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Speed, speed dribble and agility of male basketball players playing in different positions
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare speed, speed dribble and agility of male basketball players playing in different positions. The research sample consisted of 101 male basketball players from divisions A2, B and C of the Greek National League. The athletes were divided into three groups according to the playing position they played in, playmakers (n=28), forwards (shooting guards and small forwards, n=42) and centres (power forwards and centres, n=31). The athletes performed the 20m speed test with and without dribble, and the 20m shuttle run test for agility. "Photocell HL 2-34 Athletic" (photocell system of TAG HEUER ELECTRONIC TIMING) was used to record times. The variables of the study were related to the performance of the players in the specific tests and the reduction of their maximal speed during dribbling or agility. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was the statistical method used for the comparison of players from different positions. The significance level was set at p<0.05. The results showed that playmakers had the best performance in all tests and the least loss of speed while dribbling or changing directions followed by the forwards and the centres. It is worth noting that the loss of speed while dribbling of centres was comparable with that of playmakers and forwards. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in the speed and agility tests between playmakers and centres.
... Specifically, these drills highlight the importance of not only the ability to accelerate but to be able to decelerate and reaccelerate towards an alternate direction. Although straight-line speed is one of the underpinning factors that may ultimately may influence performance in CODS tests, straight line-sprint performance does not appear to have a very strong association with one's overall CODS performance (7,22,24,119,127). This can be attributed to the fact that CODS is a physical attribute underpinned by multiple factors as a result of the unique physical requirements of braking as well as the technical requirements required in appropriate body positioning as one changes direction. ...
... As noted previously, the term agility is commonly used to describe a whole-body change of direction while running (44,86,89,119,131). However, this definition does not distinguish between tasks requiring movements predicated on correctly responding to a stimulus and pre-planned movement paths and patterns. ...
... In addition, sprinting while performing a complex skill specific to a sport setting further increases the difference between closed skill sprinting and sprints that occur in the sporting context (111). This increase in complexity also affects an athlete's performance, as evidenced by weak relationships between sprinting abilities, and the ability to perform complex tasks such as dribbling a basketball (119) or bouncing a football while sprinting (131). ...
... According to their playing roles, basketball players are classified into guards, forwards and centers [1][2][3][4]. Other classifications have also been used in research; e.g., point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards and centers [5], playmakers, shooting guards and small forwards, and power forwards and centers [6], or perimeter and post-players [7]. ...
... Differences in positional roles have been investigated in various levels and countries; e.g., professional in Lithuania [7], first league in Belgium [5], mixed sample of first and second league in Turkey [2], mixed sample of first and second league in France [3], mixed sample of second, third and fourth league in Greece [6] and mixed sample of national team and elite players in Bosnia [4]. The aforementioned research has revealed significant positional differences with regard to physical and physiological characteristics in adult players. ...
... The better anaerobic power in guards and forwards compared to centers has also been shown previously by research using field assessment methods (e.g., sprinting or jumping); the other playing positions were faster in 5 9 10 m sprint test and jumped higher in CMJ than the centers [5]. Guards and forwards were faster than centers in 10-and 30-m sprint [2], and playmakers were faster than centers in 20-m sprint [6]. In contrast to the superior profile of guards and forwards with regard to anaerobic power, centers are stronger as it was indicated by a series of studies using isokinetic strength testing [2,4,5]. ...
... According to their playing roles, basketball players are classified into guards, forwards and centers [1][2][3][4]. Other classifications have also been used in research; e.g., point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards and centers [5], playmakers, shooting guards and small forwards, and power forwards and centers [6], or perimeter and post-players [7]. ...
... Differences in positional roles have been investigated in various levels and countries; e.g., professional in Lithuania [7], first league in Belgium [5], mixed sample of first and second league in Turkey [2], mixed sample of first and second league in France [3], mixed sample of second, third and fourth league in Greece [6] and mixed sample of national team and elite players in Bosnia [4]. The aforementioned research has revealed significant positional differences with regard to physical and physiological characteristics in adult players. ...
... The better anaerobic power in guards and forwards compared to centers has also been shown previously by research using field assessment methods (e.g., sprinting or jumping); the other playing positions were faster in 5 9 10 m sprint test and jumped higher in CMJ than the centers [5]. Guards and forwards were faster than centers in 10-and 30-m sprint [2], and playmakers were faster than centers in 20-m sprint [6]. In contrast to the superior profile of guards and forwards with regard to anaerobic power, centers are stronger as it was indicated by a series of studies using isokinetic strength testing [2,4,5]. ...
Purpose. The main aim of this study was to examine differences in physical and physiological characteristics, with an emphasis on anaerobic power, of male basketball players by age and playing position. Methods. Basketball players (n=101), classified into three age groups: under 15 yrs (U-15, n=35, 14.28±0.72 yrs), under 18 yrs (U-18, n=35, 16.23±0.74 yrs) and older than 18 yrs (Elite, n=31, 25.66±5.09 yrs), participated in this study. The variables under examination were anthropometric characteristics, body composition, physical working capacity test, 3 min step test, Wingate anaerobic test, force-velocity test, sit-and-reach test, handgrip strength test and countermovement vertical jump with arm-swing. Results. U-15, U-18 and elite players differed for all aforementioned parameters with the older group scoring better than the younger (η2≥0.06, p<0.048). In Elite group, centers were heavier and taller than guards (22.3 kg and 20.9 cm, respectively) and forwards (14.3 kg and 10.6 cm), and forwards were taller than guards (10.2 cm). Guards scores were higher than centers in maximal power (3.61 W.kg-1 ) and in peak power (1.39 W.kg-1). Forwards scored higher than centers in mean power (1.25 W.kg-1). In the U-18 group, guards were stronger in the relative strength than centers (2.4 kg.kg-1). In the U-15 group, centers were taller than guards (17.8 cm) and forwards (9.7 cm), and forwards were also taller than guards (8.1 cm). Conclusions. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that positional differences, especially in anaerobic power, in male
basketball vary by age. Thus, young basketball players should not be regarded as miniature adult basketball players with regards to their physical and physiological characteristics, and their positional specialization.
... This represents an emphasis on the specificity of training with specific movement patterns, as straight sprint training appears to have little or no influence on the improvement of sprinting that involves changes of direction (Young, McDowell, & Scarlett, 2001b). Additional support for this is evidenced by a weak relationship between straight sprint performance and change of direction speed performance (Baker, 1999a; Buttifant, Graham, & Cross, 1999; Clark, Martin, Lee, Fornasiero, & Quinn, 1998; Tsitskarsis, Theoharopoulus, & Garefis, 2003; Young, Hawken, & McDonald, 1996). Many field and court sports involve some straight sprinting, but more often repeated short sprinting with changes of direction. ...
... Another consideration that is relevant to field and court sports involving complex skills (running with a ball, dribbling, etc.) is that sprinting while performing a skill further increases the complexity of the task. This increase in complexity affects an athlete's performance, as evidenced by weak relationships between straight sprinting ability and the ability to perform complex tasks such as dribbling a basketball (Tsitskarsis et al., 2003) or bouncing an Australian Rules Football (Young et al., 1996). Based on this consideration, tests and training that address skill demands could increase validity. ...
... This definition recognizes the cognitive components involved in agility, and does not make sub-classifications for tasks that do not involve this cognitive component. Agility performance does not appear to be strongly linked with straight-speed components (Baker, 1999a; Buttifant et al., 1999; Tsitskarsis et al., 2003; Young et al., 1996). Essentially, speed and agility are distinct physical qualities, and speed training does not appear to enhance change of direction speed (CODS), and CODS training does not appear to enhance speed (Young et al., 2001b). ...
At present, no agreement on a precise definition of agility within the sports science community exists. The term is applied to a broad range of sport contexts, but with such great inconsistency, it further complicates our understanding of what trainable components may enhance agility. A new definition of agility is proposed: "a rapid whole-body movement with change of velocity or direction in response to a stimulus". Agility has relationships with trainable physical qualities such as strength, power and technique, as well as cognitive components such as visual-scanning techniques, visual-scanning speed and anticipation. Agility testing is generally confined to tests of physical components such as change of direction speed, or cognitive components such as anticipation and pattern recognition. New tests of agility that combine physical and cognitive measures are encouraged.
... In another research where male basketball players were doing agility tests, 20m shuttle run tests, a significant difference was found on the speed and agility tests between playmakers and centers. (Tsitskaris, Theoharopoulos, & Garefis, 2003). The point guard "(PG), also known as "number one (1)", is typically a team's best ball handler and passer. ...
... We notice that in three variables there are statistically significant differences between subgroups, LANE AGILITY TIME, THREE QUARTER SPRINT and MAX VERTICAL LEAP on a level greater than 0.01. These results are mostly very similar to the results of previous researches (Tsitskaris, Theoharopoulos, & Garefis, 2003, Köklü, Alemdaroǧlu, Koçak, Erol, & Findikoǧlu, 2011. Given that these studies were conducted on a sample of athletes who did not possess the same amount of quality as Draft NBA players, we can conclude that the performance and level of the players do not play a crucial role in the differences in the motor skills of the basketball players compared to the position they play. ...
The aim of this study was to determine differences in motor skills among top NBA players. In order to conduct the research, data was collected from the official NBA Draft Combine website, where statistical analysis of information was done in order to determine the differences between players depending on the players' positions. We analyzed the variables that characterize agility and strength, which are integral parts of the battery of tests applied to this draft. Based on "One Way ANOVA", it can be concluded that the arithmetic mean of the applied tests differs significantly in three motor variables at the level of p≤0.01 in relation to players playing in different positions (Lane Agility Time, Three Quarter Sprint and Max Vertical Leap). In all these variables, groups of players were formed and homogenized with similar average values in relation to body height that definitely determines the values of the performed motor skill tests, as shown by post-hoc analysis. A group of "lower-height" players (Shooting guard, Small forward and Point guard) showed on all three tests that their arithmetic means do not differ statistically, so their test results are very similar, which quite explains the tendency of modern basketball that on the positions 1-3 players can easily rotate.
... As previously stated, speed and distance covered by the players is influenced by playing position (Mateus et al., 2015). Guards and forwards, especially those from the best teams, tend to cover shorter distances at more intensity than other playing positions from the worst teams (Tsitskaris et al., 2003). In addition, guards tend to present less variability than the rest. ...
... Previous research has also found a tendency for players to perform higher intensity actions in the first quarter of the game (Lehto et al., 2010;Scanlan et al., 2015;Tsitskaris et al., 2003). Higher values were found in the third quarter both for centers and forward positions. ...
One of the main challenges in sports coaching is to monitor competitive performance in order to adjust training load. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how playing position, game period and playing time influenced the physical demands of youth basketball players. Six measures of external load (total distance covered, high-speed distance, number of accelerations, decelerations, jumps and player load) were collected from 48 youth basketball players, over the course of a short tournament, through the use of a local positioning tracking system (WIMUPRO TM). Player activity profiles were analysed in function of i) player position (guard, forward and centers), ii) game period (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) and iii) playing time (important players vs less important players). Forwards presented a greater level of variability in the external load measures while guards were the most stable players throughout the game. An increase in the level of variability of players' workloads was observed during the game, especially from periods Q1 to Q3 and Q3 to Q4. The number of jumps per minute emerged as the variable with greater variation in association with playing time. Our results provide further support for the importance of considering performance variability for the design of individual training loads. ARTICLE HISTORY
... (Negra et al., 2017;Paul et al., 2016;Erikoglu & Arslan, 2016;Sheppard & Young, 2005) Moreover, running speed in combination with performing a technical skill (i.e., dribble) seems to further increase the complexity of a test. (Erikoglu & Arslan, 2016;Tsitskarsis et al., 2003) Field tests are broadly used to evaluate the performance in young athletes, and mainly include running speed, jumping ability, and COD. Minimum equipment is required to perform these tests, as they include common and simple motor skills, and can be applied by all the trainers in the teams. ...
... Kong et al., (2015) found that performance on the Yo-Yo test with dribbling was moderately correlated with that of the Yo-Yo test without dribbling (r = 0.57). On the other hand, Tsitskarsis et al., (2003) reported a weak correlation between sprinting ability and dribbling a basketball, which was attributed to the reduction of speed during dribbling or agility. Similarly, Erikoglu and Arslan (2016) did not find any significant correlations between a directional change -zigzag agility test with the ball as well as with sprinting and jumping ability in a sample of young soccer players. ...
Objectives: Τo identify the relationship between sprinting, jump ability and change of direction, in a large sample of young male handball players. Methods: 151 handball players (13.39 ± 0.61 yrs, height 1.67 ± 0.09 m, weight 60.90 ± 12.29 kg) performed a series of motor tests: sprinting (5-m, 10-m & 30-m), jumping ability (standing long jump and jump-and-reach), 5-0-5 agility, 30-m dribble and defensive sliding movement. Results: The main findings of the study indicate different levels of correlation coefficients among acceleration (5 and 10-m), sprinting ability in 30-m, jumping ability and changes of direction with and without the ball. Coefficient of determination showed that only six of the bivariate distributions could explain the association between the examined parameters with strength of more than 50%. Specifically, the coefficient of determination values between the linear sprints were the greatest (57.8-88.5%), followed by the respective one between the jump tests (85.6%). Jump tests showed a higher coefficient of determination with the 30-m sprint (standing long jump r 2 = 63.2%, jump & reach r 2 = 59.4%). The results of this study suggest that specific tests must be used for the performance evaluation of various motor skills.
... Thus, increased variability in a movement pattern generally indicates loss of stability, while decreased variability generally demonstrates a highly stable behaviour (Stergiou & Decker, 2011). In fact, movement execution will inevitably give rise to movement variability because motor output (motor commands, muscle contractions or muscle torques) is inherently variable (van Beers, Haggard, & Wolpert, 2004). In order to more effectively execute movement pattern in a given environment, decreasing variability seem to be commonly regarded as the best ideal solution (Newell & Corcos, 1993;Stergiou, Harbourne, & Cavanaugh, 2006). ...
... Furthermore, our performance profiles also identified differences in the technical and physical demands of players from different playing positions. Previous studies have presented substantial differences for players fitness in a different position in terms of height (Cormery, Marcil, & Bouvard, 2008;Sallet, Perrier, Ferret, Vitelli, & Baverel, 2005), anthropometric features and body composition (Ostojic, Mazic, & Dikic, 2006;Tomovic, Batinic, Saranovic, & Antic, 2016), aerobic and anaerobic capacity (Hoffman, Epstein, Einbinder, & Weinstein, 1999), speed and distances covered (Tsitskaris, Theoharopoulos, & Garefis, 2003), agility (Alemdaroğlu, 2012), muscular strength (Willoughby & Simpson, 1996), and heart rate variability (Paul & Garg, 2012). Although these studies have provided important information on the fitness of guards, forwards and centres, to date, the difference on the physical aspects of the specific individual roles are not available between strong and weak teams. ...
The aim of this study was to (i) identify technical and physical performances of basketballers according to playing position in strong and weak teams, and (ii) describe variability in game-to-game performance according to game outcome, location, quality of teams and opposition. Performance-related variables of all the 699 matches of regular season 2015–2016 in the National Basketball Association were analysed. All the comparisons were performed using magnitude-based inferences. As could be expected, results showed that technical and physical performances differed between players of strong and weak teams. In technical aspect, forwards and centres from strong teams made more three-point field goals, but fewer two-point field goals, than their counterparts from weak teams. Interestingly, forwards and guards from strong teams covered shorter distances and lower speeds than their peers from weak teams. In addition, the three-point field goals made and attempted presented high variability. Game location generally had no significant impact on the variability of players’ performance. Guards exhibited relatively lower variability in technical and physical variables in comparison with players from other positions. Exploring the difference and variability of technical and physical performances of basketballers allows fine-tuning of practice and game plans in order to build up optimal winning strategies.
... Forwards are often the best attacking players in a team, whereas centers need to be very tall and physically strong to score and block opponents' shots. These position-related demands are reflected in, for example, anthropometrical (Abdelkrim et al., 2010), physiological (Abdelkrim et al., 2010), and technical differences between players (Tsitskaris, Theoharopoulos, & Garefis, 2003). Research has shown that guards are the smallest players and the fastest on sprint and dribble tests (i.e., have best ball control). ...
... Research has shown that guards are the smallest players and the fastest on sprint and dribble tests (i.e., have best ball control). Centers are the tallest players, performing worst on sprint and dribble tests (Abdelkrim et al., 2010;Köklü, Alemdaroğlu, Koçak, Erol, & Findikoğlu, 2011;Ostojic, Mazic, & Dikic, 2006;Sallet et al., 2005;te Wierike, Elferink-Gemser, Tromp, Vaeyens, & Visscher, 2015;Tsitskaris et al., 2003). Talented athletes often spend many hours in training to improve those skills which are especially important in their chosen sport (e.g., ball control in basketball) (Ward, Hodges, Starkes, & Williams, 2007). ...
This study first investigated the importance of ball control and (self-reported) self-regulatory skills in achieving the elite level in basketball. The second aim was to gain insight into the development of, and association between ball control and (self-reported) self-regulatory skills that contribute to achieving the elite level, with taking into account positional differences. Talented male players (N = 73; age 16.56 ± 1.96) completed the STARtest to measure ball control and a questionnaire to measure (self-reported) self-regulation from 2008-2012. Results showed that (self-reported) reflective skills were most important to achieve the elite level (OR = 11.76; P < 0.05). There was no significant improvement in (self-reported) reflection over time for guards, forwards, and centers. Improvement in ball control was evident for guards (r = -0.65; P < 0.05). Furthermore, guards and forwards had better ball control compared to centers (P < 0.01). For those two positions, negative correlations were found between (self-reported) reflection and ball control, i.e., higher reflection was related to better ball control (guards r = -0.19; forwards r = -0.18) in contrast to centers (r = 0.34). It is concluded that (self-reported) reflective skills are important to achieve the elite level, while ball control seems especially important for guards.
... Thus, increased variability in a movement pattern generally indicates loss of stability, while decreased variability generally demonstrates a highly stable behaviour (Stergiou & Decker, 2011). In fact, movement execution will inevitably give rise to movement variability because motor output (motor commands, muscle contractions or muscle torques) is inherently variable (van Beers, Haggard, & Wolpert, 2004). In order to more effectively execute movement pattern in a given environment, decreasing variability seem to be commonly regarded as the best ideal solution (Newell & Corcos, 1993;Stergiou, Harbourne, & Cavanaugh, 2006). ...
... Furthermore, our performance profiles also identified differences in the technical and physical demands of players from different playing positions. Previous studies have presented substantial differences for players fitness in a different position in terms of height (Cormery, Marcil, & Bouvard, 2008;Sallet, Perrier, Ferret, Vitelli, & Baverel, 2005), anthropometric features and body composition (Ostojic, Mazic, & Dikic, 2006;Tomovic, Batinic, Saranovic, & Antic, 2016), aerobic and anaerobic capacity (Hoffman, Epstein, Einbinder, & Weinstein, 1999), speed and distances covered (Tsitskaris, Theoharopoulos, & Garefis, 2003), agility (Alemdaroğlu, 2012), muscular strength (Willoughby & Simpson, 1996), and heart rate variability (Paul & Garg, 2012). Although these studies have provided important information on the fitness of guards, forwards and centres, to date, the difference on the physical aspects of the specific individual roles are not available between strong and weak teams. ...
The purpose of the present study was to examine the coaching behaviors based on youth sport context through systematic observation. Verbal and nonverbal behaviors were video recorded during two practices for each coach. Coaching behavior was evaluated using the instrument of Pereira, Mesquita and Graça (2009). Results showed a large proportion of reported coaching behaviors, specifically 14.015 comments, 537 comments were recorded for “task explicitness”, 590 comments were for “exigency type in presentation”, 785 comments about “exigency type during practice” and the most comments 4844, about coach “reaction of accomplishment task”, especially in “encouragement”. About the coaches’ “instructional tasks” the most were for “informing” the athletes about the tasks (475) and regards “the nature of information” the majority of comments were for “general comments” (3216) and for “technique” (2288). Mann-Whitney analysis revealed that there were differences between coach comments and the athletes of U12 and U18, at “task explicitness” especially in “criteria form” and the “exigency type on tasks presentation” especially in “performance quality” with coaches of the U-18 group presenting significantly higher values. Differences also found in between the athletes’ age group and “exigency type during practice” especially in “participation/effort” and “coach reaction of accomplishment tasks during practice” differences also were found in “punish” and “no reaction”, with coaches of the U-18 group presenting significantly higher values. Referred on the nature of the coach’s instruction during practice there were differences between age groups and comments in “technique”, in “individual” and “team tactics” with coaches of the U-18 group presenting significantly higher values in all three instruction variables. These results may help create environments that foster positive psychosocial development of young athletes in Greece.
... Research also suggests that, as the complexity of the task increases, decision making skills become more important (Sheppard and Young 2006). The increase in complexity affects an athlete's performance as evidenced by the weak correlation between straight sprinting ability and the ability to perform complex agility tasks (Tsitskarsis et al. 2003). The decision--making component of agility can help explain why straight sprinting performance (no decision-making required) has little to do with agility performance. ...
... Various sports agility tests have also identified change of direction speed as one of the pivotal components of agility (Young et al. 2002;Farrow et al. 2005). While the terminology might vary across research articles (e.g., quickness, rapidness, swiftness, speed, velocity), a majority recognize swiftness as an essential component of agility (Clarke 1959;Mathews 1973;Draper and Lancaster 1985;Bloomfield et al. 1994;Moreno 1995;Twist and Benicky 1996;Sayers 2000;Young et al. 2002;Tsitskarsis et al. 2003;Sheppard and Young 2006). Military science research also acknowledges swiftness by emphasizing the role of speed of movement (Dekker 2006) and speed of action (Alberts 2007;Mackley et al. 2008) in facilitating an agile response. ...
Although agility has been identified as one of the most important issues of contemporary supply chain management, the theoretical basis for understanding supply chain agility is fragmented. This research addresses the gap related to the ambiguity surrounding the dimensions and definitions of firm supply chain agility by employing a multidisciplinary literature review to gain an in-depth understanding of agility. In addition, a comprehensive measurement instrument that draws on the foundations of social and life science theory is developed and empirically validated. The results of the research indicate that firm supply chain agility is composed of five distinct dimensions including alertness, accessibility, decisiveness, swiftness, and flexibility. Based on these elements, a comprehensive definition of firm supply chain agility is developed for further theoretical testing of the concept.
... The Illinois agility test [86] is widely regarded as a standard agility test [87] thanks to its strong validation and reproducibility [88,89]. As a result, it has become the go-to test for measuring changes in directional skill, making it a reliable tool for athletes and trainers alike [90]. According to research, the intraclass correlation coefficient and standard error of measurement for the Illinois agility test are 0.96 (95% CI, 0.85-0.98) ...
The testosterone–cortisol ratio is a concept in human biology that refers to the balance between testosterone, the main anabolic steroid, and cortisol, another steroid hormone. The two hormones are said to be habitually positively “coupled”. Increases or decreases in testosterone tend to be associated with corresponding increases or decreases in cortisol, and vice versa. The present study explored hormone coupling and its relationship to stress levels in the sport performances of an elite women’s volleyball team. (1) Aim: to assess the testosterone–cortisol concentration dynamic over 16 weeks and its link to sport performance in elite female volleyball players (height: 1.8 ± 0.1 m; 24.2 ± 2.7 years; playing experience 15 ± 2.8 years; years played at elite level 4.2 ± 2.2; testosterone–cortisol index time 1: 3.9 vs. time 2: 4.3) (n = 11). (2) Methods: blood samples (hormones among other biochemical parameters) and sports performance measurements (aerobic and anaerobic power among other tests) were taken from members of an elite women’s volleyball team over 16 weeks of competition. (3) Results: female volleyball players showed patterns of hormonal change and adaptation to stress. (4) Conclusions: the current investigation demonstrated that elite female volleyball players have higher basal levels of testosterone and cortisol than normal healthy women. The impact of training and competition is clearly reflected in the levels of T. Cortisol levels increase at the beginning of training and remain elevated throughout the season, but without significant changes.
... The Illinois agility test [86] is widely regarded as a standard agility test [87] thanks to its strong validation and reproducibility [88,89]. As a result, it has become the go-to test for measuring changes in directional skill, making it a reliable tool for athletes and trainers alike [90]. According to research, the intraclass correlation coefficient and standard error of measurement for the Illinois agility test are 0.96 (95% CI, 0.85-0.98) ...
In human biology, the testosterone-cortisol ratio describes the ratio between testosterone, the primary male sex hormone and an anabolic steroid, and cortisol, another steroid hormoneare positively ``coupled''. Increases and decreases in one hormone are associated with corresponding increases and decreases in the other. The present study explored hormone coupling and its relationship to stress levels on sport performance in an elite women's volleyball team. (1) Aim: To assess testosterone-cortisol concentration dynamics over 16 weeks, providing insight into the relationship between testosterone and cortisol levels and sport performance in elite female volleyball players (24.2 ± 2.7 years; playing experience 15 ± 2.8 years; years played at elite level 4.2 ± 2.2) (n= 11). (2) Methods: Blood samples (hormones among other biochemical parameters) and sports performance measurements (aerobic and anaerobic power among other tests) were taken from members of an elite women's volleyball team over the course of a competitive season. (3) Results: Female volleyball players showed patterns of hormonal change and adaptation to stress. (4) Conclusions: The present study showed that elite female volleyball players have higher basal testosterone and cortisol levels than normal healthy women.
... Савремена парадигма агилности поставља становиште да она није у корелацији са максималном брзином (Baker, 1999b;Young et al., 2001), што значи да спортисти који поседују брзинске способности не морају да поседују и агилност као способност. Снажно брзинске компоненте са једне и агилност са друге стане представљају засебне способности (Buttifant, Graham, Cross, 1999;Draper & Lancaster, 1985;Tsitskarsis, Theoharopoulus, Garefis, 2003;Young et al., 2001). Истраживања су, међутим, показала да није јасно утврђено шта је најбоље примењивати приликом тренинга агилности. ...
Based on the knowledge about psychomotor development, the paper presents research aimed at developing an observation sheet suitable for teachers in kindergartens and summarizing the most common difficulties of preschool children in Slovakia and Serbia. It defends the need to identify children with delayed psychomotor development and summarizes the possibilities of screening the functionality of psychomotor development of children at an early age.
... Савремена парадигма агилности поставља становиште да она није у корелацији са максималном брзином (Baker, 1999b;Young et al., 2001), што значи да спортисти који поседују брзинске способности не морају да поседују и агилност као способност. Снажно брзинске компоненте са једне и агилност са друге стане представљају засебне способности (Buttifant, Graham, Cross, 1999;Draper & Lancaster, 1985;Tsitskarsis, Theoharopoulus, Garefis, 2003;Young et al., 2001). Истраживања су, међутим, показала да није јасно утврђено шта је најбоље примењивати приликом тренинга агилности. ...
Брзина, агилност и хитрина су карактеристичне способно-
сти у многим колективним и индивидуалним спортовима. У последње време
велики је број тренажних метода које се примењују у циљу побољшања
различитих моторичких способности. SAQ (speed, agility, quickness)
тренажни програм склапа развој све три компоненте у један комплексан
тренинг на основу њихових заједничких својстава. Прегледно истраживање
узело је у обзир научне радове и публикације индексиране на Pubmed и Web
of Science у периоду од 2000. до 2022. године, приликом чега су коришћене
следеће кључне речи: SAQ и Брзина (Speed) и Агилност (Agility) и Хитрина
(Quickness). На основу истраживања које су узете у обзир, SAQ програм се
показао као метода која у значајној мери доприноси развоју брзине, агилно-
сти и хитрине код различитих спортиста и рекреативаца. Из овог прегледног
рада може се увидети да радови указују да је SAQ адекватан у оспособља-
вању спортиста за ефикасније извођење различитих активности у такмичар-
ским и рекреативним условима.
... Some studies indicated that the COD T-test has a moderate correlation with the 40-yard dash and the countermovement jump (Sassi et al., 2009). As well, a weak relationship was found between linear sprint performance and COD performance (Tsitskarsis, Theoharopoulus, & Garefis, 2003;Buttifant, Graham, & Cross, 1999) and also between strength and COD performance (Young, James, & Montgomery, 2002;Young, Hawken & McDonald, 1996). Novel studies indicated that individuals with a higher level of Maximum strength might experience potentiation of 20-m sprint performance after a 5RM split squat exercise (Lockie, Orjalo, & Moreno, 2018). ...
The goal of the present study was to explore the relationship between maximum strength, the vertical jump, acceleration and change of direction performance in healthy young male students. The sample of variables included the following variables: body mass (BM), one repetition maximum on the half-squat test (Squat 1RM), one repetition maximum normalized for body mass (Squat 1RM_rel), peak power during the concentric phase of countermovement jump (Ppeak CMJ), vertical jump height during CMJ (CMJ_H), time for the 20m sprint (20m Srint) and time for the agility T-Test (Agility T-Test). The relationship was tested with the Pearson Coefficient of linear correlation (r). The results showed significant correlation between body mass with Squat 1RM_rel and peak concentric power during CMJ (r=-.424, and r=.377, respectively). Peak concentric power during CMJ additionally has a significant correlation with the change of direction abilities, 20m sprint, and vertical jump height, (r=-.401; r=-.467; r=.656; p<0.05, respectively). Also, significant correlation was determined between the 20m Sprint and Agility T-Test (r=.443; r=-.570, respectively), and Agility T-Test vertical jump height (r=-.498). The level of relationships between maximum strength, acceleration, COD and CMJ may be attributable to differences in the control and coordination of several muscle groups during execution of these tests.
... It was emphasized in some studies in the literature that linear speed and agility performance were not very strongly related, but that speed and agility training must include the requirements specific to the branch of sports involved (26,(30)(31)(32)(33). ...
Study Objectives: This study aimed to examine the roles of some agility parameters on the linear, single sprint skills among young male basketball and handball players. Methods: The participants in this study were male basketball players (BP) (n = 15, ±SD= 15.30 ± 0.48) and handball players (HP) (n = 32, ± SD = 16.81 ± 1.63) who trained regularly, and a control group (CG) (n = 31, ± SD = 15.87 ± 0.80). They participated in 0 to 30 m linear speed tests, a T test, a 505 agility test, and an Illinois agility test. Changes in direction, side stepping, reversing direction, and running backward were the main sub-parameters of agility performance that constituted the independent variables. A multiple regression analysis was conducted if these independent variables predicted the 0 to10 m, 10 to 30 m, and 0 to 30 m sprint performances separately. One way ANOVA was performed to determine group differences in all the independent variables. Results: The ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences between groups for the independent variables (p < 0.001). The Tukey HSD test indicated that all three groups significantly differed from each other. Conclusion: As a result, it can be concluded that agility parameters contributed to speed skills. It is recommended that the exercises that include agility parameters should be used when designing training, especially in team sports.
... In other sports such as rugby, soccer, volleyball, ice-hockey and basketball various studies already found position-specific differences in conditional aspects: Tsitskaris, Theoharopoulos & Garefis (2003) found differences in speed between positions in basketball; Geithner, Lee & Bradno (2006) state speed-differences between positions in female ice-hockey; Marques, van den Tillaar, Reis et al. (2009) (Rogulj, Shroj, Nazor et al., 2005;Zapartidis, Toganidis, Vareltzis et al., 2009;Čavala & Katić, 2010). ...
Demands for female handball players are not yet sufficiently specified, especially not with respect to position-specific performance. For optimal match preparation, individual training based on specific demands of each position is necessary. Consequently, the aim of the study was to gain insight into position-specific differences in female handball players in order to establish position-specific training recommendations. Data from 652 female players from German leagues of all levels were analyzed using a test-battery assessing handball-relevant physical performance factors. Players were tested during their usual training in their regular training locations for running, throwing speed, jumping height, reaction-speed, basic running endurance, arm and abdominal muscle strength and hamstrings and lower back flexibility. Significant differences between positions were found for several parameters, while the differences were pronounced variably at the different performance levels. For example, goalkeepers performed worst in the Half-Cooper test (p < 0.001) at elite level with wings displaying the best values. Halfbacks had the highest throwing speed (p < 0.001) and jumping heights (p < 0.002) at elite level. Goalkeepers were slowest for best and mean value out of five attempts (p < 0.001; p < 0.010) in 20 m sprint but, together with wings outperformed half and centre backs at elite level in 30 m sprint (best out of two attempts, p < 0.001). Goalkeepers also did fewer chin ups than wing and back players at elite level (p < 0.003). The present study demonstrated positional differences regarding physical performance parameters, thus suggesting the need to intensify position-specific training, especially for goalkeepers during preparation and in-season. Also, position-specific testing during selection-processes might be indicated.
... Therefore, sprinting while performing a skill further increases the complexity of the task. This increase in complexity affects an athlete's performance, as evidenced by weak relationships between straight sprinting ability and the ability to perform complex tasks such as dribbling a basketball (Tsitskarsis et al., 2003) [6] . ...
... While speed is important for agility, the parameter does not provide insights about which aspects of performance contribute to or limit success. Prior studies have examined particular components of technique (e.g., straight sprinting performance, leg strength, and leg power) and found weak correlations to planned agility course time (Pauole et al., 2000;Hachana et al., 2013;Tsitskaris et al., 2003;Sekulic et al., 2013;Marković et al., 2007;Yanci et al., 2014). An alternative method to understand technique is to directly investigate the underlying biomechanics of the selected movement. ...
Agility performance is often evaluated using time-based metrics, which provide little information about which factors aid or limit success. The objective of this study was to better understand agility strategy by identifying biomechanical metrics that were sensitive to performance speed, which were calculated with data from an array of body-worn inertial sensors. Five metrics were defined (normalized number of foot contacts, stride length variance, arm swing variance, mean normalized stride frequency, and number of body rotations) that corresponded to agility terms defined by experts working in athletic, clinical, and military environments. Eighteen participants donned 13 sensors to complete a reactive agility task, which involved navigating a set of cones in response to a vocal cue. Participants were grouped into fast, medium, and slow performance based on their completion time. Participants in the fast group had the smallest number of foot contacts (normalizing by height), highest stride length variance (normalizing by height), highest forearm angular velocity variance, and highest stride frequency (normalizing by height). The number of body rotations was not sensitive to speed and may have been determined by hand and foot dominance while completing the agility task. The results of this study have the potential to inform the development of a composite agility score constructed from the list of significant metrics. By quantifying the agility terms previously defined by expert evaluators through an agility score, this study can assist in strategy development for training and rehabilitation across athletic, clinical, and military domains.
... These insights on technique are typically obtained from experts that visually assess agility tasks qualitatively. Previous studies have examined particular components of technique (e.g., straight sprinting performance, leg strength, and power qualities evaluated by jumping tasks) and found weak correlations to overall agility course time [11][12][13][14]. Evaluation of biomechanical data has found a subset of parameters that were sensitive to a sharp change of direction (e.g., trunk flexion, ground contact time, ankle power, ankle plantar flexor moment, and knee flexion) [15,16]. ...
Agility performance is often quantified using completion time, which provides little information about which factors contribute to or limit an individual’s performance. The objective of this study was to determine how novices and experts working in athletic, clinical, and military environments qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate agility performance. Formalizing expert definitions will inform the development of objective biomechanical metrics, which have the potential to inform strategy development for training and rehabilitation. Thirty-three participants completed a survey which involved scoring 16 athletes on a 7 point Likert scale of not agile to agile. The spread of the scores indicated that even within groups, participants had different opinions about which aspects of technique contributed to high performance. Participant responses were used to link several terms to agility technique. Future work includes quantitatively defining and evaluating these terms.
... Therefore, sprinting while performing a skill further increases the complexity of the task. This increase in complexity affects an athlete's performance, as evidenced by weak relationships between straight sprinting ability and the ability to perform complex tasks such as dribbling a basketball (Tsitskarsis et al., 2003) [6] . ...
Background: Current agility tests assess one or multiple components of agility, including unidirectional, bidirectional, and multidirectional movements, which may or may not include retropulsion and rapid acceleration and deceleration transitions along with performing basketball-specific activities such as jumping, turning around 180 o and 360 o , along with picking a ball and throwing it when changing direction. Hence, there is a requirement for a test which is specific to a Basketball game and also possesses the intricate movements associated with the game in a single test. Objectives: To develop a new sport-specific agility test for assessing agility in Basketball players and determine its reliability by establishing the interrater and interrater reliability. Materials and methods: In this explorative study 54 male Basketball players were taken with the age group 20±3 years. Subjects having acute injuries of lower limb injuries, disabled sportsmen, peripheral nerve injuries of upper & lower extremities, history of recurrent ankle sprains/ other injuries of lower limbs were excluded. The subjects had to perform the Basketball Multicomponent Agility Test (BMAT) which is a special test that has been designed specifically for Basketball players after an intricate and thorough analysis of the game through various videos of time-motion analysis. The final test hence includes all the components occurring most commonly in the game. Results: The Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) across the trials for the Interrater reliability was .997 and p= < 0.01 with 95% CI. For the Intrarater reliability, the ICC across the trials was .946 at 95% CI, with p= <0.01. Conclusion: The BMAT is a reliable assessment tool for sport specific agility assessment in Basketball players. It can be routinely used by sports scientists, strength and conditioning practitioners, for monitoring the training programs for Basketball players.
... 6 Tsitskarsis et al. pointed out that if a task involves complex skills such as running with a ball, dribbling, etc., it increases the complexity level of the task. 25 As a result, this complexity affects the performance. In the current study, 10 m SS was significantly correlated with PAT (r = 0.604, p<0.05), and flying 20 m sprint test was only correlated with UNAT (r = 0.513, p<0.05). ...
... The authors found very low correlations between sprint and agility tests, indicating that sprinting, sprinting while bouncing a ball, and sprinting while changing direction were distinct and specific qualities. Also, Tsitskarsis et al. (14) reported a weak relationship between straight sprinting ability and the ability to perform complex tasks such as dribbling a basketball. These studies support the importance of testing the components of agility performance under sport-specific conditions. ...
The purpose of this study was to develop an Agility Index (AI), plus related methodology, for representing and quantifying the data variability of agility performance, incorporating varied stimuli number and traveling distances. A group of 84 physically fit subjects performed the agility test. Their task was to touch, with either the left or the right foot, one of four mats according to the location of a stimulus in one of the corners of the screen. Results showed no significant changes in agility time during 60 responses, when subjects traveled a distance of 0.4 m (6.3%, P=.326). However, agility time increased significantly after 40 responses when traveling 0.8 m (12.5%, P=.044), after 20 responses when traveling 1.6 m (18.6%, P=.028), and after 10 responses when traveling 3.2 m (18.3%, P=.029). In order to estimate the contribution of movement time to the agility time, the AI was proposed. This was defined as a ratio of reaction time and agility time, divided by the previously determined coefficient for each distance traveled. No significant differences between the two test occasions in the AI and the ICC values in range from 0.88 to 0.93 and SEM from 7.6% to 8.8% signify that it is of sufficient stability and reliability to be utilized in practice. The Agility Index is crucial for the sport-specific assessment of agility performance which differs in the number of stimuli and traveling distances. Also, it can be useful for comparing individuals with varied performance levels and the evaluation of agility training efficiency.
... As defined by Sheppard and Young (41), a cyclic COD test is required to be a purely physical test with minimal mental processing. The test would also include badminton-specific skills, as sport-specific movement has been shown to significantly alter COD performance testing (46,48). When determining the suitability of a cyclic COD test to be included in an assessment battery, the test should: (a) demonstrate reliability across a series of testing sessions; (b) distinguish between athletes with strong and weak technical qualities (sensitivity); (c) discriminate between low and high performing direction changes (sensitivity); and (d) be a purely physical assessment with minimal mental processing. ...
THIS REVIEW PROVIDES A STOCK TAKE OF BADMINTON-SPECIFIC CHANGE OF DIRECTION (COD) RESEARCH AND PROVIDES RECOMMENDATIONS TO PRACTITIONERS FOR COD ASSESSMENT. THE REVIEW WILL EXAMINE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COD AND THE FOLLOWING MEASURES: ANTHROPOMETRY, ELASTIC STRENGTH, CONCENTRIC STRENGTH, LEG MUSCLE IMBALANCES, TECHNIQUE, STRAIGHT-LINE SPRINT SPEED, AND FLEXIBILITY. A BADMINTON-SPECIFIC COD ASSESSMENT BATTERY IS PROPOSED WITH THE INCLUSION OF 2 NEW TESTS: A MULTIDIRECTIONAL LUNGE TEST AND A MULTIDIRECTIONAL CYCLIC COD TEST.
... Dentro de las investigaciones que inicialmente relacionaron la velocidad lineal con la agilidad, se destaca la de Draper & Lancaster (1985), quienes reportaron una correlación, significativamente, baja a moderada (r=0,472). Young et al. (1996) también evaluaron las relaciones entre la velocidad y los cambios de dirección de la velocidad (COD), en los jugadores de fútbol australianos, evidenciando débiles relaciones entre la habilidad para correr en línea recta y aquella para desempeñar tareas complejas, como driblar un balón (Tsitskarsis et al. 2003) o rebotar en el fútbol australiano (Young et al. 1996). Basándose en estas consideraciones, las pruebas y el entrenamiento de la agilidad, se dirigen hacia la demanda de habilidades que podrían aumentar la validez. ...
Los deportistas de actividades intermitentes requieren, dentro de la competencia, perseguir o eludir contrarios, dar respuesta a movimientos con cambios de velocidad y dirección provenientes de una variedad de estímulos; todo esto, de manera rápida, precisa y eficaz. El propósito de este estudio fue analizar la validez, la fiabilidad y la especificidad de las pruebas de agilidad y su relación con la velocidad. Adicionalmente, analizar factores de lateralidad e índices de masa corporal. Participaron 41 estudiantes de la Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales U.D.C.A, 17 futbolistas, 10 voleibolistas y 14 estudiantes de la facultad de Ciencias del Deporte. Todos fueron valorados antropométricamente y realizaron cuatro pruebas: tres de agilidad, carrera de obstáculos general), T-test (voleibol), Buttifant (fútbol) y, una de velocidad (30m). Las pruebas de agilidad, se realizaron por derecha e izquierda. Cada grupo repitió la prueba específica. Entre los resultados destacamos que la única prueba de agilidad válida fue la de Buttifant, ya que presentó independencia de la velocidad (r=0,42) indicando que la validez de las pruebas depende del concepto de agilidad y de las características de cada deporte. La fiabilidad fue muy alta para obstáculos y Buttifant (r> 0,90), pero no aceptable para T-test (r=0,79). Se demostró que la prueba de Buttifant es más específica para los futbolistas, el T-test para los voleibolistas y, el de obstáculos, inespecífico. Además, el índice de masa corporal, no discriminó entre los grupos (n.s =p<0,05) y no se estableció influencia de lateralidad al no encontrarse diferencias significativas.
... Dentro de las investigaciones que inicialmente relacionaron la velocidad lineal con la agilidad, se destaca la de Draper & Lancaster (1985), quienes reportaron una correlación, significativamente, baja a moderada (r=0,472). Young et al. (1996) también evaluaron las relaciones entre la velocidad y los cambios de dirección de la velocidad (COD), en los jugadores de fútbol australianos, evidenciando débiles relaciones entre la habilidad para correr en línea recta y aquella para desempeñar tareas complejas, como driblar un balón (Tsitskarsis et al. 2003) o rebotar en el fútbol australiano (Young et al. 1996). Basándose en estas consideraciones, las pruebas y el entrenamiento de la agilidad, se dirigen hacia la demanda de habilidades que podrían aumentar la validez. ...
Los deportistas de actividades intermitentes requieren, dentro de la competencia, perseguir o eludir contrarios, dar respuesta a movimientos con cambios de velocidad y dirección provenientes de una variedad de estímulos; todo esto, de manera rápida, precisa y eficaz. El propósito de este estudio fue analizar la validez, la fiabilidad y la especificidad de las pruebas de agilidad y su relación con la velocidad. Adicionalmente, analizar factores de lateralidad e índices de masa corporal. Participaron 41 estudiantes de la Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales U.D.C.A, 17 futbolistas, 10 voleibolistas y 14 estudiantes de la facultad de Ciencias del Deporte. Todos fueron valorados antropométricamente y realizaron cuatro pruebas: tres de agilidad, carrera de obstáculos general), T-test (voleibol), Buttifant (fútbol) y, una de velocidad (30m). Las pruebas de agilidad, se realizaron por derecha e izquierda. Cada grupo repitió la prueba específica. Entre los resultados destacamos que la única prueba de agilidad válida fue la de Buttifant, ya que presentó independencia de la velocidad (r=0,42) indicando que la validez de las pruebas depende del concepto de agilidad y de las características de cada deporte. La fiabilidad fue muy alta para obstáculos y Buttifant (r> 0,90), pero no aceptable para T-test (r=0,79). Se demostró que la prueba de Buttifant es más específica para los futbolistas, el T-test para los voleibolistas y, el de obstáculos, inespecífico. Además, el índice de masa corporal, no discriminó entre los grupos (n.s =p<0,05) y no se estableció influencia de lateralidad al no encontrarse diferencias significativas.
... familiarity with the movement technique and the our findings on centers being tallest, heaviest, having largest skinfolds and circumferences are consistent with previous results. 5,24 Since agility is recognized as important performance in basketball, several investigations reported agility of basketball players, and compared agility achievement of athletes involved in different playing positions. 6,16,25 in general, guards (play-makers) are found to be most agile, while centers were inferior in this performance. ...
... Sheppard e Young (2006) ainda afirmaram que se deslocar pelo campo, mantendo a posse da bola, pode aumentar a complexidade da tarefa, afetando o desempenho atlético. Esse efeito foi comprovado para o drible no Basquetebol (Tsitskarsis, Theoharopoulos, & Garefis, 2003) e para a corrida com a posse da bola no Rúgbi (Grant et al., 2003). Esses estudos mostram que essas capacidades físicas devem ser treinadas e avaliadas separadamente e nas condições mais próximas da situação real de jogo, a fim de proporcionar medições mais fidedignas. ...
RESUMO No Futebol Americano (Football), normalmente, a bola se desloca pelo campo quando um jogador a mantém sob controle. Com a finalidade de testar se a velocidade e a agilidade são influenciadas pela posse da bola, 17 atletas amadores foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com a posição em que jogam: Jogadores de Habilidade (JH) (n = 8) ou Jogadores de Linha (JL) (n = 9). Cada jogador realizou um teste de velocidade e um teste de agilidade, sendo anotado apenas o melhor tempo para cada teste e cada condição (carregando ou não a bola). Os resultados mostram que JH são mais rápidos e mais ágeis que JL, que a velocidade, diferentemente da agilidade, é influenciada pela posse da bola e que a diminuição da velocidade com a posse da bola é diferente entre as posições, com os JL sofrendo uma redução mais acentuada. Concluímos que este estudo fornece informações para ajudar técnicos a encontrar a posição de melhor rendimento para cada jogador e a sua equipe. Palavras-chave: futebol americano, desempenho esportivo, velocidade, agilidade ABSTRACT Usually on Football the ball moves on the field when a player has its possession. With the purpose to test if speed and agility are influenced by the ball carrying, 17 amateur athletes were split in two groups according to their playing position: Skill Players (n = 8) or Linemen (n = 9). Every player ran a speed test and an agility test. Only the best time for each test and each condition (carrying the ball or not) were recorded. The results show that Skill Players are faster and more agile than Linemen, that speed, differently from agility, is influenced by the ball carrying and that the reduction of speed is different between positions with the Linemen having a higher decrease. This study provides information to help coaches find the position that best suits each player and the team.
... familiarity with the movement technique and the our findings on centers being tallest, heaviest, having largest skinfolds and circumferences are consistent with previous results. 5,24 Since agility is recognized as important performance in basketball, several investigations reported agility of basketball players, and compared agility achievement of athletes involved in different playing positions. 6,16,25 in general, guards (play-makers) are found to be most agile, while centers were inferior in this performance. ...
In basketball, anthropometric status is an important factor when identifying and selecting talents, while agility is one of the most vital motor performances. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of anthropometric variables and power capacities on basketball--specific pre--planned agility performances.
The participants were 92 high--level, junior--age basketball players (16-17 years of age; 187.6±8.72 cm in body height, 78.40±12.26 kg in body mass), randomly divided into a validation and cross--validation subsample. The predictors set consisted of 16 anthropometric variables, three tests of power--capacities (Sargent--jump, broad--jump and medicine--ball--throw) as predictors. The criteria were three tests of agility: a T--shape--test; a Zig--Zag--test, and a test of running with a 180--degree turn (T180). Forward stepwise multiple regressions were calculated for validation subsamples and then cross--validated. Cross validation included correlations between observed and predicted scores, dependent samples t--test between predicted and observed scores; and Bland Altman graphics.
Analysis of the variance identified centres being advanced in most of the anthropometric indices, and medicine-ball--throw (all at p < 0.05); with no significant between--position--differences for other studied motor performances. Multiple regression models originally calculated for the validation subsample were then cross--validated, and confirmed for Zig--zag--test (R of 0.71 and 0.72 for the validation and cross--validation subsample, respectively). Anthropometrics were not strongly related to agility performance, but leg length is found to be negatively associated with performance in basketball--specific agility. Power capacities are confirmed to be an important factor in agility.
The results highlighted the importance of sport--specific tests when studying pre--planned agility performance in basketball. The improvement in power capacities will probably result in an improvement in agility in basketball athletes, while anthropometric indices should be used in order to identify those athletes who can achieve superior agility performance.
... Guards are in the main the shortest and fastest players in the team with the best ball control, while the centers are the tallest and the slowest players on the team. Recent studies that have investigated the differences between the players who play in different team positions have shown that the centers were taller and heavier, and had a higher body fat percentage (Jelicic et al., 2002; Sallet et al., 2005; Ostojic et al., 2006; Ben Abdelkrim et al., 2010) than the guards and forwards, but the guards had better aerobic and anaerobic capacities (Latin et al., 1994; Sallet et al.; Ostojic et al.; Cormery et al., 2008; Ben Abdelkrim et al., 2010), speed and agility (Ben Abdelkrim et al., 2010; Tsitskaris et al., 2003), while the forwards and centers were better in muscular strength and absolute power (Ben Abdelkrim et al., 2010; Ostojic et al.). Knowing the morphological profile of basketball players is very important because some of the anthropometric characteristics are highly genetically conditioned and consequently, they cannot be largely affected by any sport activity or training program. ...
The aim of this research was the estimation of anthropometric characteristics of elite male basketball players from four Bosnian first league teams, as well as the identification of possible differences between players who play in different positions in the teams. Fifty-five, healthy players (age: 19.09±3.13 years; body height: 189.13±8.30 cm; body mass: 83.42±12.48 kg) were divided into three different subsamples according to their positional role (twenty two guards, nineteen forwards and fourteen centers). Twenty morphological variables were measured and afterwards one (BMI) was calculated. For all anthropometric characteristics, descriptive parameters (mean, standard deviation and range) were calculated. In order to determine the possible differences between the players that play in different positions in the teams the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferoni post-hoc test for multiple comparisons was used. The results obtained show that there are significant differences between the different groups of players in sixteen out of twenty-one measured variables. Centers (big players) are dominantly heavier, taller, with longer and wider skeletons dimensionality as well as with bigger body circumferences compared to forwards and guards. Forwards are significantly heavier and taller with longer leg and arm lengths compared to guards. There are no significant differences between the groups in terms of body fat percentage, fat free percentage, body mass index and biepicondylar breadth of the femur and humerus. Generally, the values of the measured variables rise from guards to centers, except for body fat percentage and skinfolds. The obtained information can help coaches to indirectly evaluate fitness levels of the players and to design training and nutritional programs for basketball players.
Bu çalışmanın amacı; genç futbolcularda dikey ve yatay sıçrama, 20m lineer topsuz sürat, 20m lineer toplu sürat (20m top sürme) ve çeviklik (zig-zag testi) parametreleri arasındaki ilişkilerin ortaya konulmasıdır. Bu çalışmaya profesyonel takımların gençlik gelişim liglerinde oynayan (U10) ortalama yaş 10.00±0.00 (yıl), boy uzunluğu 140.08±6.83 (cm), vücut ağırlığı 32.80±5.60 (kg) olan 50 futbolcu gönüllü olarak katılmıştır. Çalışmanın istatistiksel analizlerinde normal dağılımda Shapiro-Wilk testi, varyans homojenitesinde Levene testi kullanılmıştır. Veriler parametrik özellik gösterdiği için elde edilen verilerin istatistiksel analizinde Pearson korelasyon analizi kullanılmıştır. İstatiksel anlamlılık (p
Çalışmanın amacı, 17 ve 19 yaş futbolcuların maksimum sürat ve yüksek hızda yön değiştirme performanslarını karşılaştırmak ve maksimum sürat ile yüksek hızda yön değiştirme arasındaki ilişkiyi tespit etmektir. Çalışmaya, 2016-2017 yılı Çanakkale amatör ligde, ligi ilk dört sırada bitiren U17 (n=73) ve U19 (n=77) toplam 150 erkek futbolcu katıldı. Sporcuların maksimal sürat değerlerini belirlemek için 30m sprint testi uygulanmıştır. Yüksek hızda yön değiştirme değerlerini belirlemek için ise Illinois Testi uygulandı. Futbolcuların sürat ve yüksek hızda yön değiştirme istatistiksel değerleri için Mann-Whitney U Testi yapıldı. Sürat ve yüksek hızda yön değiştirme değerleri arasındaki ilişkiyi belirlemek için ve yönünü, miktarını belirtmek için Spearman Korelasyon Analizi yapıldı. İstatistiksel olarak, U17 ve U19 yaş futbolcuların sürat değerleri arasında anlamlı bir fark bulunmuştur (p<0.05). Her iki grubun yüksek hızda yön değiştirme değerleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık bulunamamıştır (p>0.05). Çalışmada, sürat performansı ile yüksek hızda yön değiştirme performansı arasındaki ilişki istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bulunmamıştır (p>0.05). Araştırma sonucunda, 19 yaş futbolcuların sürat performansları 17 yaş futbolculara göre daha yüksek olduğu bulunmuştur. Her iki yaş grubunda yüksek hızda yön değiştirme performanslarında fark bulunmamıştır. Sporcuların, sürat ile yüksek hızda yön değiştirme performansları arasında bir ilişki bulunmamıştır. Buna bağlı olarak, her iki performansı geliştirmek için farklı çabukluk antrenmanları yapılmasının gerekli olduğu söylenebilir. Abstract The purpose of the present study was to compare the maximum speed scores and high speed deflection performances of 17 and 19 year old soccer players; and to determine the relations between maximum speed and high speed deflection values. A total of 150 male soccer players U17 (n=73) and U19 (n=77), who finished Çanakkale Amateur League as the top four in 2016-2017 period, participated in the study. The 30-m Sprint Test was applied to determine the maximal speed values of the players; and to determine high speed deflection values, the Illinois Test was used. The Mann-Whitney U-Test was applied to determine the speed and high-speed deflection values of the players. The Spearman Correlation Analysis was carried out to determine the relation between the speed and high-speed deflection values and to indicate the direction and amount of these. In statistical terms, a significant difference was detected between the speed values of U17 and U19 soccer players (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups in terms of the direction of high-speed deflection values (p>0.05). In the study, the relation between speed performance and high-speed deflection performance was not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05). As a result of the present study, it was determined that the speed performances of 19-year-old soccer players were higher than those of 17-year-old soccer players. No differences were detected in high speed deflection performances in both age groups; and no relation was found between the speed and high-speed
Development of the Youth Athlete offers a single-authored, well-illustrated, evidence-based, and integrated analysis of the development and trainability of the morphological and physiological characteristics which infl uence sport performance in youth. The book critically analyses the development of the youth athlete in the context of current and future sport performance and long-term health and well-being. Development of the Youth Athlete identifi es the principal controversies in youth sport and addresses them through sport-specifi c examples. Presenting a rigorous assessment and interpretation of scientifi c data with an emphasis on underlying physiological mechanisms, the book focuses on the interactions between growth, maturation, and: • Sport-related fi tness • Sport-specifi c trainability • Sport performance • Challenges in youth sport Providing the only up-to-date, coherent critical discourse on youth athlete development currently available, Development of the Youth Athlete is essential reading for students, lecturers, sport medicine practitioners, researchers, scholars, and senior coaches with an interest in youth sport, exercise science, and sport medicine.
The study investigates the relationship between agility time and both two-choice reaction time and movement time in athletes of various specializations. Groups of 18 karate-kumite competitors, 12 tae-kwon-do competitors, 10 ball hockey players, 21 soccer players, and 27 physically active men performed two-choice reaction test, visually-triggered step initiation test, pre-planned and reactive agility tests with different traveling distances. Results showed a significant correlation between agility time and two-choice reaction time (r ranged from .94 to .92, P < .01), regardless of sports specialization of athletes or their previous experience with agility training. Agility time significantly correlated also with the movement time (r ranged from .78 to .75, P < .05), however only when traveling a short distance between mats. The strength of this relationship decreased with increasing traveling distances. Simple regresion analyses revealed that a 13% decrease in agility time was associated with shorter two-choice reaction time, whereas only 5% decrease in agility time was accompanied with shorter movement time. In addition, the coefficient of variation was higher for movement time than two-choice reaction time (9.7% and 5.2%, respectively). These findings indicate that both speed of decision making and change of direction speed contribute to the agility performance, although to a different extent. In the case of sprinting, it mainly depends on distance traveled. Greater variation in the movement time than two-choice reaction time also makes potentially meaningful differences among athletes (particularly among those of combat sports and sports games) and their differential contribution to the agility time. Therefore, sport-specific methods should be addressed in both agility testing and training.
One of the most important motor abilities that are needed in sports is the speed or moving very quickly (Bompa, 2001). Technique in soccer refers to be ready with being equipped with movement skills and position possibilities to possess and maintain the ball under the toughest match conditions (TFF, 1991). The aim of this study was examined the relationship between the speed and dribbling abilities of soccer players.
22 amateur soccer players with an average age of 21.56 years, a height average of 179.17 cm, a body weight average of 73.98 kg and an average of 6 years of training voluntarily participated to this study. Measurements were made at the end of the pre-season. Two different dribbling tests and with 10 m and 30 m sprint tests were performed and determined by photocells (Newtest 300 test battery). Each test was repeated twice and the best results were recorded. Correlation analysis in SPSS (Ver.14) program was used in the analysis of the obtained data. The level of significance was accepted as 0.05.
As a result; the relationship between the sprint times of 10 m and 30 m of amateur footballers and the duration of dribbling was not statistically significant. In this case; soccer players' dribbling times may be influenced by different features such as technical, skill and coordination rather than speed characteristics.
-------------------------------------------------------------Sporda gerek duyulan en önemli biyomotor yetilerden birisi de sürat ya da çok hızlı bir biçimde yol alma, hareket etme niteliğidir (Bompa, 2001). Futbolda teknik ise en zorlu maç koşulları altında topa sahip olmak ve korumak için, hareket becerileri ve pozisyon olanakları ile donatılarak hazır hale gelmeyi ifade eder (TFF, 1991). Bu çalışmada amaç; futbolcuların süratleri ile top sürme becerileri arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesidir. Çalışmaya; yaş ortalaması 21,56 yıl, boy ortalaması 179,17 cm, vücut ağırlığı ortalaması 73,98 kg ve antrenman geçmişi ortalama 6 yıl olan 22 amatör futbolcu katılmıştır. Ölçümler hazırlık sezonunun sonunda yapılmıştır. 10 m ve 30 m sprint testleri ile iki farklı dripling testi uygulanmış, dereceler Newtest 300 test bataryasında yer alan fotoseller ile belirlenmiştir. Her bir test iki kez tekrar ettirilip, en iyi sonuç kaydedilmiştir. Elde edilen verilerin analizinde SPSS (Ver.14) programında yer alan korelasyon analizi kullanılmıştır. Anlamlılık düzeyi 0,05 olarak kabul edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak; amatör futbolcuların 10 m ve 30 m sprint süreleri ile dripling süreleri arasındaki ilişki istatistiksel olarak anlamlı değildir. Bu durumda; futbolcuların dripling süreleri sürat özelliklerinden ziyade teknik, beceri ve koordinasyon gibi farklı özelliklerden etkileniyor olabilir.
The study investigates the relationship between agility time and both two-choice reaction time and movement time in athletes of various specializations. Groups of 18 karate-kumite competitors, 12 tae-kwon-do competitors, 10 hockeyball players, 21 soccer players, and 27 physically active men performed two-choice reaction test, visually-triggered step initiation test, pre-planned and reactive agility tests with different traveling distances. Results showed a significant correlation between agility time and two-choice reaction time (r ranged from 0.94 to 0.92, p < 0.01), regardless of sports specialization of athletes or their previous experience with agility training. Agility time significantly correlated also with the movement time (r ranged from 0.78 to 0.75, p < 0.05), however only when traveling a short distance between mats. The strength of this relationship decreased with increasing traveling distances. Simple regresion analyses revealed that a 13% decrease in agility time was associated with shorter two-choice reaction time, whereas only 5% decrease in agility time was accompanied with shorter movement time. In addition, the coefficient of variation was higher for movement time than two-choice reaction time (9.7% and 5.2%, respectively). These findings indicate that both speed of decision making and change of direction speed contribute to the agility performance, although to a different extent. In the case of sprinting, it mainly depends on distance traveled. Greater variation in the movement time than two-choice reaction time also makes potentially meaningful differences among athletes (particularly among those of combat sports and sports games) and their differential contribution to the agility time. Therefore, sport-specific methods should be addressed in both agility testing and training.
This study compared the effects of dynamic and static core training programs on speed, agility, related anaerobic power tests, core stability tests and body composition measurements in recreational soccer players. A static (n = 14) and dynamic (n = 13) training group performed three 30 min sessions per week for eight weeks meanwhile attended normal soccer training sessions with a control group (n = 11). Effects of different core training regimes were compared after eight weeks the with repeated measures MANOVA (p<0,05) for field, core stabilization and body composition tests. Sprint (10m-30m), agility (505-Arrowhead), vertical and standing long jump scores did not increased in any groups and no difference found between groups. Neither group demonstrated difference for body composition measurements (weight, body mass index, waist/hip ratio, body fat percentage) for repeated test scores and between groups comparisons. Two experiment groups improved in dynamic and static core stabilization tests except the plank test (for plank test, dynamic and conrtol group has the same score) while control group did not changed. Core stabilization tests showed that the improvements of experiment groups affected by the movement specifity and static training group increased static test scores (plank 23,8% - back isometric 28,9% - leg raise 15,6%) while dynamic training group increased mostly the dynamic test scores (sit-up 21,2%, push up 16,2%). Results indicate that both training types improved movement related measures of core stability but did not transfer into any anaerobic skills and body composition. Core stability training is not generate sufficient stimulus to improve power and strength dependent performance skills like sprint and agility and not required to be the main part of soccer conditioning programs.
The aims of this study are to analyse sprint reaction and visual reaction times of female athletes of different branches competing in Professional leagues and to show the differences between them. 42 voluntary female athletes from various branches of Professional leagues of İstanbul (volleyball, basketball, handball) were included in the experiment group of this study. Lafeyetta Moart Reaction meter for visual reaction measurements and Fusionsport Pro Photocell meter for sprint reaction test measurements were used for participating athletes. Mean measurements were obtained for all tests. SPSS 22 statistical package program was used for analysing data for Windows. Kruskall Wallis, Anova and Post Hoc test was used while comparing the data between the groups. Statistical significance level was taken as p<0.05. Study results show that no statistically significant difference was observed among the mean visual reaction values of basketball, volleyball and handball players (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed among the averages of sprint reaction total values of players (p<0.05). According to visual reaction measurements, handball players were better compared with the other branches (p<0.05). No relationship was observed between visual reaction and sprint reactions of players among the branches.
An important role in handball and basketball is played by ability to accelerate and ability to repeat multiple sprints. The aim of the study was to assess level of ability in multi-directional sprinting and running time over the first 5 m of the 30 m sprint in 93 basketball and handball players (46 boys and 47 girls) aged 14 to 15 years. The attempts were also made to find the relationships between the time of a 5-m run to evaluate initial acceleration phase and multi-directional sprinting evaluated using Five-Time Shuttle Run To Gates Test. Statistical analysis revealed no important differences in times of 5-m runs and times of multi-directional sprinting between groups with different ages, genders, and sports specialties. Furthermore, no significant correlations were found based on Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient between times of 5-m run and multi-directional sprinting in the most of subgroups studied.
Agility is an open motor skill; requiring change of direction speed (CODS) and perceptual and decision-making ability. The aim of this study was to determine whether the perceptual and decision-making component of agility can be trained. Fifteen rugby league players were tested on a sport-specific reactive agility test (RAT) and a CODS test. Players were then allocated to a training group (n = 8) or a nontraining group (n = 7). The training group underwent 3 weeks of reactive agility training that was designed to enhance perceptual and decision-making ability. After 3 weeks, all players were tested again. The training group's mean reactive agility time was 1.92 ± 0.17 seconds preintervention and 1.66 ± 0.14 seconds postintervention. The nontraining group's mean reactive agility time was 1.89 ± 0.16 and 1.87 ± 0.15 seconds, respectively. Mean CODS time for the training group was 1.64 ± 0.15 seconds preintervention and 1.66 ± 0.14 seconds postintervention. The nontraining group's mean CODS time was 1.61 ± 0.12 and 1.62 ± 0.12 seconds. Mean perception and response time for the training group, measured on the RAT, was 0.33 ± 0.33 seconds preintervention and 0.04 ± 0.22 seconds postintervention. The nontraining group's values were 0.34 ± 0.20 and 0.27 ± 0.28 seconds, respectively (results are ±σ). Differences in mean reactive agility time and perception and response time from pre to postintervention for the training group were statistically significant, as were differences in those values between the training and nontraining group post intervention. All other comparisons were not. Results from this study suggest that the perceptual and decision-making components of agility are trainable. Coaches should incorporate some open motor skills training in their programs when training agility.
Successful performance in international basketball competition requires an appreciation of the physical demands of the sport and the capacities of the team to respond to those demands. Optimal performance now requires a combination of technical and tactical abilities as well as a high degree of physical fitness. The objectives of this study were to assess physiological components considered important to game performance in players selected to the national team roster in 1988 or 1989, and to use this information to describe the team and positional profiles. Data obtained from maximal treadmill tests, anthropometry, sprints, isokinetic dynamometry, and other tasks reflected those qualities required of elite players. In relation to previously reported data, the athletes were generally taller and heavier and had higher maximal aerobic power than international and college players of 7 to 10 years ago. The data can also be used to identify target standards for current and prospective team members.