical and tactical PIs from a feature selection process were used to model match outcome using decision tree and Generalised Linear Models (GLMs). Of the top 45 selected features, this included seven tactical PIs. The Win-loss-based Decision tree model achieved a classification accuracy of 89.0% and GLM 93.2%. A Score margin-based GLM achieved a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 6.9 points. A combined approach to the classification of match outcomes provided no improvement in model accuracy compared with previous literature. However, this study has established the relative importance of technical and tactical measures of performance in relation to successful team performance in AF.     

The use of player physical and technical skill match activity profiles to predict position in the Australian Football League draft

This study investigated the extent to which position in the Australian Football League (AFL) national draft is associated with individual game performance metrics. Physical/technical skill performance metrics were collated from all participants in the 2014 national under 18 (U18) championships (18 games) drafted into the AFL (n = 65; 17.8 ± 0.5 y); 232 observations. Players were subdivided into draft position (ranked 1–65) and then draft round (1–4). Here, earlier draft selection (i.e., closer to 1) reflects a more desirable player. Microtechnology and a commercial provider facilitated the quantification of individual game performance metrics (n = 16). Linear mixed models were fitted to data, modelling the extent to which draft position was associated with these metrics. Draft position in the first/second round was negatively associated with “contested possessions” and “contested marks”, respectively. Physical performance metrics were positively associated with draft position in these rounds. Correlations weakened for the third/fourth rounds. Contested possessions/marks were associated with an earlier draft selection. Physical performance metrics were associated with a later draft selection. Recruiters change the type of U18 player they draft as the selection pool reduces. juniors with contested skill appear prioritised.     

Changes in player characteristics and match activities in Bledisloe Cup rugby union from 1972 to 2004

Abstract

To illustrate changes in elite rugby union match activities, we analysed coded videotape recordings of the first match in each Bledisloe Cup series played between Australia and New Zealand from 1972 to 2004. We also analysed the stature and body mass of players. Effects associated with professionalism, weather conditions, and time (expressed as change per decade) were estimated with a simple generalized linear model and standardized for interpretation of magnitude. The sample size permitted confident conclusions about effects that were of at least moderate magnitude (standardized mean difference >0.6). Increases in passes, tackles, rucks, tries, and ball-in-play time were associated with the advent of professionalism, whereas there were reductions in the numbers of lineouts, mauls, kicks in play, and in mean participation time per player. Noteworthy time trends were an increase in the number of rucks and a decrease in the number of scrums. Good weather conditions were associated with increases in tries and points scored and with reductions in the number of kicks in play and participation time per player. With the advent of professionalism, players have become heavier and backs have become taller. Overall, there have been major changes in international rugby match activities and player size over the past three decades. We believe law changes and developments in match analysis, equipment technology, and player training have contributed to the changes associated with the introduction of professionalism.     

Performance analysis in football: A critical review and implications for future research

Abstract

This paper critically reviews existing literature relating to performance analysis (PA) in football, arguing that an alternative approach is warranted. The paper considers the applicability of variables analysed along with research findings in the context of their implications for professional practice. This includes a review of methodological approaches commonly adopted throughout PA research, including a consideration of the nature and size of the samples used in relation to generalisability. Definitions and classifications of variables used within performance analysis are discussed in the context of reliability and validity. The contribution of PA findings to the field is reviewed. The review identifies an overemphasis on researching predictive and performance controlling variables. A different approach is proposed that works with and from performance analysis information to develop research investigating athlete and coach learning, thus adding to applied practice. Future research should pay attention to the social and cultural influences that impact PA delivery and athlete learning in applied settings.     

Modelling relationships between match events and match outcome in elite football

Identifying match events that are related to match outcome is an important task in football match analysis. Here we have used generalised mixed linear modelling to determine relationships of 16 football match events and 1 contextual variable (game location: home/away) with the match outcome. Statistics of 320 close matches (goal difference ≤ 2) of season 2012–2013 in the Spanish First Division Professional Football League were analysed. Relationships were evaluated with magnitude-based inferences and were expressed as extra matches won or lost per 10 close matches for an increase of two within-team or between-team standard deviations (SD) of the match event (representing effects of changes in team values from match to match and of differences between average team values, respectively). There was a moderate positive within-team effect from shots on target (3.4 extra wins per 10 matches; 99% confidence limits ±1.0), and a small positive within-team effect from total shots (1.7 extra wins; ±1.0). Effects of most other match events were related to ball possession, which had a small negative within-team effect (1.2 extra losses; ±1.0) but a small positive between-team effect (1.7 extra wins; ±1.4). Game location showed a small positive within-team effect (1.9 extra wins; ±0.9). In analyses of nine combinations of team and opposition end-of-season rank (classified as high, medium, low), almost all between-team effects were unclear, while within-team effects varied depending on the strength of team and opposition. Some of these findings will be useful to coaches and performance analysts when planning training sessions and match tactics.     

乒乓球运动技战术分析方法探讨

乒乓球运动技战术分析方法对技术提升起着重要的指导作用,本文结合实践,在综合分析技战术层次与定义、统计资料来源与类型的基础上,探讨乒乓球运动技战术的分析方法。结果发现:受限于分析方法现有研究主要集中于基本与应用技术层面上,合理的资料选取与多种方法结合的分析,对乒乓球运动技战术的推论性检验与比较将更具体、研究结果将更科学有效。     

Ball possession effectiveness in men's and women's elite basketball according to situational variables in different game periods

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to identify the importance of basketball performance indicators in predicting the effectiveness of ball possessions in men's and women's basketball, when controlling for situational variables and game periods. The sample consisted of 7234 ball possessions, corresponding to 40 games from the Spanish professional leagues. The effects of the predictor variables on successful ball possessions according to game period were analysed using binary logistic regressions. Results from men's teams show interactions with number of passes and ending player during the first five minutes, with starting and ending zone, defensive systems, screens used and possession duration during the middle thirty minutes, and there were interactions with passes used, possession duration and players involved during the last five minutes. Results from women's teams show interactions with starting and ending zone, passes used, defensive systems and ending player during the first five minutes, and with starting and ending zone, and screens used during the middle thirty minutes. The results show no interaction with situational variables in men's basketball, while league stage was important during the middle thirty minutes and last five minutes in women's basketball, whereas match status was only important during the last five minutes.     

Time-motion analysis of goalball players in attacks: differences of the player positions and the throwing techniques*

In this study, we aimed to analyse goalball players time-motion variables (distance covered, time spent, maximum and average velocities) in official goalball match attacks, taking into account the attack phases (preparation and throwing), player position (centres and wings) and throwing techniques (frontal, spin and between the legs). A total of 365 attacks were assessed using a video based method (2D) through manual tracking using the Dvideo system. Inferential non-parametric statistics were applied for comparison of preparation vs. throwing phase, wings vs. centres and, among the throwing techniques, frontal, spin and between the legs. Significant differences were found between the attack preparation versus the throwing phase for all player time-motion variables: distance covered, time spent, maximum player velocity and average player velocity. Wing players performed most of the throws (85%) and covered longer distances than centres (1.65 vs 0.31 m). The between the legs and the spin throwing techniques presented greater values for most of the time-motion variables (distance covered, time spent and maximum player velocity) than did the frontal technique in both attack phases. These findings provide important information regarding players’ movement patterns during goalball matches that can be used to plan more effective training.     

Effects of pre-competitional rapid weight loss on nutrition,vitamin status and oxidative stress in elite boxers

Dietary intake, vitamin status and oxidative stress were evaluated in 17 elite male boxers. Ten of them frequently reduced body weight rapidly before competitions (Weight Loss Group) and 7 did not practice rapid weight loss (Control Group). Food record checklists, blood samples for determination of vitamin status and plasma glutathione levels were obtained during a week of weight maintenance, a pre-competition week and a post-competition week. The average dietary intakes in both groups were 33 ± 8 kcal·kg^?1, 3.7 ± 1.1 g·kg^?1 carbohydrates, 1.5 ± 0.4 g·kg^?1 protein, 1.2 ± 0.4 g·kg^?1 fat and 2.2 ± 1.0 L water per day (excluding pre-competition week in Weight Loss Group). Energy (18 ± 7 kcal·kg^?1), carbohydrate (2.2 ± 0.8 g·kg^?1), protein (0.8 ± 0.4 g·kg^?1), fat (0.6 ± 0.3 g·kg^?1) and water (1.6 ± 0.6 L) consumption (P-values <0.001) and intakes of most vitamins (P-values < 0.05) were significantly reduced during the pre-competition week in the Weight Loss Group. In both groups, the intakes of vitamins A, E and folate were below recommended values throughout the three periods; however, blood vitamin and plasma glutathione levels did not change significantly. Our findings indicate a low-caloric and low-carbohydrate diet in elite boxers, regardless of participating in rapid weight loss or not. Apparently, the pre-competitional malnutitrition in the Weight Loss Group did not induce alterations in the vitamin and glutathione status.     

The influence of match location,quality of opposition,and match status on technical performance in professional association football

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of match location, quality of opposition, and match status on the technical aspects of performance within a single professional British football team. Forty matches from the 2002–2003 and 2003–2004 domestic league seasons were notated post-event using a computerized notational analysis system with 13 on-the-ball behaviours and corresponding outcomes (successful or unsuccessful) assessed. Log-linear modelling procedures indicated that the incidences of all on-the-ball technical behaviours, with the exception of “set-pieces”, were influenced by at least one of the three situation variables, with both independent and interactive effects found. In contrast, logit modelling suggested that there was no general influence of the situation variables on the outcomes of the on-the-ball behaviours. The findings emphasize the need for notational analysts and coaches to consider the potential independent and interactive effects of match location, quality of opposition, and match status when assessing the technical components of football performance, particularly those relating to behaviour occurrence. Future research should consider the effects of additional situation variables purported to influence the mental, physical, technical, and tactical components of football performance.     

Development of perceived competence,tactical skills,motivation, technical skills,and speed and agility in young soccer players

ABSTRACT

The objective of this 1-year, longitudinal study was to examine the development of perceived competence, tactical skills, motivation, technical skills, and speed and agility characteristics of young Finnish soccer players. We also examined associations between latent growth models of perceived competence and other recorded variables. Participants were 288 competitive male soccer players ranging from 12 to 14 years (12.7 ± 0.6) from 16 soccer clubs. Players completed the self-assessments of perceived competence, tactical skills, and motivation, and participated in technical, and speed and agility tests. Results of this study showed that players’ levels of perceived competence, tactical skills, motivation, technical skills, and speed and agility characteristics remained relatively high and stable across the period of 1 year. Positive relationships were found between these levels and changes in perceived competence and motivation, and levels of perceived competence and speed and agility characteristics. Together these results illustrate the multi-dimensional nature of talent development processes in soccer. Moreover, it seems crucial in coaching to support the development of perceived competence and motivation in young soccer players and that it might be even more important in later maturing players.     

Division,result and score margin alter the physical and technical performance of elite wheelchair tennis players

ABSTRACT

This study determined the physical and technical demands of elite wheelchair tennis (WT) match-play, how the demands differed between divisions (Men, Women, Quad) and the effect that set result and score margin had on these demands. Seventeen WT players were monitored during a singles competition. Physical measures of performance were analysed using an indoor tracking system and inertial measurement units. Technical measures of performance were examined using video analysis. Physical measures of performance differed by division (Men > Women > Quad) for most parameters. Rallies were longer during Men’s (P = 0.027) and Women’s (P = 0.004) matches compared to Quad’s and fewer shots were hit off 2 bounces in Men’s matches compared to Women’s and Quad’s (P ≤ 0.026). High-speed activity (HSA) increased during losing sets (P = 0.043). Most physical measures of performance increased by moderate to large effects during sets with a small score margin (≤3 games differential). Mean speed and HSA were similar during losing sets, regardless of margin, but decreased (large effects) when winning by a large margin. This study demonstrated the physical and technical demands that elite WT players need to be prepared for and how situational factors can influence these demands.     

Squad management,injury and match performance in a professional soccer team over a championship-winning season

Abstract

Squad management, injury and physical, tactical and technical match performance were investigated in a professional soccer team across five consecutive league seasons (2008–2013, 190 league games) with specific focus on a championship-winning season (2010/11). For each player, match participation and time-loss injuries were recorded, the latter prospectively diagnosed by the team's physician. Defending and attacking tactical and technical performance indicators investigated included ball possession and possession in opponents' half, passes, forward passes, completed passes and forward passes, crosses and completed crosses, goal attempts and goal attempts on target, successful final third entries, free-kicks and 50/50 duels won/lost. Physical performance measures included total distance and distance covered at high-speeds (≥19.1 km/h). Results showed that during the 2010/11 season, squad utilisation was lowest potentially owing to the observed lower match injury occurrence and working days lost to injury thereby increasing player availability. In 2010/11, the team won both its highest number of points and conceded its lowest number of goals especially over the second half of this season. The team also won its highest number of games directly via a goal from a substitute and scored and conceded a goal first on the highest and lowest number of occasions, respectively. While multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) detected a significant difference in some attacking and defensive performance indicators across the five seasons, these were generally not distinguishing factors in 2010/11. Similarly, univariate ANOVAs showed a significant difference in running distances covered across seasons, but the trend was for less activity in 2010/11.     

上海男子沙排运动员个性特征、竞赛焦虑及运动表现关系个案研究

运用数理统计法及逻辑分析法对上海男子沙排运动员个性特征、竞赛焦虑及临场技术表现三者关系进行分析。结果显示：运动员个性特征中社交性、自控性、理智性分测验与竞赛焦虑状态、进攻能力、防守及拦网技术存在相关性。建议教练员在训练与竞赛指导过程中区别对待。     

High-intensity efforts in elite soccer matches and associated movement patterns,technical skills and tactical actions. Information for position-specific training drills

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to translate movement patterns, technical skills and tactical actions associated with high-intensity efforts into metrics that could potentially be used to construct position-specific conditioning drills. A total of 20 individual English Premier League players’ high-intensity running profiles were observed multiple times (n = 100) using a computerised tracking system. Data were analysed using a novel high-intensity movement programme across five positions (centre back [CB], full-back [FB], central midfielder [CM], wide midfielder [WM] and centre forward [CF]). High-intensity efforts in contact with the ball and the average speed of efforts were greater in WMs than CBs, CMs and CFs (effect sizes [ES]: 0.9–2.1, P < 0.05). WMs produced more repeated efforts than CBs and CMs (ES: 0.6–1.3, P < 0.05). In possession, WMs executed more tricks post effort than CBs and CMs (ES: 1.2–1.3, P < 0.01). FBs and WMs performed more crosses post effort than other positions (ES: 1.1–2.0, P < 0.01). Out of possession, CFs completed more efforts closing down the opposition (ES: 1.4–5.0, P < 0.01) but less tracking opposition runners than other positions (ES: 1.5–1.8, P < 0.01). CFs performed more arc runs before efforts compared to CBs, FBs and WMs (ES: 0.9–1.4, P < 0.05), however, CBs completed more 0–90° turns compared to FBs, CMs and WMs (ES: 0.9–1.1, P < 0.01). The data demonstrate unique high-intensity trends in and out of possession that could assist practitioners when devising position-specific drills.     

中外优秀网球选手年龄、身高、体重及克托莱指数的比较

对中外优秀男女网球选手年龄、身高、体重和克托莱指数进行了比较分析,结果表明：中外男女网球选手平均年龄均不存在显著的性别差异,且都处于黄金竞技年龄或最佳竞技年龄发展稳定阶段;我国与国外优秀男女选手平均年龄均存在显著的国别差异,我国男女选手比国外优秀选手年龄均明显偏小;中外选手在身高、体重及克托菜指数上均存在明显的性别差异,表现为男子大于女子;我国男女选手身高比国外优秀选手均明显偏低;在体重及克托莱指数上,我国男子均明显低于国外优秀选手,说明我国男子选手选手肌肉力量的发展程度与国外优秀选手存在一定的差距;而我国女子选手与国外优秀选手体重及克托莱指数无明显差异,这尚需作进一步考究。     

东京奥运会乒乓球混合双打项目技战术分析

采用新三段指标评估法,对2020东京奥运会乒乓球混合双打项目进入1/8决赛、1/4决赛、半决赛、决赛的中国选手的技战术进行分析,旨在为我国乒乓球混双项目运动员的技战术训练提供参考。结果表明:弧快型打法混双配对在发抢阶段的短下旋球和中路侧下旋球质量较高,控制长线的对拉弧圈球技术较高;在接抢段中左右改变路线和控制球轨迹的长度比较稳定;在相持段中第7板和第8板下的位置配合移动速度不到位,导致球板衔接不上,容易失分,因此要提高移动速度和果断能力。     

减肥、健美运动处方对超重、肥胖女生身心健康影响的实验研究

以超重和肥胖的女大学生作为研究对象,身体指标以《学生体质健康标准(试行方案)》为标准,心理指标采用身心症状自评量表(SCL-90),对141名超重或肥胖的女大学生实施减肥、健美运动处方的实验研究,探讨运动处方对超重、肥胖女生的身心影响,实验期限5个月。结果显示:超重及肥胖女大学生在肺活量体重指数、台阶试验等机能指标成绩较差;肥胖组女生在人际关系、抑郁、敌对、恐怖和妄想症五个因子上的得分与全国常模比较肥胖女生在人际关系、抑郁、敌对、恐怖和妄想症五个指标上所存在的偏差。     

再议“三从一大”训练原则

揭示了新时期“三从一大”训练原则的深刻内涵，即克服一切困难和敢于突破难点是训练的根本；高标准训练和管理是训练的关键；科学的大负荷训练是保证。提出创新、“以人为本”、深入了解运动专项特点和规律、加强运动队组织文化建设、提高运动训练的科技含量等贯彻“三从一大”训练原则的对策。     

浙江省高校学生体育消费动机结构的统计分析

采用R型因子分析法，对样本使用方差最大旋转法进行统计，得出正交旋转后的载荷矩阵。对旋转后的动机因子根据单因子的内涵的相似性，提取得出五类动机因素的命名，构成由攀比炫耀动机、体育成就动机、身心健康动机、社交娱乐动机、审美追求动机的结构，并对五个层面上的12种存在显差异的动机进行统计分析。通过实证研究，为引导高校学生健康合理地进行体育消费，完善高校体育消费市场提供理论依据。