A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE SUCCESSFUL ATTACKS OF THE FOUR FIRST-PLACED NATIONAL TEAMS AT THE 16TH AND 18TH FIFA WORLD CUP

The aim of this research was to determine and identify the number of completed successful attacks of the four first-placed teams (France, Brazil, Croatia and Netherlands) at the 1998 16th FIFA World Cup in France and the four first-placed teams (Italy, France, Germany and Portugal) at the 2006 18th FIFA World Cup in Germany, for each team individually. In this research, the samples taken from the population at large can be defined as active, professional, elite players in the regular, biggest, and strongest system of competition - the FIFA World Cup. For the realization of this study, measures of descriptive (frequency distribution) and comparative (X² - test and multiple classification test) statistics were used. The results obtained at both World Championships were analyzed by all the criterion variables and provided the ability to define specific actions that can be recommended for a statistical and systematic monitoring of successful attacks. Based on these results, it is possible to identify the importance of successful attacks (inaccurate, accurate and efficient) in order to achieve maximum competitive success and determine the best ways to set up a methodology of training activities

BODY POSTURE IN FEMALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS

Improper postures due to the weakened structure of postural muscles, detected during the period of growth and development, especially those discovered at an early age, can be corrected with additional programs of physical exercise. Early, i.e. timely diagnosis is the most important element of successful treatment (Paušić, 2007) of physical deformities. Method: In a sample of 60 female volleyball players of ŽOK “CEV” from Sombor, which were divided into three subsamples based on age (8-10 years, 11-13 years and 14-16 years) the evaluation of postural status was performed using a modified method of Napoleon Wolanski according to Radosavljević (2001). Condition of individual body segments was expressed in percentage and numerically. For further statistical analysis of the data a nonparametric chi-square test was used, namely Cross-tabulation. Results: The results of the chi-square test indicated a statistically significant differences between the groups tested regarding the variable Deviation of the spine in the frontal plane (p=0.03) in favor of young female volleyball players. Regarding other studied variables of postural status no statistically significant differences were observed. Discussion: Female volleyball players from the first tested group are exposed to the training of basic technical elements (playing the ball with fingers and digging), and can be assumed that at their age, factors of proper physical posture were not primarily influenced by certain kinesiological operators (exercises). Girls at this age are faced with the basic elements of volleyball that are proven to help in the development of proper body posture (Grigoris, Malousaris, Nikolaos, Bergeles, Barzouka & George, 2006), but during training girls do not perform properly some elements which results in frequent repetition of errors which can lead to irregular body posture (perhaps only in a certain number of female volleyball players as was the case in this paper). In addition, during the performance of certain technical elements (forearm play, digging) where kyphotic body posture is emphasized, it can lead to a negative impact on the correct posture in such children. This study included children of different age with changes in shoulder-spatula region, but the percentage of those children was very small and negligible

ASSESSMENT OF ANAEROBIC CAPABILITIES OF FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN RELATION WITH LENGTH OF THEIR SPORTS ENGAGEMENT

Introduction: The general objective of this research is to determine how much influence the length of sports engagement has on anaerobic endurance of the football players, as well as on the maximum sprint ability of the players. In addition to the primary objective, the research seeks to determine the maximum power, minimum power, average power and fatigue index in players of cadet age group. Methods: The total sample of respondents in this study is made of 60 players of cadet age group (14-16 years of age), divided in relation to length of their sports engagement, into groups of up to 5 years (11 respondents), 6-7 years (21 respondents) and from 8 to 10 years (28 respondents). The study used field RAST test. The RAST test was designed for sports where running is a basic form of movement. According to the protocol of the test respondents have ten minutes to warm up and five minutes to recover. That is followed by the performance of the test, which is composed of six 35-meter sprints at maximum speed. Between sprints respondent is allowed to pause for 10 seconds, intended primarily for turning and preparing for the next section. Based on the obtained time results from six 35-meter sprints, power is calculated for each run and then the following parameters are determined: maximum power (the highest value); minimum power (the lowest value ); average power (the sum of all six values/six) and fatigue index which indicates the extent to which strength decreases for each respondent. This paper shall present a descriptive parameters, mean, standard deviation (SD), minimum and maximum of all values, the coefficient of variation (CV) of confidence intervals, skewness as measure of asymmetry, kurtosis as measure of flatness and value of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Multivariate procedures MANOVA and discriminant analysis shall be used. Out of univariate procedures ANOVA t-test and Roy’s test shall be applied. Results: Results obtained by multivariate analysis of variance in this study show that groups are different regarding the observed space of anaerobic abilities of football players. Discriminant analysis confirmed these differences, which means that there is a significant difference and clearly defined boundary between some characteristics for assessing anaerobic abilities in relation to the length of sports engagement. The values obtained by univariate analysis of variance indicate statistically significant differences in all observed variables for the assessment of anaerobic abilities in relation to the length of sports engagement. Discussion: By analyzing the results, it can be concluded that the length of sports engagements and work in this age has positive effects on anaerobic power. Cedric et al. (2007) reached the similar conclusions using the battery of tests for the assessment of anaerobic abilities. On a sample of 186 players of the national team of Belgium (U 15, U 16, U 17, U 18 and U 19) they came to the conclusion that anaerobic power increases progressively with age (15 to 19 yrs.), but the highest increase can be observed between 15th and 17th year of age. References: Cedric L, Marc GV, Thierry B (2007). Journals of Sports Science and Medicine, 10, 115. Cipryan L, Gajda V (2011). Journal of Human Kinetics, 28, 63-71. Mackenzie B (2005). 101 Performance Evaluation Tests. London: Electric Word plc. Sayers A, Sayers B, Binkley H (2008). Strength and Conditioning Journal, 30, 2

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DIFFERENCES OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND EXPLOSIVE STRENGTH OF LEGS IN UNDER-16 FEMALE AND MALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

In order to achieve an advantage over the opponent, all the game elements, for which it is possible, are tended to be performed by jumping (Ziv & Lidor, 2010). This is supported by the fact that research of vertical jumping ability of volleyball players of different levels, found that players at a higher level of competition also achieve better results on tests of the assessment of vertical jumping ability (Forthomme, Croisier, Ciccarone, Crielaard, & Cloes, 2005). The research subject was aimed at detecting the difference between male and female volleyball players in morphological characteristics and explosive strength of legs, as well as determining the size of the impact of morphological characteristics of the explosive power of the lower limbs between groups formed on the basis of gender dimorphism. Method: The sample in this study was derived from a population of volleyball players of OK “RFU” from Futog, N=27 and female volleyball players of ŽOK “Futog” from Futog, N=38. For the purposes of this research morphological characteristics were measured. By using MANOVA and ANOVA differences were determined between the two sub-samples of respondents formed on the basis of gender dimorphism regarding the analyzed morphological and motor variables. In order to determine effects of the system of predictor variables on the criteria variables we used Linear Regression Analysis. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed for the variables Body height, Legs length and Lower-leg circumference, as well as for all three motor variables: Spike jump, Standing triple jump and Standing vertical jump in favor of volleyball players. Linear Regression Analysis revealed the impact of the predictor system of morphological characteristics on the criterion Spike jump in both subsamples. It was found that Body height gives the highest contribution to achieving better results regarding the height reached during spike jump in both groups. Common variability for both groups ranged from 46% in male volleyball players to 59% in female volleyball players. Discussion: Based on the values of obtained results it can be concluded that at this age and in this groups of athletes there were differences in terms of explosive power of the lower limbs, and that male volleyball players have stronger leg muscles and higher lower leg circumference (larger cross-section and probably also larger mass of muscles) that provide greater force during the play, and are also under the higher influence of androgen hormones

LOADING STRUCTURE OF YOUTH FOOTBALL PLAYERS DURING A MATCH DETERMINED ACCORDING TO A HEART RATE FREQUENCY

The results of this study indicate that goalkeepers, most of the time, played out in areas below 150 bpm/min. Players spend approximately 45 minutes in the zones over 150 bpm/min. In order to adequately meet the demands of players, playing in these pulse areas, fundamental principle in soccer players training have to be stimulation of anaerobic energy sources, lactate and alactate. Unlike them, among goalkeepers aerobic energy and anaerobic alactate-CP mechanism are dominant

Concurrent validity and reliability of My Jump 2 app for measuring vertical jump height in recreationally active adults

This study aimed to examine the reliability, validity, and usefulness of the smartphone-based application, My Jump 2, against Optojump in recreationally active adults. Participants (18 women, 28.9 ± 5.6 years, and 26 men, 30.1 ± 10.6 years) completed squat jumps (SJ), counter-movement jumps (CMJ), and CMJ with arm swing (CMJAS) on Optojump and were simultaneously recorded using My Jump 2. To evaluate concurrent validity, jump height, calculated from flight time attained from each device, was compared for each jump type. Test-retest reliability was determined by replicating data analysis of My Jump 2 recordings on two occasions separated by two weeks. High test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.93) was observed for all measures in both male and female athletes. Very large correlations were observed between the My Jump 2 app and Optojump for SJ (r = 0.95, p = 0.001), CMJ (r = 0.98, p = 0.001), and CMJAS (r = 0.98, p = 0.001) in male athletes. Similar results were obtained for female recreational athletes for all jumps (r > 0.94, p = 0.001). The study results suggest that My Jump 2 is a valid, reliable, and useful tool for measuring vertical jump in recreationally active adults. Therefore, due to its simplicity and practicality, it can be used by practitioners, coaches, and recreationally-active adults to measure vertical jump performance with a simple test as SJ, CMJ, and CMJAS

ASSESSMENT OF ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS ON DIFFERENT POSITIONS, USING THE CONCONI TEST

Introduction: Requirements and needs of properly programmed training process, especially in the pre-season, look for a precise definition of the functional parameters of all the players. The level of anaerobic threshold, as well as research on the same, may be a good indicator of proper dosage of loading. The aim of the research is to determine the differences in running speed and heart rate at the level of anaerobic threshold in relation to the position of the player. Methods: Age of the respondents in this study included boys from 14 to 16 years of age (60 football players). The sample of respondents was divided according to playing position, as follows: center-backs (12 players), wing-backs (15 players), midfielders (14 players), forwarders (13 players) and goalkeepers (6 goalkeepers). An estimation of maximum heart rate and anaerobic threshold was performed using the Conconi test – (Conconi et al. 1996). Prior to testing players had ten minutes to warm up and after a few minutes of rest the testing began. Players started with jogging test (10 km/h) and after every 200 m running speed was increased by 0.5 km/h. Within certain sections the load is constant which is achieved by increasing speed after each 200 m, and then maintaining that speed until the end of the section. After processing the results within the particular software (“Polar Precision Performance SW”) the values needed for this research were collected. Multivariate methods MANOVA and discriminant analysis will be applied in the paper. Regarding the univariate procedures, ANOVA t-test and Roy’s test shall be applied. The descriptive parameters, mean value, standard deviation (SD), minimum and maximum of all values, the coefficient of variation (CV) of confidence intervals, skewness as the measures of asymmetry, kurtosis as the measure of flatness and the value of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, shall be presented. Results: By using the multivariate analysis of variance and based on the results, no statistically significant difference was observed. Discriminant analysis, which is a superior method compared to multivariate analysis of variance, because in addition to the quantitative values of the analyzed features it also observes their mutual relationship, revealed no significant difference also. Univariate analysis confirmed the assumption, which means no significant differences were found between the groups regarding the observed variables. However, the mean values for midfield players in all monitored parameters were the highest. Discussion: The results of this study indicate similar estimates of values of the anaerobic threshold between the groups divided according to their playing position. However, the mean values for midfield players in all monitored parameters were the highest: heart rate at the anaerobic threshold (186.36 beats/min), running speed at anaerobic threshold (14.07 km/h) and percentage value of anaerobic threshold in relation to the maximum heart rate (92.07 %), which separates them from other playing positions and points to the existence of certain differences. Comparing the results of this study with research performed by Dillerna et al. (2012) shows that similar results were obtained, and the best results are achieved by female midfield players. Also, by measuring heart rate during official games, Coelho et al. (2011), within the sample of 26 players from U-17 and 18 players from U-20 category, found that midfield players, presented in percentage, spent the most of the time in the zone 3 (p<0.05), and spent more time in zone 4 compared to the forward players and center-backs (p<0.05). The above studies indicate a significantly higher engagement of midfield players compared to other positions. References: Coelho BD, Mortimer AL, Condessa AL, Morandi FR, Oliveira MB, Marins JC, Soares DD, arcia SE (2011). Rev. Bras. Cineantropom Desempenho Hum., 13 (5), 341-7. Conconi F, Grazzi G, Casoni I, Borsseto C, Ballarin E, Mazzoni G, Gatracchini M, Manfredini F (1996). Int. Journ. ff Sport Medicine, 17, 7-12. Da Silva SG, Kaiss L, Campos W, Ladewig I (1999). Journal of Sports Sciences, 17, 823. Dillern T, Ingebrigtsen J, Shalfawi S (2012). Serbian Journal of Sports Sciences, 6 (2), 43-9. Helgerud J, Engen L, Wisloff U, Hoff J (2001). Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercises, 33(11), 1925-31

RELATIONS BETWEEN MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ACCURACY OF KICKING A BALL BY YOUNG FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Kicking a ball with foot or head are the basic elements of football, which can raise the efficiency of the game in terms of speed of action in terms of scoring goals. This is also the reason why the shot needs to be performed in a timely manner, usefully, and also quickly. The most commonly used kick in football is a inner-side instep kick, which is also the most accurate and the most used among the players (Cabri, De Prof, Dufour, & Clarys, 1998). Success in performing precise actions largely depends on the precision of locating targets in space, and therefore the role of our receptors is crucial for a successful precision (Szekeres, Santrač, Radosav, Toplak, Miljanić, 1994). The research problem was establishing the predictive impacts of morphological characteristics on the elevation accuracy of hitting the ball in young players. The subjects of the study were morphological characteristics and accuracy of the players. Aim of the paper was to determine the relation between morphological characteristics and precision of players aged 13-14 years from the Municipality of Loznica. Method: 50 players of the FK “Kabel” from Novi Sad, aged 13-14 years, were subjected to testing. Measurement of morphological characteristics was conducted. Specific (elevation) accuracy of hitting the ball towards the vertical and horizontal objective was also tested. By using the statistical analysis firstly the basic descriptive statistics of variables were determine. In order to determine the size of the impact of anthropometric characteristics on motor skills – precision, linear regression analysis was used. Results: Regression analysis showed that there was no statistically significant effect of the predictor system of morphological variables on the criterion variables tested: Precision of kicking the ball towards a horizontal target and Precision of kicking the ball towards a vertical target. The results pointed to the fact that some other characteristics and capabilities have greater influence on the manifestation of elevation precision of kicking the ball towards the horizontal and vertical target, in young players. Discussion: Research results indicated that there was no statistically significant effect of the predictor system composed of anthropometric characteristics on assessment of longitudinallity of skeleton and body volume regarding the test criteria

Assessment and Differences in Anaerobic Capacity of Football Players Playing on Different Positions in the Team, Using Rast Test

Today's rapid development of football in all stages allocates a dominant role to conditional training. Players who participated in the study played in the 4:4:2 formation, therefore the classification has been made according to the playing position in the aforementioned system. The total sample of respondents consisted of 60 players at the cadet level (14 to 16 years) medically fit for playing football and without any morphological and motor aberrations. The study applied pitch RAST test, which is very convenient for conducting and obtaining fast results on the anaerobic capacity of football players. In addition to this test, the assessment of anaerobic capacity uses the modified Bangsbo test. This research has demonstrated the importance of anaerobic capacity of certain players playing in different position

EFEKTI TRENINGA SA MEDICINKOM NA FIZIČKI FITNES KOD ŠKOLSKE DECE

Medicine balls provide an effective means of improving muscular power, endurance and functional fitness. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of medicine ball training on physical fitness in primary school children. A total of 60 (26 girls) primary school children aged 10-12 voluntarily participated in this study. The physical fitness of the children was estimated by the following tests: standing broad jump, vertical jump, bent-arm hang, sit-ups, push ups, medicine ball tests. The experimental group had twice per week medicine ball training on nonconsecutive days for 12 weeks under monitored conditions in school. Compared with the initial testing, there was a significant (p<0.05) improvement in both jump tests. In the medicine ball tests the ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between groups pre- to post-training (p<0.05) in Backward Overhead Medicine Ball Throw. There were significant differences (p<0.05) between the initial and final testing for the flexed arm hang, push ups and sit ups in both groups. Findings from the present study indicate that medicine ball training instructed by qualified professionals can result in significant improvements in selected physical fitness components in children, and is a costeffective and time efficient method for promoting physical activity in school-based programs.Medicinka može da bude efikasno sredstvo za poboljšanje mišićne snage, izdržljivosti i funkcionalnog fitnesa. Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio da se utvrde efekti treninga sa medicinkom na fizički fitness kod dece. Ukupno 60 (26 djevojčica) učenika osnovnih škola uzrasta od 10-12 godina dobrovoljno je učestvovalo u ovoj studiji. Fizički fitnes dece je procenjen sledećim testovima: skok u dalj iz mesta, vertikalni skok, vis u zgibu, podizanje trupa, sklekovi, i testovi bacanja medicinke. Eksperimentalna grupa je imala dva puta nedeljno trening sa medicinkom u toku 12 nedelja, pod kontrolisanim uslovima u školi. U poređenju sa inicijalnim testiranjem, došlo je do značajnog (p <0,05) poboljšanja u oba testa skočnosti. Kod testova bacanja medicinke ANOVA je pokazala statistički značajne razlike između grupa pre i nakon trening programa (p <0,05) kod testa bacanje medicinke iza glave. Postoje značajne razlike (p<0,05) između inicijalnog i finalnog testiranja kod visa u zgibu, sklekova i podizanja trupa kod obe grupe. Nalazi iz ove studije pokazuju da trening sa medicinkom uz instrukcije od kvalifikovanih stručnjaka može dovesti do značajnih poboljšanja u odabranim komponentima fizičkog fitnesa kod školske dece, i to uz minimalne troškove kao vrlo efikasan metod za promovisanje fizičke aktivnosti u školskim programima