Effects of high-intensity interval training on aerobic fitness in elite Serbian soccer players

The aim of this paper was to determine whether the high-intensity interval training (HIIT) training can improve aerobic fitness in regional-level soccer players. Billat method (30-30s and 15-15s; 6-12 min) was used twice a week for 8 weeks during a season. Twenty-Three National-level soccer team players, (years=25±8, height=183.28±5.93, weight=75.28±5.9), were recruited for this study. Pre- and post-experimental period, maximum oxygen uptake was measured thru pseudo-ramp test on treadmill until volitional fatigue. Obtained results showed improvement in aerobic fitness for post- vs premeasurement (initial measurement = 51.92±3.40, final measurement = 54.87±2.61, p<.001). It is likely that specific high intensity interval training is viable method for aerobic fitness improvements in national-level soccer players when conducted during season

GAME-RELATED STATISTICS THAT DISCRIMINATED WINNING AND LOSING TEAMS IN NLB LEAGUE

The purposes of this study were (I) to examine which game-related statistics can serve to discriminate between winning and losing teams according to final game outcome in NLB League basketball, and (II) to determine the differences in game-related statistics for teams who play in the NLB League and EuroLeague when they win and lose in two competitions. The game-related statistics that were analyzed are 2- and 3-point field-goals (both successful and unsuccessful), free-throws (both successful and unsuccessful), defensive and offensive rebounds, assists, turnovers, steals, blocks made, blocks received, fouls committed and fouls received. Results of the discriminant analysis showed that winning teams differ from losing teams in assists (SC=0.417), defensive rebounds (SC=0.399) and in successful 2-point (SC=0.355) and 3-point field goals (SC=0.325). In balanced games winning differ from losing teams in defensive rebounds (SC=0.388), successful 2-point field goals (SC=0.343) and blocks committed (SC=0.303), and in unbalanced games winners were better in assists (SC=0.434), defensive rebounds (SC=0.304) and successful 3-point field goals (SC=0.353). When the  teams Partizan, Olimpija and Cibona played in the NLB League, the difference between wins and losses was in assists (SC=0.395), successful 2-point field goal attempts (SC=0.371) and defensive rebounds (SC=0.326). When they played in the EuroLeague, the difference was only in unsuccessful 2-point field goal attempts (SC=0.414) and blocks received (SC=0.318). Data obtained in this study may be useful for coaches in preparing their teams and analyzing opponents during preparations for competitions

Greater Power but Not Strength Gains Using Flywheel Versus Equivolumed Traditional Strength Training in Junior Basketball Players

The main aim of the present study was to compare the effects of flywheel strength training and traditional strength training on fitness attributes. Thirty-six well trained junior basketball players (n = 36; 17.58 ± 0.50 years) were recruited and randomly allocated into: Flywheel group (FST; n = 12), traditional strength training group (TST; n = 12) and control group (CON; n = 12). All groups attended 5 basketball practices and one official match a week during the study period. Experimental groups additionally participated in the eight-week, 1–2 d/w equivolume intervention conducted using a flywheel device (inertia = 0.075 kg·m−2) for FST or free weights (80%1 RM) for TST. Pre-to post changes in lower limb isometric strength (ISOMET), 5 and 20 m sprint time (SPR5m and SPR20m), countermovement jump height (CMJ) and change of direction ability (t-test) were assessed with analyses of variance (3 × 2 ANOVA). Significant group-by-time interaction was found for ISOMET (F = 6.40; p = 0.000), CMJ (F = 7.45; p = 0.001), SPR5m (F = 7.45; p = 0.010) and T test (F = 10.46; p = 0.000). The results showed a significantly higher improvement in CMJ (p = 0.006; 11.7% vs. 6.8%), SPR5m (p = 0.001; 10.3% vs. 5.9%) and t-test (p = 0.045; 2.4% vs. 1.5%) for FST compared to the TST group. Simultaneously, th FST group had higher improvement in ISOMET (p = 0.014; 18.7% vs. 2.9%), CMJ (p = 0.000; 11.7% vs. 0.3%), SPR5m (p = 0.000; 10.3% vs. 3.4%) and t-test (p = 0.000; 2.4% vs. 0.6%) compared to the CON group. Players from the TST group showed better results in CMJ (p = 0.006; 6.8% vs. 0.3%) and t-test (p = 0.018; 1.5% vs. 0.6%) compared to players from the CON group. No significant group-by-time interaction was found for sprint 20 m (F = 2.52; p = 0.088). Eight weeks of flywheel training (1–2 sessions per week) performed at maximum concentric intensity induces superior improvements in CMJ, 5 m sprint time and change of direction ability than equivolumed traditional weight training in well trained junior basketball players. Accordingly, coaches and trainers could be advised to use flywheel training for developing power related performance attributes in young basketball players