The role of motion analysis in elite soccer

The optimal physical preparation of elite soccer (association football) players has become an indispensable part of the professional game especially due to the increased physical demands of match-play. The monitoring of players’ work-rate profiles during competition is now feasible through computer-aided motion analysis. Traditional methods of motion analysis were extremely labour intensive and were largely restricted to university- based research projects. Recent technological developments have meant that sophisticated systems, capable of quickly recording and processing the data of all players’ physical contributions throughout an entire match, are now being used in elite club environments. In recognition of the important role motion analysis now plays as a tool for measuring the physical performance of soccer players, this review critically appraises various motion analysis methods currently employed in elite soccer and explores research conducted using these methods. This review therefore aims to increase the awareness of both practitioners and researchers of the various motion analysis systems available, identify practical implications of the established body of knowledge, while highlighting areas that require further exploration

Analysis of physical-activity profiles when running with the ball in a professional soccer team

This study characterised physical demands when running with the ball in a professional soccer team and (1) determined activity profiles during match play; (2) examined effects of fatigue and (3) investigated differences according to playing position. Thirty French League 1 matches from two competitive seasons (2007-2008, 2008-2009) were analysed using multi-camera computerised tracking. Players (n=27) ran a mean total distance of 191.0±38.0 m with the ball of which 34.3% was covered at speeds >19.1 km/h, 25.6% between 14.1-19.0 km/h, 12.5% between 11.1-14.0 km/h and 27.6% at <11.0 km/h. Mean distance covered per possession was 4.2±0.7 m, speed at ball reception was 10.3±0.9 km/h while mean and peak speeds during runs were 12.9±1.0 km/h and 24.9±2.4 km/h. Mean time in possession, duration and touches per possession were 53.4±8.1 s, 1.1±0.1 s and 2.0±0.2. There were differences across playing positions for all variables (P at least 0.017 and effect size at least 0.5). Total distance run did not differ between halves but varied over the course of matches (p<0.001) decreasing just before half-time. These findings provide valuable information about the physical and technical requirements of running with the ball that could be useful in the prescription of general and individualised training programmes

Effects of a Tapering Period on Physical Condition in Soccer Players

The aim of this research was to analyze the effects of a 2-week step tapering period on lower-limb muscle power, change of direction (COD) and acceleration capacities, and on the stress-recovery state in an amateur soccer team. Twenty-two male players were included in the study. After a 6-week progressive training, the sample was divided into experimental group (EG) (n = 11), which did a 2-week period of taper in which training volume was 50% reduced (intensity was kept high) and control group (CG) (n = 11), which kept on with the training. Muscle power (countermovement jump test), acceleration (10-m sprint test), COD (Illinois test), and stress and recovery perceptions (RESTQ questionnaire) were evaluated before training, at the end of it (pretapering, PRE-TP) and after the tapering period (posttapering, POST-TP). After the taper, the EG in comparison with the CG showed significantly improved power (1,029.71 ± 108.51 W·kg−1 vs. 1,084.21 ± 110.87 W·kg−1; p ≤ 0.01), acceleration (1.72 ± 0.09 seconds vs. 1.67 ± 0.07 seconds; p ≤ 0.05), and lower stress levels (1.9 ± 0.5 vs. 1.6 ± 0.5; p ≤ 0.01) (PRE-TP vs. POST-TP, respectively). Change of direction did not show significant changes. In conclusion, a 2-week step tapering program was found to be an effective periodization strategy to increase muscle power and acceleration, and to reduce stress perception in soccer amateur players

Evolution of a supply chain management game for the trading agent competition

TAC SCM is a supply chain management game for the Trading Agent Competition (TAC). The purpose of TAC is to spur high quality research into realistic trading agent problems. We discuss TAC and TAC SCM: game and competition design, scientific impact, and lessons learnt

Rethinking sport teaching in physical education: A case study of research based innovation in teacher education

This paper focuses on the significance of physical education teacher education (PETE) in the diffusion of 'new' thinking about sport teaching in physical education. It explores issues arising from a case study investigation that sought to respond to the critical commentary about the form and substance of sport teaching in physical education by supporting innovation in school curriculum and pedagogy through pre-service teacher education. The study was designed to challenge PETE pre-service teachers' thinking about sport curriculum and pedagogy in physical education, introduce them to new thinking about models and specifically, the sport literacy model (Drummond & Pill, 2011; Pill, 2009, 2010). Details of the research design are presented and the insights that the data have provided in relation to challenges and opportunities that teacher educators and teacher education courses confront in seeking to promote and support curriculum and pedagogical innovation are discussed

Pengembangan Model Latihan Teknik Dasar Shooting Permainan Sepakbola Usia 12-15 Tahun pada Peserta Kegiatan Ekstrakurikuler SMP

Development Model Basic Training Soccer Game Shooting of Age 12-15 Years on Participants Junior High School Extracurricular Activities.This research aims at developing a model training basic techniques of shooting football games, aged 12-15 years. The subject of the research were students joining extracurricular in Junior High School 1 Blitar. The study used research and development design by Gall and Borg that was adapted into: 1) determining the potential and the problems of research; 2) collecting the information: (a) examining the references, (b) needs analysis; 3) designing products; 4) designing validation, testing football experts (2); 5) improving or revising design; 6) trials phase I (small groups of 6 people); 7 revising II); 8) phase II trial (a large group of 24 persons); 9) final product development. The descriptive analysis was used tp analyze the data. Expert evaluation of football on the results of the needs analysis to testing is 90%, the test results of the phase I tryout for small groups obtained 84.16%, test results for phase II field tryout retrieved results 89.58%. It showed the development of this model was appropriate. The evaluation of media experts obtained 90%, so this shooting exercise model book is appropriate to be used