The development of basketball players: current perspectives and future directions

The identification and development of talent in basketball has been seen as a dynamic and complex process. Furthermore, there are numerous factors that play an important role in the evolution of the basketball player during childhood and adolescence. In this brief review, we critically analyze the main factors to be considered in the development of young basketball players. Furthermore, it focuses on the importance of key variables considered in the talent detection process and in long-term development programs. It can be concluded that the maturational status of young basketball players should be considered in the formulation of test batteries for talent detection and in long-term development programs to ensure that potential talents are not excluded due to late maturation in relation to their pairs

Engagement no trabalho: a perspetiva do modelo demandas-recursos laborais

Cada vez mais as organizações encetam a dar valor ao funcionamento ótimo do indivíduo, uma vez que acarreta vantagens, tanto para o indivíduo, como para a própria organização. Partindo deste pressuposto, surge o engagement como o conceito em estudo na presente investigação. O objetivo desta investigação, a partir do modelo demandas-recursos laborais (Job Demand-Resources), é analisar as relações entre o empowerment psicológico e o engagement no trabalho, bem como o seu impacto sobre a satisfação no trabalho e no bem-estar dos trabalhadores. Participaram 306 sujeitos empregados de ambos os géneros, com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e 72 anos (M = 35.59, DP = 10.66), através de um questionário online. Os resultados indicam que o empowerment psicológico prediz significativamente o engagement, e o engagement prediz positivamente a satisfação profissional e o bemestar positivo no trabalho. Os resultados demonstram ainda, através da realização de uma path analysis que o engagement medeia a relação entre o empowerment psicológico e a satisfação profissional e o bem-estar positivo no trabalho. Constata-se assim a importância do engagement para a melhoria de qualidade de vida no trabalho. Futuras investigações deverão analisar profundamente as relações entre estas variáveis, com diferentes amostras e instituições

Impactos de grandes barragens na biodiversidade: uma análise cienciométrica

The extensive damming of rivers around the world, regardless their economic purpose, has changed the river landscapes and led to serious ecological consequences for the biological organisms associated with these ecosystems. In the present study, a scientometric analysis was performed aiming to assess temporal trends of the scientific production related to environmental concerns about the impact of large dams on biodiversity worldwide. On this context, a bibliographic review of the scientific works of this area, using the research platform “Web of Science” searching for the keywords “dam impact” or “dam effect” and “bio*diversity” in the subject line. The results showed that, despite the publication number increase in the field, these studies are clearly more abundant in temperate regions, which have less biological diversity. Although much of the planned hydroelectric expansion is expected to occur in the tropics, which have most of the world’s biodiversity, the biological knowledge about the species in these places is still very little. The lack of studies in these areas may mask the impact intensity and extent of dams on biodiversity and also induce decision-makers to adopt inefficient management strategies.Keywords: Freshwater ecosystem, review, reservoir.O intenso barramento de rios ao redor do mundo, independentemente da finalidade econômica da barragem, tem alterado paisagens fluviais e ocasionado sérias consequências ecológicas para as espécies associadas a esses ecossistemas. No presente estudo, foi realizada uma análise cienciométrica com o objetivo de verificar tendências temporais na produção científica relacionada à preocupação ambiental com o impacto de grandes barragens sobre a biodiversidade em todo o mundo. Para isso, foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico da produção científica da área, utilizando a plataforma de pesquisa “Web of Science”, buscando pelas palavras-chave “dam impact” ou “dam effect” e “bio*diversity” no campo assunto. Os resultados mostraram que, apesar do aumento de publicações na área, os estudos são claramente mais abundantes em regiões temperadas, as quais possuem menor diversidade biológica. Embora grande parte da expansão hidrelétrica planejada esteja prevista para ocorrer em regiões tropicais, as quais possuem a maior parte da biodiversidade mundial, o conhecimento biológico acerca de espécies nesses locais ainda é escasso. Essa lacuna pode mascarar a intensidade e a extensão dos impactos de barragens sobre a biodiversidade e também induzir tomadores de decisão a adotar estratégias de gestão pouco eficientes.Palavras-chave: ecossistema aquático, revisão, represamento

Effects of applying a training program on basketball shooting in young players

The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of the application of a strength program in the accuracy of basketball shooting in young female players. Twenty female basketball players, (mean ± standard deviation: 12.08 ± 0.42 years; 1.55 ± 0.08 height; 44.4 ± 5.54 body mass) participated in the study. The participants were divided into two groups, the Control Group (GC) and the Experimental Group (GE), and were evaluated in 4 throwing exercises before (Pre-Test), after the application of a 6-week strength program (Post-Test), as well as after 4 weeks of detraining. The applied training program includes four exercises: i) Jump with Counter-Movement; ii) Throwing of the Medicinal Ball; iii) Sit-ups; iv) Push-ups. The results suggest that application of the 6-week training program had a positive effect on performance in two the four throwing exercises. In addiction 4 weeks of detraining, did not cause significant changes in the performance of the different throwing exercises compared to the Post-test period. It was concluded that a strength training program with a duration of 6 weeks was sufficient to obtain positive effects in the effectiveness of 2 Point throwing exercises in young female basketball players.This work is supported by national funding through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., under project UID04045/2020

Anthropometric characterization and muscle strength parameters in young female swimmers at national level: The relationship with performance in the 50m freestyle

The aim of this study was to characterize and compare the anthropometric characteristics and the explosive muscular strength of the upper and lower limbs in swimmers at the U-16 and U-15 level. In addition, the relationship between anthropometric characteristics, strength variables and performance in the 50 m freestyle was verified. All participants were analysed, regarding their anthropometric characteristics, their explosive muscle strength, and their performance in the 50 m freestyle swim. A total of 92 female swimmers (mean ± standard deviation: 14.08 ± 0.56 years old) participated in the study. The results showed that sub-16 swimmers had higher body mass values compared to sub-15 swimmers (p < .01). In addition, statistically significant differences were also found for upper limb strength indicators (p < .05). Finally, although no differences were found for performance in the 50 m freestyle test between the groups analysed, it was found that swimmers swam with different biomechanical patterns. It was concluded that although there were significant differences for the anthropometric indicators and explosive strength variables, the performance in the 50 m freestyle did not show any statistically significant variations, however the two groups of swimmers, swam with different biomechanical patterns.This work is supported by national funding through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., under project UID04045/2020

Effects of Different Recovery Times on Internal and External Load During Small-Sided Games in Soccer

Background: The ability to maintain a high intensity of exercise over several repetitions depends on recovery from previous exercises. This study aimed to identify the effects of different recovery times on internal and external load during small-sided soccer games. Hypothesis: An increase in recovery time will increase the external training load and decrease the internal exercise load, which will result in a greater physical impact of the exercise. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Level of evidence: Level 2. Methods: Twenty male semiprofessional soccer players participated in the present study. They performed the same exercise (5-a-side game format) continuously (1 × 18 minutes) and repeatedly/fractionated (3 × 6 minutes) with different recovery times (30 seconds, 1 minute, 1.5 minutes, and 2 minutes). Their internal load (ie, average heart rate (HR) and maximum HR) and external load (ie, total distance, maximum speed, and ratio meters) were measured using an HR band and an inertial device equipped with a global positioning system, respectively. Results: The manipulation of recovery times induced differences in the internal and external load. For the same total duration, the external and internal load indicators exhibited higher values during the fractionated method, particularly with short recovery periods. Conclusion: The application of small-sided soccer games with different recovery times induced varying responses in training load. To maintain high physical performance and high training load, the fractional method with short recovery periods (ie, 30 seconds) should be used. In contrast, to carefully manage players' efforts and decrease response to training load, continuous or fractional methods with longer recovery periods (ie, 1-2 minutes) should be used. Clinical relevance: The proper prescription of recovery time between exercises facilitates enhanced training efficiency and optimized performance.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Effects of applying a multivariate training program on physical fitness and tactical performance in a team sport taught during physical education classes

Introduction: A multivariate training program could be a pedagogical choice to improve physical and tactical performance in a team sport taught during physical education classes at different levels of education. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the effects of applying a multivariate training program on physical fitness and tactical performance during the teaching of a basketball didactic unit in basic and secondary education. Methods: Seventy-five students from a Portuguese school, with an average age of 15.02 ± 1.31 years, included forty-two students from basic school and thirty-three students from secondary school. The FITescola® test battery was used to assess physical fitness (i.e., sit-ups, push-ups, horizontal impulse, shuttle test, 40 m sprint, agility 4 × 10 m). The Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) was used to assess students’ tactical performance for each player’s game performance during a 20-minute 3 vs. 3 match. The GPAI variables were decision making index (DMI), skill execution index (SEI), support actions index (SI), and adaptability index (AI). During a basketball didactic unit teaching, the students were randomly divided into two groups, a control group that will not carry out the training program and an experimental group that will carry out a strength training program, high intensity explosive exercises and activities based on small-sided games (SSG) for 6 weeks. The two groups were evaluated in two moments: before the application of the training program and after the application of the training program regarding changes in physical fitness and tactical performance. The independent samples t-test (samples from two groups) and paired sample Test (for the same group) were applied for pre and post-assessment comparisons. Results: All indexes present significant differences between basic and secondary students in the pre- and post-assessment tests with small effects (t = −6.54 to −4.82, Δ = −27.57 to −0.16, p<0.05–p< 0.001, d = 0.78–1.05). Discussion: The results allow to conclude that in a school environment, a wellstructured multivariate training program can effectively improve students’ tactical skills, increasing their physical conditioning levels.The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work is supported by national funding through the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., under the project UID04045/2020.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Physical Education Class and the Differences between Two Educational Pathways

This study aimed to determine the most and least important reasons for engaging in physical education classes among students in two educational pathways within the context of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Forty-one students participated in the study (25 males and 16 females; mean age = 16.37 ± 0.829). The sample was divided based on two class types: regular education and professional education. All students answered a questionnaire that aimed to verify the most and least important reasons for students to engage in physical education classes concerning intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.&nbsp; Indicated that both regular education and professional education classes had intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The results also revealed that the participation of students was based essentially on their intrinsic motivation, but for different reasons when comparing the two educational pathways. Both types of the class were intrinsically and extrinsically motivated to participate in physical education classes

Effects of applying a multivariate training program on physical fitness and tactical performance in a team sport taught during physical education classes

IntroductionA multivariate training program could be a pedagogical choice to improve physical and tactical performance in a team sport taught during physical education classes at different levels of education. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the effects of applying a multivariate training program on physical fitness and tactical performance during the teaching of a basketball didactic unit in basic and secondary education.MethodsSeventy-five students from a Portuguese school, with an average age of 15.02 ± 1.31 years, included forty-two students from basic school and thirty-three students from secondary school. The FITescola® test battery was used to assess physical fitness (i.e., sit-ups, push-ups, horizontal impulse, shuttle test, 40 m sprint, agility 4 × 10 m). The Game Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) was used to assess students' tactical performance for each player's game performance during a 20-minute 3 vs. 3 match. The GPAI variables were decision making index (DMI), skill execution index (SEI), support actions index (SI), and adaptability index (AI). During a basketball didactic unit teaching, the students were randomly divided into two groups, a control group that will not carry out the training program and an experimental group that will carry out a strength training program, high intensity explosive exercises and activities based on small-sided games (SSG) for 6 weeks. The two groups were evaluated in two moments: before the application of the training program and after the application of the training program regarding changes in physical fitness and tactical performance. The independent samples t-test (samples from two groups) and paired sample Test (for the same group) were applied for pre and post-assessment comparisons.ResultsAll indexes present significant differences between basic and secondary students in the pre- and post-assessment tests with small effects (t = −6.54 to −4.82, Δ = −27.57 to −0.16, p&lt;0.05–p&lt; 0.001, d = 0.78–1.05).DiscussionThe results allow to conclude that in a school environment, a well-structured multivariate training program can effectively improve students' tactical skills, increasing their physical conditioning levels

Comparison of force variables and dynamic strength index between age groups in elite young Brazilian football goalkeepers

Introduction: The application of muscle force is a determinant of football success as it is inherent to the motor control and sport. The aims of this study are: (1) to describe force variables Isometric Maximal Force (IMF), Concentric Peak Force (CPPF), and Dynamic Strength Index (DSI) in football goalkeepers from different age groups; (2) to compare these variables’ behavior between those groups. Methods: The sample was formed by 19 youth players (15.97 ± 1.55 years old) from a first-division Brazilian football team. The CPPF and IMF variables were obtained through the Countermovement jump and isometric squat tests, respectively. For data collection, a force plate (Cefise, Brazil) was used with an acquisition frequency of 600 Hz and mono-axial. The DSI was calculated using the ratio between CPPF and IMF. For data analysis, the sample was separated into clusters by age. After the grouping, a descriptive analysis of the data and a comparison between the groups with p < 0.05. Results: The sample was grouped into three groups (GA, GB, and GC) and one of the individuals did not enter the group, totaling 18 individuals in the analyzed sample. The comparison between the ages of the groups showed a significant difference and small and moderate effect size (ES), validating the cluster strategy. The CPPF and IMF variables showed increased values according to chronological age. CPPF showed a significant difference between GA-GB, (ES = very large) GA-GC (ES = very large), and GB-GC (ES = moderate). The IMF variable had significant differences between GA-GB (ES = moderate) and GA-GC (ES = very large). However, DSI showed significant differences only between GA GB (ES = small) and GB-GC (ES = very large). Conclusions: The CPPF and IMF variables had constant increases and distinct values with an increase according to age, and this did not occur for DSI. The difference between CPPF and IMF compared to DSI bring to light the variability in dynamics and proportionality between muscular force in the concentric phase and maximal force in the isometric regime during the developmental process over chronological age in soccer goalkeepers.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio