Additional players and half-court areas enhance group tactical-technical behavior and decrease physical and physiological responses in basketball small-sided games

Small-sided games are used to improve tactical-technical and physical performances in team sports. This study compared the physical, physiological, and tactical-technical responses during 3 versus 3 basketball small-sided games performed in full and half-court: numerical equality (3 vs. 3), numerical superiority (4 vs. 3), and with a non-scorer floater (3 vs. 3 + 1). A total of 45 U-14 and U-15 male athletes participated in the study. They were divided into three-player teams and played one 4-minute bout of each small-sided game type. Heart rate and the time spent in four acceleration zones (0.0–0.5, 0.5–1.0, 1.0–1.5, and 1.5–2.0 g) were recorded using heart rate monitors and triaxial accelerometers. Small-sided games were filmed for the analysis of tactical-technical behavior. Results showed a higher frequency of space creation without the ball, and a mean number of passes per offense in the formats 4 versus 3 and 3 versus 3 + 1, and a lower frequency of space creation with the ball dribbled in 3 versus 3 + 1 compared with 3 versus 3. Physical and physiological responses were higher in the full-court regardless of format and in numerical equality regardless of court area; only the time spent in the highest acceleration zone was higher in half-court small-sided games. We concluded that additional players increase group tactical actions and decrease physical and physiological responses in 3 versus 3 basketball small-sided games.

Organization of Students and Total Task Time: External and Internal Load Recorded during Motor Activity

The organization of the students and the time taken to execute the learning tasks determine the physical (external load) and physiological (internal load) demands the students support during physical education classes. The aim of this study was to determine which organizational and pedagogical elements used to design different learning tasks for soccer provoke greater external (Player Load (PL)) and internal (Heart Rate (HR)) load and thus help the students to fulfil the adequate physical activity recommendations (moderate to vigorous physical activity for ≥50% of class time). The organizational elements studied were (1) the participation type and (2) total task time, and the pedagogical element of (3) the game situation. A total of 40 students from the fifth year of primary education participated in the study distributed into two class groups. The basic analysis units were the data on physical activity recorded in each of the tasks carried out by the students during the practical sessions (1500 records), and they were recorded using WIMU ProTM inertial movement devices. A descriptive and inferential analysis was performed with the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H statistical tests. The results recommend the following types of tasks with simultaneous participation: individual games, numerical inequality SSG, numerical equality SSG lasting less than 6 min, numerical equality SSG, and full games lasting between 6 and 10 min. This type of learning task makes the students move more (medium Player Load between 0.80 and 1.20) and at greater intensities (Heart Rate zone 4, between 161 and 181 bpm). Therefore, physical education teachers must take into account the pedagogical and organizational elements studied to make the sessions more intense and associated with health benefits.

The influence of the opponent's quality on team offensive efficacy in youth football: an observational study with sequential analysis (La influencia de la calidad del oponente en la eficacia ofensiva del equipo en el fútbol juvenil: un estudio observacio

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the opponent’s quality on teams’ offensive efficacy of a Brazilian youth football team. The sample comprised 1.304 offensive sequences, from a U-17 team of the Paraná championship. The offensive sequences were divided according to the opponent’s quality (“high quality”, “intermediate quality” and “low quality”). Team’s offensive patterns were analysed through Lag Sequential Analysis. Thus, SoccerEye and SDIS-GSEQ software’s were used (p≤.05; z≥1.96). Offensive patterns with efficacy occurred mainly from directly ball recoveries (lag -5: z=3.13; lag -3: z=2.93), with progression through ball conduction (lag -4: z=2.85; lag -3: z=2.40; lag -2: z=2.64) and dribble (lag -5: 2.62; lag -2: z=2.51; lag -1: z=2.13; 1.97), playing between the lines against the opponent's last defenders’ line (lag -1: z=3.42; 2.72; 2.05; lag 0: z=4.65; 5.06; 3.15; 3.02) or performing rupture unmarks for the empty space between the goalkeeper and the last defensive line (lag -4: z=3.11; lag -1: z=3.48; lag 0: z=4.13; 7.80). Pressed numerical equality in game centre at defensive zones stimulated the possession loss (lag -2: z= 2.06; lag -1: z=3.01; lag 0: z=3.41; 1.96), demonstrating the importance of the numerical and spatial relationship for the effectiveness of actions. The opponent’s quality generated some oscillations in the patterns, nonetheless, in most patterns this team maintained similar behaviours. Considering this youth team, it is suggested that players be encouraged, regardless of the opponent's quality, to advance quickly from the defensive field; dominates the spaces between the lines; perform dribble, ball conduction and rupture unmarks towards the space between the goalkeeper and the opponent's last defensive line; in addition to pressing the opponent into their own field. Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la influencia de la calidad del oponente en la eficacia ofensiva de un equipo de fútbol Juvenil de Brasil. Se analizaron 1.304 secuencias ofensivas, extraído de 17 partidos de este equipo en el Campeonato Sub-17 de Paraná, 2019. Las secuencias ofensivas se dividieron según la calidad del oponente ("alta calidad", "calidad intermedia" y "baja calidad"). Los patrones ofensivos del equipo se analizaron a través del análisis secuencial de retardos. Por lo tanto, se utilizaron los softwares SoccerEye y SDIS-GSEQ (p≤.05; z≥1.96). Los patrones ofensivos con eficacia ocurrieron principalmente a partir de recuperaciones directas de balón (lag -5: z=3.13; lag -3: z=2.93), con progresión a través de conducción (lag -4: z=2.85; lag -3: z=2.40; lag -2: z=2.64) y gambeta (lag -5: 2.62; lag -2: z=2.51; lag -1: z=2.13; 1.97), jugando entre líneas contra la última línea de defensores del oponente (lag -1: z=3.42; 2.72; 2.05; lag 0: z=4.65; 5.06; 3.15; 3.02) o realizando desmarques de ruptura para el espacio vacío entre el portero y la última línea de defensa (lag -4: z=3.11; lag -1: z=3.48; lag 0: z=4.13; 7.80). La igualdad numérica presionada en el centro de juego en las zonas defensivas estimuló la pérdida de posesión (lag -2: z= 2.06; lag -1: z=3.01; lag 0: z=3.41; 1.96), demostrando la importancia de la relación numérica y espacial para la efectividad de las acciones. La calidad del oponente generó algunas oscilaciones en los patrones, sin embargo, en la mayoría de los patrones este equipo mantuvo comportamientos similares. Teniendo en cuenta este equipo juvenil, se sugiere que se aliente a los jugadores, independientemente de la calidad del oponente, a avanzar rápidamente desde el campo defensivo; dominar los espacios entre líneas; realizar gambeta, conducción y desmarques de ruptura hacia el espacio entre el portero y la última línea defensiva del adversario; además de presionar al oponente en su propio campo.

Incidencia de la agrupación de los jugadores en el diseño de las tareas de entrenamiento en balonmano (Impact of players' grouping on the design of handball training tasks)

El ciclo de calidad de la intervención del entrenador implica conocer como es el proceso de planificación y su aplicación práctica, para posteriormente proceder a su análisis y evaluación. El principal objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar el proceso de entrenamiento que realiza un equipo amateur masculino de balonmano y la relación que existe entre la variable Situación de Juego con en el resto de las variables que conforman el entrenamiento. Para ello, las situaciones de juego se agruparon en situaciones sin oposición, situaciones individuales, situaciones reducidas de igualdad numérica, situaciones reducidas de superioridad numérica y juego completo. Se analizaron un total de 141 tareas de entrenamientos y se codificaron a través del instrumento Sistema Integral para el Análisis de las Tareas de Entrenamiento. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las Variables Pedagógicas y de Carga Externa para posteriormente estudiar la relación entre estas variables con la variable independiente Situación de Juego. Para ello, se utilizaron las pruebas estadísticas Chi2 para la relación de dependencia y V de Cramer para calcular el nivel de asociación a través de los Residuos Tipificados Corregidos. El análisis confirma que el entrenador emplea situaciones reducidas y se muestran diferencias en todas las variables analizadas en función del Tipo de Situación de Juego. Una mayor variedad en el empleo de las diferentes variables que definen una tarea facilita y fomenta el desarrollo pedagógico y físico del jugador del balonmano que repercute en el resultado final en competición. Abstract. The quality cycle of the coach's intervention implies knowing what the planning process and its implementation are like, in order to subsequently proceed to its analysis and evaluation. The purpose of this research was to describe the training process carried out by a male amateur handball team and how the Game Situation variable influences the rest of the variables that make up the training. To do this, the game situations were grouped into Unopposed Situations, Individual Situations, Small Sided Games of Numerical Equality, Small Sided Games of Numerical Superiority and Full Games. A total of 141 training tasks were analyzed and coded using the Integral Analysis System of Training Tasks. A descriptive analysis of the Pedagogical and External Load Variables was carried out to later study the relationship between these variables with the independent variable Game Situation. For this, the Chi2 statistical tests for the dependency relationship and Cramer's V were used to calculate the level of association through the Corrected Typified Residuals. The analysis confirms that the coach uses reduced situations and differences are shown in all the variables analyzed depending on the Type of Game Situation. A greater variety in the use of the different variables that define a task facilitates and encourages the pedagogical and physical development of the handball player, which affects the final result in competition.

Influence of non-scorer floater and numerical superiority on novices’ tactical behaviour and skill efficacy during basketball small-sided games

The study compared the tactical behaviour and skill efficacy of young novice basketball players during small-sided games (SSGs) in situations of numerical equality (3vs.3), numerical superiority (3vs.2), and a non-scorer floater (3vs.3 + 1). A total of forty-five schoolchildren (11.55 ± 0.49 years) from both sexes with no previous experience in basketball participated in ten four-minute SSGs of each format for four 1-h sessions. The Game Performance Assessment Instrument was used to analyse tactical behaviour and skill efficacy. Friedman’s test, Dunn’s post hoc test, and r effect size were used to compare the variables between SSGs. Pass inefficacy (3vs.3 > 3vs.2; p = 0.004; large effect), rebound efficacy (3vs.2 > 3vs.3 + 1 and 3vs.3; p = 0.002; large effect), support (3vs.3 > 3vs.3 + 1 e 3vs.2; p = 0.002; medium effect), and guard/mark (3vs.2 > 3vs.3 and 3vs.3 + 1; p = 0.001; medium effect) showed significant differences between SSGs. The results support the hypothesis that an unbalanced SSG is less complex than an SSG with numerical equality, as the technical-tactical performance is higher in unbalanced SSGs.

PRINCIPLE AND THEOREMS OF REVERSIONAL CALCULATION

A reverse optimality principle (ROP) is formulated and an algorithm for its use for constructing optimal portable object movements is presented. Using an example, sufficient conditions for the extremality of the restored criterion functional are verified when constructing an optimal control of the «acceleration–deceleration» type. The following theorems were formulated and proved: on the numerical equality of integrals with different integral functions, on the minimum energy to achieve the goal of optimally controlled motion in the form of «acceleration–deceleration». Basing on the generalization of the results for optimal controls designing of the «acceleration–deceleration» type of motion, whence the known special cases follow, universal analytical control function (translational acceleration) was found. Analytically and numerically was confirmed the existence of the limiting minimum control energy at which the movement of an object from the initial state of rest to a new state of rest is possible at a fixed distance and time of motion.

Correlación entre pensamiento táctico y el desarrollo de las habilidades técnicas y físicas de jugadores de fútbol infantil (Correlation between tactical thought and the development of the technical and physical skills of child soccer players)

El presente trabajo pretende evidenciar la correlación entre el nivel de pensamiento táctico de los jugadores de fútbol infantil de nivel iniciación en la mejora de las habilidades técnicas y físicas. Metodología: participaron 26 jugadores de fútbol infantil de ocho y nueve años con dos grupos: un grupo con desigualdad numérica y otro con igualdad, ambos con 13 participantes. A los dos grupos se les aplicó una batería de pruebas físicas y técnicas, así como el test del conocimiento táctico ofensivo en el fútbol (TCTOF). Los grupos estuvieron expuestos a un programa de entrenamiento de 16 sesiones. Resultados: Los jugadores pertenecientes al nivel muy bajo, solo mostraron cambios significativos negativos en la correlación flexibilidad-fuerza en piernas y pase-conducción del grupo con igualdad numérica. Los jugadores de nivel bajo mostraron cambios significativos positivos en las correlaciones de flexibilidad-fuerza en piernas, flexibilidad-cabeceo y cabeceo-fuerza en piernas. En cambio, los participantes de nivel regular (el más elevado en nuestra investigación) produjeron correlaciones significativas positivas entre golpeo de pierna no dominante-flexibilidad y este mismo golpeo con la resistencia aeróbica en el grupo con igualdad numérica. Por su parte, el grupo con igualdad numérica presentó diferencias significativas entre la fuerza-flexibilidad, velocidad-flexibilidad, pase-flexibilidad, pase-fuerza en piernas, pase-velocidad, pase-resistencia, pase-cabeceo, golpeo-regate, golpeo-conducción y golpeo con pierna no dominante-cabeceo. Conclusión: existe una correlación positiva entre el nivel de pensamiento táctico ofensivo en el fútbol con el desarrollo de las habilidades técnicas y físicas, es decir, mientras mayor sea este nivel, mayores cambios significativos se producirán en sus habilidades. Abstract. This work aims to evidence the correlation between the level of tactical thinking of the starting level children's football players in improving technical and physical skills. Methodology: 26 eight- and nine-year-old children's football players participated with two groups: one group with numerical inequality and one with equality, both with 13 participants. The two groups were given a battery of physical and technical tests, as well as the test of tactical offensive knowledge in football (TCTOF). The groups were exposed to a 16-session training program. Results: Players at the very low level only showed changes significant negative in the correlation the flexibility and strength of the legs and pass and running of the ball in the group with numerical equality. Low-level players showed significant positive changes in correlations of flexibility and strength in legs, flexibility and heading, and heading and strength in legs. In contrast, regular-level participants (the highest in our research) produced significant positive correlations between shooting the ball with the non-dominant leg and flexibility and this same shooting the ball with the non-dominant leg with the aerobic resistance in the group with numerical equality. For its part, the group with numerical equality presented significant differences between strength and flexibility, speed and flexibility, pass the ball and flexibility, pass the ball and force in legs, pass the ball and speed, pass the ball and resistance, pass and heading the ball, shoot the ball with dominant leg and dribbling, shoot the ball with dominant leg and running with the ball, and heading the ball with shoot the ball non-dominant leg. Conclusion: there is a positive correlation between the level of tactical offensive thinking in football with the development of technical and physical skills, the higher this level, the greater significant changes in your skills.

Repercusiones defensivas del ataque sin portera en el balonmano femenino europeo de élite (Defensive repercussions of the attack without a goalkeeper in European elite womens handball)

El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la eficacia de las secuencias de ataque utilizando el cambio de portera - jugadora de campo y sus consecuencias en la siguiente fase defensiva en el balonmano femenino de élite. Se utilizó la metodología observacional. Se empleó un diseño observacional puntual, nomotético y multidimensional. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 571 secuencias de ataque de 50 partidos pertenecientes a la EHF Champions League 2018-2019 de balonmano femenino. Se elaboró un instrumento observacional ad hoc que presenta la combinación de formato de campo y sistemas de categorías. La calidad del dato fue probada mediante concordancia inter e intra observadores. Los resultados destacan que el principal motivo por el cual se hizo uso de la regla que posibilita el cambio portera-jugadora fue mantener la igualdad numérica luego de haber sufrido una sanción disciplinaria, y en menor medida para generar superioridad numérica 7x6. La eficacia presentó los valores más altos cuando se utilizó para generar superioridad numérica. Las situaciones de igualdad numérica 6x6 arrojaron peores valores tanto en eficacia lanzamiento como en pérdidas de pelota. Se concluye que los equipos al atacar con portería vacía asumen un riesgo importante de recibir un gol de forma rápida si el ataque no finaliza en gol, ya que las consecuencias defensivas inmediatas están directamente relacionadas con la eficacia en la fase de ataque. Abstract. The objective of this research was to analyze the efficacy of the attack sequences performance using the goalkeeper-field player change and its consequences in the following defensive phase in the women´s handball elite. The observational methodology was used. The observational design was punctual, nomothetic and multidimensional. The sample was 571 attack sequences from 50 matches from EHF Women´s Handball Champion League 2018-2019. An ad hoc observational instrument was developed that presents the combination of field format and category systems. The quality of data was tested by inter and intra observer agreement. The results highlight that the main reason why the rule that makes the goalkeeper-field player change possible was used was to maintain numerical equality after having suffered a disciplinary sanction, and to a less extent to generate 7x6 numerical superiority. The effectiveness presented the highest values when used to generate numerical superiority. The 6x6 numerical equality situations throw worse values in both shooting efficacy and lost balls. It is concluded that the teams assume a significant risk of receiving a goal quickly if the attack does not end in goal, since the immediate defensive consequences are directly related to the effectiveness in the attack phase.

The 2017 Seventh World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery: “The Olympics of our Profession”

The 1st World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology was held in London, United Kingdom, in 1980, organised by Dr Jane Somerville and Prof. Fergus Macartney. The idea was that of Jane Somerville, who worked with enormous energy and enthusiasm to bring together paediatric cardiologists and surgeons from around the world. The 2nd World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology took place in New York in 1985, organised by Bill Rashkind, Mary Ellen Engle, and Eugene Doyle. The 3rd World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology was held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1989, organised by Chompol Vongraprateep. Although cardiac surgeons were heavily involved in these early meetings, a separate World Congress of Paediatric Cardiac Surgery was held in Bergamo, Italy, in 1988, organised by Lucio Parenzan. Thereafter, it was recognised that surgeons and cardiologists working on the same problems and driven by a desire to help children would really rather meet together. A momentous decision was taken to initiate a Joint World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery. A steering committee was established with membership comprising the main organisers of the four separate previous Congresses and additional members were recruited in an effort to achieve numerical equality of cardiologists and surgeons and a broad geographical representation. The historic 1st “World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery” took place in Paris in June, 1993, organised by Jean Kachaner. The next was to be held in Japan, but the catastrophic Kobe earthquake in 1995 forced relocation to Hawaii in 1997. Then followed Toronto, Canada, 2001, organised by Bill Williams and Lee Benson; Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2005, organised by Horatio Capelli and Guillermo Kreutzer; Cairns, Australia, 2009, organised by Jim Wilkinson; Cape Town, South Africa, 2013, organised by Christopher Hugo-Hamman; and Barcelona, Spain, 2017, organised by Sertac Cicek. With stops in Europe (1993), Asia-Pacific (1997), North America (2001), South America (2005), Australia (2009), Africa (2013), and Europe again (2017), in 2021, The World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery will be held for the first time in the continental United States.1 The 8th World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery will be held in Washington DC, United States of America, 19–24 September, 2021, and will be organised by Jeffrey P. Jacobs and Gil Wernovsky. Mitchell I. Cohen served as the Scientific Program Co-Chair for the 2017 World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, and he will again serve as the Scientific Program Co-Chair for the 2021 World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery along with Kathyrn Dodds RN, MSN, CRNP. Information about the upcoming 8th World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery can be found at www.WCPCCS2021.org