The possibility of predicting the performance of advanced ski elements based on the performance of basic ski elements

The aim of this research was to predict the success of the performance of advanced ski elements based on the level of performance of basic ski elements, with the ultimate purpose of improving training programmes for alpine ski beginners. The sample of participants consisted of 250 students of the Faculty of Kinesiology University of Zagreb who attended their mandatory classes of the university study subject of Skiing in the academic year 2021/22. The sample of variables consisted of the grades the students earned for their performance of four exam elements, two basic ski elements and the other two belonging to the advanced ski elements group. The basic ski elements were uphill turn (UT), for which the mean of two grades was taken for further analysis due to its performance to both sides – left and right, and snowplough turn (SPT). Advanced ski elements were parallel turn (PT) and short turn (ST). Besides descriptive statistics for each variable, two ordinal logistic regression models were constructed for determining the relationship between the performance of short turn based on the level of performance of snowplough turn, on the one hand, and on the other, between the performance of parallel turn based on the performance of uphill turn. The results of the first ordinal logistic regression analysis (short turn performance based on snowplough performance) showed the existence of a statistically significant linear association of the two ski elements performance (b=2.15, SE=0.72, p=.03). Similar results were obtained in the second ordinal logistic regression analysis for the other pair of ski elements (parallel turn performance based on uphill turn performance): b=2.36, SE=0.24, p<.001. Well acquired dynamic motor stereotypes, reflected in good performance of basic ski elements, are the basis for good performance of advanced ski elements, therefore skipping any step in the teaching process based on progression could have a negative impact on achieving the desired goals

Ski helmets: are they preventing injuries of recreational alpine skiers? – An evidence based review

Alpsko skijanje je popularan sport s rastućim brojem rekreativnih skijaša, no i sport uz kojeg se vežu ozljede. Posebno teške su ozljede glave, koje ponekad budu i razlogom smrtnog ishoda. Upravo se ovakve ozljede pokušavaju spriječiti nošenjem skijaških kaciga. Iako broj skijaša rekreativaca koji koriste kacigu stalno raste, nažalost broj ozljeda glave ne prati istom brzinom očekivani trend, što skijašku kacigu ostavlja vječitom temom polemika u skijaškom društvu. Cilj rada bio je utvrditi razloge za i protiv skijaških kaciga u prevenciji ozljeda glave tijekom rekreativnog alpskog skijanja, a izvori podataka su članci izdvojeni su kroz pretraživanje elektronskih baza podataka PubMed, EMBASE i Cochrane Library (2000-2018), a dodatno su sve izdvojene reference i manualno pretražene. Uključeni su članci koji su obrađivali ulogu kacige tijekom rekreativnog alpskog skijanja; oni u kojima je spominjana prevencija ozljeda glave, ali i članci koji su obrađivali ulogu skijaške kacige i rizično ponašanje, odnosno razaznavanje zvuka za vrijeme nošenja skijaške kacige. Uključeni su originalni znanstveni radovi, publicirani na engleskom jeziku i u časopisima s recenzijom. Isključeni su revijalni radovi i radovi koji su se bavili skijaškom kacigom u natjecateljskom alpskom skijanju. Autor je pregledavao i vrednovao sve radove. Posebno su analizirani podaci o dizajnu studija, uključenoj populaciji te podaci o preventivnoj/potencijalno štetnoj ulozi kaciga. Navedeni su podaci kategorizirani kako bi olakšali daljnju sintezu. U konačnici je uključeno 17 studija koje su zadovoljile navedene kriterije odabira. Detaljna meta-analiza nije bila moguća, jer uključeni članci nisu imali dovoljno podataka. Također, u analizu nije bilo uključenih randomiziranih studija, obzirom da takve iz područja rekreativnog alpskog skijanja i skijaških kaciga ne postoje iz etičkih razloga. Skijaške kacige imaju važnu ulogu u smanjenju broja ozljeda glave, posebno u djece i alpskih skijaša mlađe dobi. Uz njihovo se nošenje uglavnom veže trend pada ozljeda glave, no nije zabilježen i pad broja smrtnih ishoda uslijed ozljeda glave. Razlog tome moguće je u rizičnijem ponašanju koje nositelji skijaških kaciga prakticiraju te češće skijanje van uređenih skijaških staza, odnosno u snježnim parkovima.Alpine skiing is a popular sport with growing number of recreational skiers involved. It is also a sport associated with injuries, among which head injuries are especially dangerous while they can increase morbidity and lead to mortality of skiers. Mentioned are potentially preventable by ski helmets. Although use of ski helmets among recreational skiers is on a constant rise, the number of ski-associated head injuries is not following the decreasing trend at the same pace, thus leaving the issue of ski helmet an open polemics among skiing society. The aim of this review was to compare the pro’s and con’s for helmets to reduce the risk of head injury. Relevant literature search included PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library during years 2000-2018, with additional manual search of all extracted articles. Included were articles examining role of ski helmet during recreational skiing. Both those arguing for helmets and those against. Included were only original articles, in English and with peer review. Excluded were review articles and those investigating the role of helmet during ski racing. The author searched and graded all articles with special attention put on study design, included population and the role on potential preventive/hazardous role of ski helmets. Mentioned data was categorized in order to make the synthesis easier. In the end, 17 studies were included in final analysis. Meta analysis could not be performed due to missing data. Moreover, there were no published randomized studies, which are not performed due to ethical reasons. Ski helmets have an important role in the prevention of ski injuries, especially in children and young recreational skiers. There is a falling trend of injuries correlating with use of ski helmets, but unfortunately not a significant reduction in mortality. The potential explanation for the mentioned is in more risk taking behavior and skiing in snow parks

Differences in force pressure distribution during a ski and inline skating turn

Izvoditi kratke, paralelne zavoje na rolama čini se istim redoslijedom gibanja tijela kao i tijekom izvođenja zavoja na skijama. Stoga rolanje često koriste natjecatelji u alpskome skijanju kao zamjenski sport u pripremnom periodu treninga. Većina natjecatelja u alpskome skijanju prvo nauči osnove upravljanja skijama u zavoju, a zatim koriste role kao alternativni sport. S aspekta skijaških početnika koji žele naučiti osnove alpskoga skijanja važno je utvrditi razliku u distribuciji sile pritiska stopala tijekom izvođenja kratkih, paralelnih zavoja na rolama i skijama. U istraživanju je sudjelovalo pet ispitanica, alpskih skijašica s usvojenom visokom razinom skijaškog znanja koje su na unaprijed definiranim koridorima izvodile kratke, paralelne zavoje na skijama i na rolama. Tijekom izvođenja zavoja na skijama i na rolama ispitanice su koristile Novel uloške za mjerenje sile pritiska. Pomoću njih objektivno je moguće utvrditi razliku između sile i njene distribucije u pojedinim dijelovima lijevog i desnog stopala tijekom skijanja i rolanja. Ukupno je analizirano 70 zavoja tijekom skijanja i 70 tijekom rolanja. Izmjerena sila na vanjskom stopalu tijekom lijevog zavoja kod izvođenja zavoja na rolama značajno je manja u odnosu na zavoj izveden na skijama (584,82 N vs 764,79 N), a isti je obrazac utvrđen i na vanjskoj nozi u desnom zavoju (564,44 N vs 811,37 N). Značajno veća sila pritiska unutarnje noge u odnosu na vanjsku nogu izmjerena je tijekom rolanja u odnosu na skijanje u oba zavoja (lijevi zavoj-720,26 N vs 378,45 N; desni zavoj-745,23 N vs 412,83 N). Isto tako, rezultati istraživanja pokazuju kako do značajnije sile pritiska unutarnjeg stopala na podlogu tijekom rolanja dolazi vremenski nešto kasnije u odnosu na vanjsko stopalo. Nadalje, tijekom skijanja na medijalnom dijelu stopala vanjske noge, izmjerena prosječna sila je značajno veća u odnosu na zavoj učinjen na rolama (lijevi zavoj-53,54 N vs 159,64 N; desni zavoj-65,33 N vs 161,33 N). Utvrđene značajne razlike u distribuciji sili pritiska na podlogu između zavoja izvedenih na rolama i skijama vjerojatno proizlaze iz različitosti u vrsti i nagibu terena, sile trenja koja se javlja između tla te kotača rola i snježne površine i skija, što u konačnici utječe na brzinu kretanja. Iako se zavoji na rolama i skijama izvode s različitom opremom te na terenima različitih nagiba i vrsta podloge pa time stvaraju različite vrste trenja i u konačnici brzinu kretanja, znanje rolanja može pomoći u učenju alpskoga skijanja.Short parallel turns on in-line skates are performed in the same order of body movements as during alpine skiing. Therefore, in-line skating is often used by competitors in alpine skiing as an alternative sport during preparation season for alpine skiing. Most of the competitors first learn the basics of skiing and then use in-line skating as a means for out of season training. From the aspect of ski beginners, it is important to determine force pressure differences during performance of short parallel turns on skies and in-line skates. Five participants were enrolled in the present study. They were all top-level alpine skiers who performed short parallel turns on skies and in-line skates in the previously defined corridors. They used Novel insoles for objective determination of force pressure under both left and right foot and under different parts of foot during in-line skating and skiing. Analysed were overall 70 skiing and 70 in-line skating turns. Measured force on outer foot during left turn on in-line skates is significantly lower than in the same turn on skies (584,82 N vs 764,79 N), and the same pressure pattern was seen for outer leg in right turn (564,44 N vs 811,37 N). Significantly higher pressure was seen on inner leg compared to outer while in-line skating and in both left and right turn (left turn-720,26 N vs 378,45 N; right turn-745,23 N vs 412,83 N). Moreover, results suggest the time delay in achieving maximal pressure on inner foot during in-line skating compared to outer foot. In addition, pressure over medial part of outer leg during skiing is significantly higher compared to that seen while in-line skating (left turn-53,54 N vs 159,64 N; right turn-65,33 N vs 161,33 N). Determined differences in the pressure distribution between turns performed on in-line skates and skies most probably come out of different terrains and friction forces which results in different speeds of turns. Although turns on in-line skates and skies differ in the characteristics of equipment and terrain (steepness and surface) and therefore produce different friction forces and speed, knowledge of in-line skating ameliorates learning of alpine skiing

SPORT NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE OF COACHES

Prehrana sportaša interes je znanstvenika već desetljećima, od kada postoje takmičenja prisutno je pitanje što jesti i piti da bi se poboljšao rezultat. Danas sigurno znamo da prehrana sportaša utječe na njihovo zdravlje, sastav tijela i masu, iskoristivost energenata za vrijeme aktivnosti, oporavak i izvedbu. Cilj ovog istraživanja je utvrđivanje znanja o prehrani kod sportskih trenera – trenera košarke i skijanja. Uzorak ispitanika bio je sastavljen od hrvatskih košarkaških trenera (N=32) i trenera skijanja (N=24). Znanje o sportskoj prehrani utvrđeno je putem odgovarajućeg upitnika. Upitnik o znanju o sportskoj prehrani bio je koncipiran tako da utvrdi znanje sportaša o prehrani općenito, o sastojcima neophodnim da bi sportaši osigurali dovoljne količine energije za trening i natjecanja, o dodacima prehrani, o obrocima prije treninga i natjecanja, kao i tijekom oporavka te o značaju tekućine, dehidraciji i rehidraciji za vrijeme treninga i natjecanja. Anketa je bila anonimna. Dobiveni podaci su obrađeni odgovarajućim statističkim postupcima, pomoću statističkog paketa STATISTICA. Sagledavajući rezultate u cjelini može se zaključiti da je poznavanje prehrane od strane košarkaških i skijaških trenera zadovoljavajuće. Od ukupno 1232 ispravna odgovora oni su ostvarili 959 ili 77.8% ispravnih odgovora ili u prosjeku po pojedinom pitanju 43 ispravna odgovora uz raspon od 24 točna odgovora pa do punih 56. Međutim kada se pogledaju pojedinačni odgovori onda se zadovoljstvo zbog relativno visokog postotka ispravnih odgovora donekle gubi jer se mogu jasno uočiti neke značajne manjkavosti u sveukupnom znanju i to o vrlo bitnim pitanjima prehrane sportaša. Upravo stoga može se ustvrditi da bi sportski nutricionist trebao biti jedan od važnih čimbenika u trenerskom timu.The nutrition of athletes has been of interest to scientists for decades and since the origins of sports competitions the questions about what to eat and what to drink in order to improve performance have been raised. Today there are scientific proofs that an adequate dietary habits influences in a large extent to an athlete\u27s health, body composition, and energetic pathways during the activity as well as during the competition or recovery. Athletes should be well informed about the food groups, caloric intake, and daily meal schedule. As the previous investigations showed, the athletes obtain most of their knowledge about nutrition from their coaches, especially physical conditioning coaches. The major aim of this study would be determination of the level of knowledge about nutrition. The sample consisted of 32 basketball and 24 skiing coaches from Croatia. The knowledge about the sports nutrition was tested by means of questionnaire. The questionnaire was constructed based on the results of previous studies conducted at the Faculty of Kinesiology and the results from international studies. It consisted of items determining the general knowledge about nutrition, nutritional ingredients needed for providing adequate energy level in sports, items about supplements, meal schedule before training and competition and recovery, and of items testing the knowledge about importance of liquids, dehydration and rehydration during and after training and competition. Surveys were anonymous and the data obtained were analysed by statistical software STATISTICA for WINDOWS. According to the results obtained we concluded that the level of knowledge about nutrition basketball and skiing coaches globally is satisfactory but inadequate in some segments, especially in the part of nutritional supplements and energy sources. It also can be concluded that the sources of information for nutritional facts that coaches use are not always scientifically justified

SPORT NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE OF COACHES

Prehrana sportaša interes je znanstvenika već desetljećima, od kada postoje takmičenja prisutno je pitanje što jesti i piti da bi se poboljšao rezultat. Danas sigurno znamo da prehrana sportaša utječe na njihovo zdravlje, sastav tijela i masu, iskoristivost energenata za vrijeme aktivnosti, oporavak i izvedbu. Cilj ovog istraživanja je utvrđivanje znanja o prehrani kod sportskih trenera – trenera košarke i skijanja. Uzorak ispitanika bio je sastavljen od hrvatskih košarkaških trenera (N=32) i trenera skijanja (N=24). Znanje o sportskoj prehrani utvrđeno je putem odgovarajućeg upitnika. Upitnik o znanju o sportskoj prehrani bio je koncipiran tako da utvrdi znanje sportaša o prehrani općenito, o sastojcima neophodnim da bi sportaši osigurali dovoljne količine energije za trening i natjecanja, o dodacima prehrani, o obrocima prije treninga i natjecanja, kao i tijekom oporavka te o značaju tekućine, dehidraciji i rehidraciji za vrijeme treninga i natjecanja. Anketa je bila anonimna. Dobiveni podaci su obrađeni odgovarajućim statističkim postupcima, pomoću statističkog paketa STATISTICA. Sagledavajući rezultate u cjelini može se zaključiti da je poznavanje prehrane od strane košarkaških i skijaških trenera zadovoljavajuće. Od ukupno 1232 ispravna odgovora oni su ostvarili 959 ili 77.8% ispravnih odgovora ili u prosjeku po pojedinom pitanju 43 ispravna odgovora uz raspon od 24 točna odgovora pa do punih 56. Međutim kada se pogledaju pojedinačni odgovori onda se zadovoljstvo zbog relativno visokog postotka ispravnih odgovora donekle gubi jer se mogu jasno uočiti neke značajne manjkavosti u sveukupnom znanju i to o vrlo bitnim pitanjima prehrane sportaša. Upravo stoga može se ustvrditi da bi sportski nutricionist trebao biti jedan od važnih čimbenika u trenerskom timu.The nutrition of athletes has been of interest to scientists for decades and since the origins of sports competitions the questions about what to eat and what to drink in order to improve performance have been raised. Today there are scientific proofs that an adequate dietary habits influences in a large extent to an athlete\u27s health, body composition, and energetic pathways during the activity as well as during the competition or recovery. Athletes should be well informed about the food groups, caloric intake, and daily meal schedule. As the previous investigations showed, the athletes obtain most of their knowledge about nutrition from their coaches, especially physical conditioning coaches. The major aim of this study would be determination of the level of knowledge about nutrition. The sample consisted of 32 basketball and 24 skiing coaches from Croatia. The knowledge about the sports nutrition was tested by means of questionnaire. The questionnaire was constructed based on the results of previous studies conducted at the Faculty of Kinesiology and the results from international studies. It consisted of items determining the general knowledge about nutrition, nutritional ingredients needed for providing adequate energy level in sports, items about supplements, meal schedule before training and competition and recovery, and of items testing the knowledge about importance of liquids, dehydration and rehydration during and after training and competition. Surveys were anonymous and the data obtained were analysed by statistical software STATISTICA for WINDOWS. According to the results obtained we concluded that the level of knowledge about nutrition basketball and skiing coaches globally is satisfactory but inadequate in some segments, especially in the part of nutritional supplements and energy sources. It also can be concluded that the sources of information for nutritional facts that coaches use are not always scientifically justified

INFLUENCE OF SELECTED ANTROPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FEMALES ON THE LEARNING TO WINDSURF

Cilj istraživanja bio je definirati utjecaj odreðenih morfoloških karakteristika te odabranih testova za procjenu motoričkih sposobnosti na učinkovitost usvajanja znanja jedrenja na dasci. U istraživanju je sudjelovala 61 ispitanica, do provedbe istraživanja bez znanja jedrenja na dasci. Neposredno prije početka istraživanja ispitanicama su utvrðene četiri morfološke mjere te su testirane pomoću šest testova za procjenu motoričkih sposobnosti. Vrednovanje usvojenog znanja jedrenja na dasci učinjeno je pomoću ocjena pet meðusobno nezavisnih sudaca koji su ocjenjivali demonstracije pet odabranih elemenata tehnike jedrenja na dasci. Regresijskom analizom utvrðen je značajan doprinos testova za procjenu motoričkih sposobnosti na razinu usvojenog znanja svih pet ocjenjenih elemenata tehnike jedrenja na dasci: okreta na mjestu za 180° (R2=0,41; p=0.00), starta (R2=0,33; p<0.00), upravljanje jedriljem (R2=0,18; p<0.01), okreta uz vjetar (R2=0,34; p<0.00) te okreta niz vjetar (R2=0,41; p<0.00). Upotrebom faktorske analize izdvojena je nova varijabla, koja predstavlja ukupno znanje jedrenje na dasci. Testovi za procjenu motoričkih sposobnosti doprinose razini usvojenog znanja ispitanica i kod izolirane, nove varijable znanja jedrenja na dasci (R2=0,35; p<0.00). S obzirom na dobivene rezultate moguće je zaključiti kako snaga mišiæa podlaktice i nadlaktice te koordinacija u ritmu pozitivno doprinose ženama tijekom usvajanja jedrenja na dasci.The aim of present research was to determine the influence some morphological characteristics and motor abilities have on learning of windsurfing. 61 female participants were enrolled, which fulfilled the inclusion criteria of never windsurfing. Prior to windsurfing school four morphological measures were determined and participants tested on six tests of motor ability assessment. New knowledge of windsurfing was graded by five independent judges, who evaluated five demonstrated elements of windsurfing technique. All tested motor abilities influenced significantly learning of (tested) elements of windsurfing technique (180° turn in place (R2=0,41; p=0.00), start (R2=0,33; p<0.00), trim (R2=0,18; p<0.01), tacking (R2=0,34; p<0.00) and gybe (R2=0,41; p<0.00). By factor analysis new variable was extracted-knowledge of windsurfing, and it was significantly influenced by results achieved in tests of motor abilities (R2=0,35; p<0.00). Conclusion: According to our results one can conclude that power of upper and lower arm as well as rhythmic coordination positively influence women\u27 learning of windsurfing

Success in Adopting Technique of Alpine Skiing with Respect to Motor Abilities of the Children Aged 7–8 Years

The aim of this research was to determine relations between estimated motor abilities and effi ciency of alpine ski learning in children ski beginners. It included 54 children between 7 and 8 years of age (average 7.44±0.52years). Children were tested for balance, agility, strength, coordination and frequency of movement on ten motor ability tests. After motor abilities were assessed, participants learned alpine skiing during six-day alpine ski school and upon completion of ski school program, were tested on three elements of alpine ski technique (stopping in a snow-plough, uphill turn and turns around the posted marks) by three independent judges. According to achieved level of ski knowledge, they were allocated to three groups differing by the level of success; less successful (N=18; 26–44 points), moderately successful (N=11; 45–48 points) and successful (N=25; 49–55 points). Signifi cant differences in success of adopting basic ski technique were noticed with respect to the results achieved in the task polygon backwards (F=6.162, p=0.004), foot tapping (F=6.337, p=0.003) and crossed arm sit-ups (F=3.099, p=0.053). The participants who successfully adopted the basic ski technique also achieved good results in tests: polygon backwards, foot tapping, crossed arm sit-ups, side steps, balancing on left leg perpendicular on balance board, vertical jump and medium results in tests 20m dash and balancing on right leg perpendicular on balance board. Our results suggest that successful participants have better developed coordination, frequency of movement, strength and agility

THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN THE ALPINE SKIING LEARNING PROCESS OF NOVICE SKIERS

Psihološki faktori važni su za uspjeh vrhunskih sportaša. Uloga psiholoških osobina meðutim, je znatno manje istražena prilikom učenja novih motorièkih aktivnosti, a posebno alpskoga skijanja. Cilj ovog istraživanja je pokušati utvrditi povezanost straha od ozljede, samoprocjene vlastite efikasnosti i brige s procesom usvajanja skijaških znanja. Isto tako ovim istraživanjem pokušala se utvrditi razlika izmeðu muških i ženskih ispitanika u promatranim varijablama. U istraživanju je sudjelovalo 126 studenata, koji prije ovog istraživanja nisu imali doticaj s alpskim skijanjem, niti su ga ikada probali. Neposredno prije sedmodnevnog procesa poučavanja, ispitanici su ispunili tri različita psihološka upitnika, a nakon završenog procesa poučavanja dobili su ocjene za pet odabranih elemenata skijaške tehnike ocjenama od jedan do pet. Rezultati su pokazali statistički značajnu razliku izmeðu muških i ženskih ispitanika samo kod psihološkog čimbenika straha (p=0.03), koji je više bio izražen kod ispitanica. Meðutim, strah nije značajno utjecao na proces učenja alpskoga skijanja. Statistički značajan koeficijent korelacije je utvrðen izmeðu samoprocjene vlastite efikasnosti i uspjeha prilikom demonstracije paralelnog zavoja od brijega (r=0.21), upućujuć kako oni koji su imali procjenu vlastitih sposobnosti na višoj razini, takoðer postižu i bolje rezultate u kompleksnijim elementima skijaške tehnike. Značajni koeficijent korelacije utvrðen je kod ispitanika muškog spola i to izmeðu rezultata upitnika brige i uspjeha prilikom demonstracije zavoja k brijegu (r=0.20), kao i izmeðu rezultata samoprocjene vlastite efikasnosti i uspjeha prilikom demonstracije paralelnog zavoja od brijega (r=0.23). Dobiveni rezultati upućuju kako su navedeni psihološki čimbenici povezani s uspjehom prilikom učenja odreðenih elemenata skijaške tehnike. Ovim istraživanjem pokušalo se je razjasniti povezanost korištenih psiholoških čimbenika prilikom učenja alpskoga skijanja kod skijaških početnika.Psychological factors contribute significantly to the success of elite sportsmen. Their role in the learning process of new motor activities such as alpine skiing has been investigated less thoroughly. This study investigated differences in relationships linking a fear of injury, selfefficacy, and anxiety in a group of beginning alpine skiing students as a function of gender and level of obtained alpine skiing skills. One hundred twenty-six students without any previous knowledge of alpine skiing participated in the study. Prior to the seven-day learning process, they had filled out three separate questionnaires. After the learning process, participants were graded on a scale of one to five according to their demonstrated knowledge of five selected elements of alpine skiing. On average, gender differences were significant only for the psychological trait fear (p=0.03), which was more pronounced in female participants. Nonetheless, fear did not restrict their ability to learn this new motor activity. The only statistically significant correlation was observed between self-efficacy and parallel turn (r=0.21), indicating that learners who are more self-confident achieve better results in more complex elements of alpine skiing technique. Also, when male participants were analysed separately, significant correlations were obtained between anxiety and up-hill turn (r=0.20), as well as between self-efficacy and parallel turn (r=0.23), suggesting that the aforementioned characteristics help students grasp more dynamic elements of skiing. This research provides further insight on how, after the sevenday learning process, alpine skiing performance depends upon an individual skier\u27s psychological dimensions

Razlike u motoričkim sposobnostima između košarkašica i odbojkašica

The research took place at the Faculty of Kinesiology in Zagreb. The goal of the research was to determine differences in motor skills, between the youth categories, of the female volleyball and basketball players. Sample size was comprised of 35 female athletes with an average age of 14,7 ± 0,8 years, average body height 176,9 ± 8,1 cm, and average body weight 65,4 ± 6,8 kg. Descriptive statistic was used to analyse the results, which had showed descriptive method indicators (Min, Max, Mean, Sd). The tests that were conducted for analysis in the research were: side steps (MAGKUS), countermovement jump (CMJ), single leg take-off from a step (Single_leg), two-legged take-off with one step approach (Parallel_jump) and 20 m running (Run_20m). For the purpose of determining the statistical significance of differences between groups of subjects, the independent samples t-test was used in the software package Statistica v13.5. A statistically significant difference was found in countermovement jump, two-legged take-off with one step approach and side steps, in which the group of volleyball players had significantly better results. Remaining variables did not show any significant results. This research will contribute to a better understanding of the similarities and differences between basketball and volleyball. With the presented tests and results, it is possible to continuously monitor athletes and use these values as reference points for comparing equal categories of female athletes.Istraživanjem provedenim na Kineziološkom fakultetu Sveučilišta u Zagrebu cilj je bio utvrditi razlike u nekim motoričkim sposobnostima između mlađe dobnih kategorija košarkašica i odbojkašica. U tu svrhu, uzorak ispitanika za istraživanje činilo je 35 sportašica prosječne starosti 14,7 ± 0,8 godina, tjelesne visine 176,9 ± 8,1 cm i tjelesne mase 65,4 ± 6,8. Izmjerenim rezultatima određeni su deskriptivni pokazatelji (Min, Maks, AS, SD). U istraživanju provedeni su testovi: koraci u stranu (MAGKUS), skok u vis iz mjesta (CMJ), skok u vis sunožnim odrazom iz jednog koraka (S_ sun_korak), jednonožni skok u vis iz koraka (S_vis_jedn_ korak) i trčanje 20 m (Trč_20m). Za potrebe određivanja statističke značajnosti razlika između grupa ispitanika koristio se t-test za nezavisne uzorke u programskom paketu Statistica v13.5. Statistički značajna razlika utvrđena je u testovima skoka u vis iz mjesta, skoka u vis sunožnim odrazom iz jednog koraka te koraka u stranu u kojima je skupina odbojkašica imala statistički bolje rezultate. U ostalim varijablama rezultati nisu pokazali značajne razlike. Ovo istraživanje doprinijet će boljem shvaćanju sličnosti i razlika između košarke i odbojke. Prikazanim testovima i rezultatima moguće je kontinuirano pratiti sportaše te koristiti ove vrijednosti kao referente za usporedbu jednakih kategorija sportašica

THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN THE ALPINE SKIING LEARNING PROCESS OF NOVICE SKIERS

Psihološki faktori važni su za uspjeh vrhunskih sportaša. Uloga psiholoških osobina meðutim, je znatno manje istražena prilikom učenja novih motorièkih aktivnosti, a posebno alpskoga skijanja. Cilj ovog istraživanja je pokušati utvrditi povezanost straha od ozljede, samoprocjene vlastite efikasnosti i brige s procesom usvajanja skijaških znanja. Isto tako ovim istraživanjem pokušala se utvrditi razlika izmeðu muških i ženskih ispitanika u promatranim varijablama. U istraživanju je sudjelovalo 126 studenata, koji prije ovog istraživanja nisu imali doticaj s alpskim skijanjem, niti su ga ikada probali. Neposredno prije sedmodnevnog procesa poučavanja, ispitanici su ispunili tri različita psihološka upitnika, a nakon završenog procesa poučavanja dobili su ocjene za pet odabranih elemenata skijaške tehnike ocjenama od jedan do pet. Rezultati su pokazali statistički značajnu razliku izmeðu muških i ženskih ispitanika samo kod psihološkog čimbenika straha (p=0.03), koji je više bio izražen kod ispitanica. Meðutim, strah nije značajno utjecao na proces učenja alpskoga skijanja. Statistički značajan koeficijent korelacije je utvrðen izmeðu samoprocjene vlastite efikasnosti i uspjeha prilikom demonstracije paralelnog zavoja od brijega (r=0.21), upućujuć kako oni koji su imali procjenu vlastitih sposobnosti na višoj razini, takoðer postižu i bolje rezultate u kompleksnijim elementima skijaške tehnike. Značajni koeficijent korelacije utvrðen je kod ispitanika muškog spola i to izmeðu rezultata upitnika brige i uspjeha prilikom demonstracije zavoja k brijegu (r=0.20), kao i izmeðu rezultata samoprocjene vlastite efikasnosti i uspjeha prilikom demonstracije paralelnog zavoja od brijega (r=0.23). Dobiveni rezultati upućuju kako su navedeni psihološki čimbenici povezani s uspjehom prilikom učenja odreðenih elemenata skijaške tehnike. Ovim istraživanjem pokušalo se je razjasniti povezanost korištenih psiholoških čimbenika prilikom učenja alpskoga skijanja kod skijaških početnika.Psychological factors contribute significantly to the success of elite sportsmen. Their role in the learning process of new motor activities such as alpine skiing has been investigated less thoroughly. This study investigated differences in relationships linking a fear of injury, selfefficacy, and anxiety in a group of beginning alpine skiing students as a function of gender and level of obtained alpine skiing skills. One hundred twenty-six students without any previous knowledge of alpine skiing participated in the study. Prior to the seven-day learning process, they had filled out three separate questionnaires. After the learning process, participants were graded on a scale of one to five according to their demonstrated knowledge of five selected elements of alpine skiing. On average, gender differences were significant only for the psychological trait fear (p=0.03), which was more pronounced in female participants. Nonetheless, fear did not restrict their ability to learn this new motor activity. The only statistically significant correlation was observed between self-efficacy and parallel turn (r=0.21), indicating that learners who are more self-confident achieve better results in more complex elements of alpine skiing technique. Also, when male participants were analysed separately, significant correlations were obtained between anxiety and up-hill turn (r=0.20), as well as between self-efficacy and parallel turn (r=0.23), suggesting that the aforementioned characteristics help students grasp more dynamic elements of skiing. This research provides further insight on how, after the sevenday learning process, alpine skiing performance depends upon an individual skier\u27s psychological dimensions