Varying numbers of players in small-sided soccer games modifies action opportunities during training

This study examined the effects of the numbers of players involved in small-sided team games (underloading and overloading) on opportunities for maintaining ball possession, shooting at goal and passing to teammates during training. These practice constraint manipulations were assumed to alter values of key performance variables identified in previous research, such as interpersonal distances between players and time to intercept shots and passes. Fifteen male soccer players (age: 19.60±1.99 years) were grouped into three teams and played against each other in different versions of small-sided soccer games, in which the number of players was manipulated in three different conditions: 5 vs. 5, 5 vs. 4 and 5 vs. 3. Dependent variables were the values of interpersonal distance between an outfield attacker and nearest defender (ID), and the relative distance of a defender needed to intercept the trajectory of a shot (RDishot) or pass (RDipass). Statistical analyses revealed that mean ID values were significantly lower in 5 vs. 5 than in 5 vs. 4 and 5 vs. 3 conditions, and significantly lower in 5 vs. 4 than 5 vs. 3. They also revealed that mean values of RDishot were significantly higher in 5 vs. 3 than in 5 vs. 5 conditions. Finally, results showed that the mean values of RDipass were significantly higher in 5 vs. 3 than in 5 vs. 5. Findings revealed how task constraints in SSGs can be manipulated to vary values of key spatial and temporal performance variables (interpersonal distance and time to intercept) to influence the nature of interpersonal interactions between competing players during practice. We observed that these manipulations tended to decrease opportunities for maintaining ball possession during training when equal numbers of attackers and defenders existed in SSGs, and led to more shots and passes emerging when the number of defenders was decreased relative to attackers

Practice-Focused, Constructivist Grounded Theory Methodology In Higher Education Leadership Research

A growing body of education research considers practices, however there is less focus on a methodology that enables practical analysis of practices. Use of practice theory is growing, particularly in work and organisational studies, but practice focused studies more frequently address theoretical than methodological agenda. This chapter proposes a practice-focused, constructivist grounded theory methodology as one approach which can address this gap. After first considering the ways in which, separately and in combination, practice-theory and constructivist grounded theory can support higher education leadership and management research, the chapter considers implementation of this methodology by drawing on a study into the practice of authority in higher education leadership. It concludes by considering some implications for the ways in which practices can be understood and the affordances and limitations of this methodology.Peer reviewe

Spartan Daily, September 18, 1980

Volume 75, Issue 13https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/6649/thumbnail.jp

The tackle in Rugby Union : understanding training and match behaviours to develop better coaching strategies for skill acquisition, performance, and injury prevention

Includes abstract.~Includes bibliographical references.Rugby Union is a popular international team sport characterised by frequent high impact bodily collisions known as the tackle. This aspect of the game exposes players to muscle damage and a high risk of injury. Tackle-related injuries account for up to 61% of all injuries during a rugby match. Furthermore, players’ ability to win the tackle contest has an influence on the outcome of the match. Given the nature and frequency of the tackle situation, tackle contact skills are a prerequisite for participation in rugby union. However, coaching and training drills prescribed to train the tackle to date are largely based on anecdotal evidence. To develop effective tackle training strategies (i.e. technical skills training, physical conditioning, training drills, and equipment) that will produce a successful outcome and reduce the risk of injury for both the ball-carrier and tackler, studying the tackle in real match situations is warranted. Therefore, in accordance with this goal the purpose of this thesis was to; (i) assess the current attitudes and behaviours of players during training and match play, and (ii) study the tackle and defensive strategies in real match situations

Spartan Daily, September 30, 2003

Volume 121, Issue 23https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/spartandaily/9889/thumbnail.jp