Tier-specific evolution of match performance characteristics in the English Premier League: it’s getting tougher at the top

This study investigated the evolution of physical and technical performances in the English Premier League (EPL), with special reference to league ranking. Match performance observations (n = 14,700) were collected using a multiple-camera computerised tracking system across seven consecutive EPL seasons (2006–07 to 2012–13). Final league rankings were classified into Tiers: (A) 1st–4th ranking (n = 2519), (B) 5th–8th ranking (n = 2965), (C) 9th–14th ranking (n = 4448) and (D) 15th–20th ranking (n = 4768). Teams in Tier B demonstrated moderate increases in high-intensity running distance while in ball possession from the 2006–07 to 2012–13 season (P < 0.001; effect size [ES]: 0.68), with Tiers A, C and D producing less pronounced increases across the same period (P < 0.005; ES: 0.26, 0.41 and 0.33, respectively). Large increases in sprint distance were observed from the 2006–07 to 2012–13 season for Tier B (P < 0.001; ES: 1.21), while only moderate increases were evident for Tiers A, C and D (P < 0.001; ES: 0.75, 0.97 and 0.84, respectively). Tier B demonstrated large increases in the number of passes performed and received in 2012–13 compared to 2006–07 (P < 0.001; ES: 1.32–1.53) with small-to-moderate increases in Tier A (P < 0.001; ES: 0.30–0.38), Tier C (P < 0.001; ES: 0.46–0.54) and Tier D (P < 0.001; ES: 0.69–0.87). The demarcation line between 4th (bottom of Tier A) and 5th ranking (top of Tier B) in the 2006–07 season was 8 points, but this decreased to just a single point in the 2012–13 season. The data demonstrate that physical and technical performances have evolved more in Tier B than any other Tier in the EPL and could indicate a narrowing of the performance gap between the top two Tiers.     

A kinematic analysis of the spine during rugby scrummaging on natural and synthetic turfs

Artificial surfaces are now an established alternative to grass (natural) surfaces in rugby union. Little is known, however, about their potential to reduce injury. This study characterises the spinal kinematics of rugby union hookers during scrummaging on third-generation synthetic (3G) and natural pitches. The spine was sectioned into five segments, with inertial sensors providing three-dimensional kinematic data sampled at 40 Hz/sensor. Twenty-two adult, male community club and university-level hookers were recruited. An equal number were analysed whilst scrummaging on natural or synthetic turf. Players scrummaging on synthetic turf demonstrated less angular velocity in the lower thoracic spine for right and left lateral bending and right rotation. The general reduction in the range of motion and velocities, extrapolated over a prolonged playing career, may mean that the synthetic turf could result in fewer degenerative injuries. It should be noted, however, that this conclusion considers only the scrummaging scenario.     

Perceptual training effects on anticipation of direct and deceptive 7-m throws in handball

We examined the effectiveness of perceptual training on the performance of handball goalkeepers when anticipating the direction of both direct and deceptive 7-m throws. Skilled goalkeepers were assigned equally to three matched-ability groups based on their pre-test performance: a perceptual training group (n = 14) received video-based perceptual training, a placebo training group (n = 14) received video-based regular training and a control group received no training. Participants in the perceptual training group significantly improved their performance compared to both placebo and control groups; however, anticipation of deceptive throws improved less than for direct throws. The results confirm that although anticipating deception in handball is a challenging task for goalkeepers, task-specific perceptual training can minimise its effect and improve performance.     

A coach’s political use of video-based feedback: a case study in elite-level academy soccer

This paper examines the video-based pedagogical practices of Terry (pseudonym), a head coach of a professional junior academy squad. Data were collected through 6 in-depth, semi-structured interviews and 10 field observations of Terry’s video-based coaching in situ. Three embracing categories were generated from the data. These demonstrated that Terry’s video-based coaching was far from apolitical. Rather, Terry strategically used performance analysis technologies to help fulfil various objectives and outcomes that he understood to be expected of him within the club environment. Kelchtermans’ micropolitical perspective, Callero’s work addressing role and Groom et al.’s grounded theory were primarily utilised to make sense of Terry’s perceptions and actions. The findings point to the value of developing contextually grounded understandings of coaches’ uses of video-based performance analysis technology. Doing so could better prepare coaches for this aspect of their coaching practice.     

A topography of free kicks in soccer

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the spatial relationship of performance variables for soccer free kicks. In order to suggest ways in which players might optimise their performance, we collected data from free kicks (<35 m to goal line) of two German Bundesliga seasons (2013/14, 2014/15) (n = 1624). In the analysis, we applied the ISO-map approach using colour gradients to visualise the mean values of a variable on a 2D-map of the pitch. Additionally, variograms were used to describe the degree of spatial dependence of the free kick variables. Results show that DENSITY, TYPE OF PLAY, PLAYERS IN WALL, DISTANCE TO WALL and RULE VIOLATION were strongly spatially dependent. Centrality and proximity to the goal increased the variables PLAYERS IN WALL, RULE VIOLATIONS and INTERRUPTION TIME, and the ratio of goals scored increased from 5.9% (central far) to 10.9% (central near). In 70.9% of the shots, players preferred a switched laterality, which did not result in a higher success rate. Furthermore, there was no statistical advantage for the defensive team when DISTANCE TO WALL was below 9.15 m or when there was a RULE VIOLATION. Crosses had a success rate (i.e., first controlled ball contact after the cross) of 20.8%. Played with natural laterality, they were 5% more successful than with switched laterality. Crosses from the right side outside the penalty box were 10% more successful than from the left side. Therefore, it might be worthwhile practising the defence of balls coming from this side.     

真正的天堂

你说的那个地方是不是有金子铺的街道和珍珠做的门? 不, 那是地狱。一个人带着他的狗在路上边走边欣赏风景, 突然, 他想起来自己已经死了。他记得他死了, 而且狗也死了几年了。他不知道这条路会把他们带到哪里。     

Teaching and research: Rapport or mesalliance

In America, the problem has persisted for at least a century: Are teaching and research mutually supportive, or do they tend to detract from one another? The empirical literature (due largely to measurement problems) provides an ambiguous answer, although the more recent studies have produced fairly consistently negative results. Role complementarity may depend on a range of social structural conditions, such as time allocation, whether or not roles are highly specialized, and the values around which roles are organized. In addition, the process of “compensatory selection” may reduce role complementarity as teacher/researchers move through their careers. Data for this study suggest that teaching and research tend to be mutually supportive, especially at schools where research is not emphasized.     

Elite coaching and the technocratic engineer: thanking the boys at Microsoft!

The primary purpose of this article is to provide an in-depth understanding of the manner in which surveillance technologies have become readily appropriated and utilised by elite Rugby Union coaches. It is conceded that positions adopted by populist writings commonly categorise the act of coaching as an educational activity that harnesses holistic intentions. Through reflecting upon semi-structured interviews with players located at an Aviva Premiership Rugby Union Club, we provide insight into an elite sporting institution that more accurately depicts coaching as a technocratic activity. The resultant analysis is critical in its review of surveillance mechanisms embedded in institutional practice, extending to the sports coaching setting, which explicate sinister rather than pastoral motives to enforce a disciplinary power that enhances the quantification of athletic performance. The article concludes by emphasising the impact of such practices upon establishing a sense of trust and the construction of self autonomous to the sporting domain. We argue that the emerging and steadfast acceptance of technology in the elite coaching environment is threatening to circumvent the learning potential of players by merely viewing them as functionaries. In adopting this position, we tentatively suggest that future research seeking to inform the practice of coaching and coach education should continue to pursue this critical dialogue to question whether, and to what extent, an overreliance on technology is becoming perceived as the ‘gold standard’ of professional practice amongst the coaching fraternity.     

Reassessing the People's Choice: Revisiting a Classic and Excavating Lessons for Research About Media and Voting

This article reassesses The People's Choice by Paul Lazarsfeld, Bernard Berelson, and Hazel Gaudet, one of the foundations of communication and voting behavior research. As with most classics, which are often cited but seldom read, we believe this book has much to teach contemporary social scientists. We return to the original context of the research and use voting data from the period with three broad goals: (a) to find ideas and lessons from this work that generally have been overlooked, (b) to suggest new ways of applying these ideas, and (c) to encourage scholars to engage more with this seminal work to understand ideas that are often overlooked when a complex piece of research is reduced to a brief discussion or passing citation.     

Walter Lippmann’s Ghost: An Interview With Michael Schudson

An esteemed scholar conducts an enlightening examination of the enduring issues of the press as a democratic institution, the professionalization of the journalist, journalism schools, liberalism, and science. This imagined one-on-one conversation with Walter Lippmann is lightly humorous yet offers important insights on the accountability of the government by the press in days gone by and on the accountability of the press to the public in our digital age.