Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Elite team sport'

Despite the known restorative effects of sleep and the important role it may play in minimising fatigue and optimising adaptation from training, it has been suggested that athletes exhibit poorer sleep characteristics when compared to the general population. Whilst there have been investigations of the sleep characteristics exhibited during competition, analysis of the objective sleep characteristics of team sport athletes prior to and during important competition is limited, particularly in elite female athletes. In addition to the competition itself, there are a number of factors that may influence an athlete’s sleep. These include the training and competition schedule, phases of training and competition, internal and external training load, the athlete’s sleep environment, and domestic and international travel. However, the impact of a combination of these factors on objective sleep has rarely been explored in elite team sport athletes. Therefore, the main aim of this thesis was to investigate the objective sleep characteristics of elite male and female team sport athletes during competition. Three studies were conducted in a high performance sport environments to assess: (1) the impact of match start time and days relative to a match on sleep; (2) the relationships between sleep, training load and well-being; and (3) the impact of the quality and quantity of sleep obtained during a long-haul flight on competition sleep and perceptual measures including well-being and jetlag. Study 1 assessed the objective sleep characteristics, via wrist worn actigraphy, of 45 elite male Australian Football (AF) players during the pre-season (habitual) and across four home matches during the competitive season. For each match start time, the 22 participants who were selected to play were assigned an activity monitor to be worn the night before (-1), night of (0), one night after (+1), and two nights after (+2) each match. Differences observed in sleep onset latency (ES=0.11 ± 0.16), sleep rating (ES=0.08 ± 0.14) and sleep duration (ES=0.08 ± 0.01) between competition and habitual periods were trivial. Sleep efficiency (%) was almost certainly higher during competition than habitual, however this was not reflected in the subjective rating of sleep quality. In many cases, the differences between match start times were trivial or unclear. The evening match start time, compared to all other start times, resulted in the clearest differences (e.g., evening matches had a likely longer sleep latency and almost certainly lower sleep efficiency). The differences in sleep characteristics based on days relative to the match were primarily trivial, however there were almost certain decreases in sleep duration for the night of the match compared to +1 and +2 nights post-match. The findings of this study indicated that, in general, elite AF competition does not appear to cause substantial disruption to sleep characteristics when compared to habitual sleep. Whilst the match start time had some impact on sleep variables, it appears that any match, regardless of match start time, may cause disruption to players’ sleep characteristics. The clearest disruption to AF players’ sleep occurred in the nights (+1 and +2) immediately following a match, which provides an ideal opportunity for intervention to optimise sleep and recovery. Importantly, the subjective ratings of sleep from shortened well-being questionnaires, used routinely in the high performance environment appear limited in their ability to accurately provide an indication of sleep quality. It is recognised that numerous factors may influence the sleep characteristics of AF players, including player well-being and training and match day load. Nevertheless, the relationships between load, well-being and sleep prior to and following training and matches are not well understood.1 Study 2 assessed the association between objective sleep characteristics, self-reported measures of well-being and external load of 38 elite male AF players over a 15-day pre-season training period. External load was assessed during main field sessions and self-ratings of well-being were collected daily. Canonical correlations were moderate between pre training sleep and training load (r range = 0.32–0.49), pre training sleep and well-being (r = 0.32), and well-being and post training sleep (r = 0.36). Moderate-to-strong canonical correlations were observed between dimensions representing training load and post training sleep (r range = 0.31 to 0.67). Player Load TM (PL) and Player Load TM 2D (PL2D) showed the greatest association to pre and post training objective sleep characteristics and well-being. External load metrics PL and PL2D showed the greatest association between both objective sleep characteristics and well-being measures in AF players. This association was observed both prior to and following main AF training sessions. Fragmented sleep was associated with players completing the following training session with a higher PL2D, and increased wake bouts were associated with lower mood and higher soreness ratings. Our findings highlight that the relationship between objective sleep characteristics, training load and well-being are not defined by one measure (e.g., sleep duration). Instead, a complex interaction of sleep variables may influence both external load and the well-being of AF players. These findings have implications for practitioners, particularly when choosing variables to monitor AF players’ sleep to assist in the planning and evaluation of training. The sleep characteristics for both Study 1 and 2 were assessed in players’ habitual sleep environments, however it is often a requirement for an elite team sport athlete to travel both domestically and internationally for competition.2-5 In order to investigate the impact of international travel on the sleep characteristics, well-being and performance of elite team sport athletes,6 the participant group for Study 3 was extended to elite female cricket players, as players are required to travel both domestically and internationally for competition. There have been no assessments of the objective in-flight sleep characteristics when athletes have the ability to lie flat whilst travelling in business class, however the difficulties of obtaining good quantity and quantity of sleep during long-haul travel are well documented,4,7 Study 3 assessed the impact of the quality and quantity of sleep during an international flight on subsequent objective sleep characteristics, training and match day load, self-reported well-being, and perceptions of jetlag in 11 elite female cricketers during an International Cricket Council T20 Women’s World Cup. To our knowledge, Study 3 is the first objective assessment of the in-flight sleep of elite team sport athletes seated in business class during an international flight. The results of Study 3 indicate that maximising the opportunity for in-flight sleep quality and quantity by planning the team departure time and business class seat selection appear to benefit elite female cricket players’ recovery and sleep exhibited during competition. The quality of sleep obtained in-flight had an impact on the self-reported measures of fatigue during the tournament. Players with a lower in-flight sleep efficiency reported higher levels of fatigue during the tournament. Study 2 highlighted that fragmented sleep prior to a main training session was associated with lower ratings of mood and increased ratings of soreness. This further supports that the quality and quantity of in-flight sleep may have had a positive impact on an athlete’s overall well-being and readiness to train upon arrival at the international competition destination. The preservation of both the sleep quality and quantity during long-haul travel may also be an important strategy to manage jetlag.3,8 Players that slept for longer during the flight presented with minimal perceptions of jetlag and this was maintained across the monitoring period. In contrast, players with lower in-flight sleep duration reported some perceptions of jetlag, which improved two days after arrival at the destination. It is acknowledged that the financial constraints of travelling business class may be a limitation for elite team sporting organisations, however the investment to achieve sleep quality and quantity similar to habitual values prior to an important international competition may outweigh the costs associated with the alternative approach of an arriving days earlier (e.g., accommodation) to facilitate recovery from travel. In summary, the three studies in this thesis add to the knowledge of the objective sleep characteristics of elite male and female team sport athletes exhibited during competition. Our findings demonstrate that the sleep characteristics during competition are not compromised when compared to habitual. However, the habitual characteristics were not optimal, providing the greatest opportunity for intervention. The findings provide high performance practitioners and coaches with information to assist with the implementation of individualised and team strategies to optimise the sleep, well-being and performance of elite team sport athletes. Furthermore, preserving the sleep quality and quantity during international travel should be considered when planning travel and training upon arrival at the international competition destination.

Thesis (PhD (Sports Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
There is general consensus that athletes, striving to compete and perform at the highest level, should optimally balance training and competition stress with adequate regeneration. Although a well-planned training programme is of utmost importance, the time between training sessions and competitions is critical for the modern-day athlete. It is suggested that athletes should apply a variety of recovery methods to enhance the regeneration process. Although team sport is a popular entity throughout the world, there is limited published research on the regeneration process in team athletes and recovery methods to enhance the regeneration process. The aim of this study was to develop a model that could serve as a guideline for the regeneration of team athletes within the South African context. Two phases were involved in the process of developing a model. Phase one involved a research of literature in order to assess which strategies can be implemented for athletic regeneration, and what information team athletes are given for regeneration. The second phase involved an investigation into the recovery strategies that are currently used for regeneration by elite South African team players during the competitive phase of the year. Research questions focused on the recovery methods used by players, the perceived importance of various recovery methods to the players, and the relationship between sport and level of participation in the use of recovery strategies. This study did not attempt to assess the knowledge of the players on recovery methods.

In-depth interviews were conducted with eight European life-long sport professionals who were former elite athletes and then successful coaches in team sports. The purpose of the interview was to explore the role and the evolution of imagery from athlete to coach and to also determine whether mental imagery was used in any way by these professional coaches for enhancing team unity. Analysis showed that all these exceptional performers had excellent imagery skills and they used imagery training to achieve their sport related goals. Practical implications for enhancing team unity through imagery are also presented.

Literature suggests that in team sport settings, the ability to self-regulate is associated with enhanced teamwork and performance (Bell, 2007). Despite such evidence, little research has explored the ways in which team members regulate themselves (Callary & Durand-Bush, 2008; Wylleman, 2000). As such, applied interventions designed to enhance self-awareness and self-regulation are warranted. The present study documented if and how an elite curling team comprised of four athletes and a coach could enhance their performance and cohesion by engaging in a 24-week learning process designed to help them self-regulate, particularly their felt experiences. A narrative analysis was performed (Polkinghorne, 1995) and results were presented in chronological order to reveal the experiences of all participants over the course of the intervention. Overall, it was found that through self-observation and self-reflection (Zimmerman, 2000), the participants became more aware of him or herself, their environment and how they wanted to feel in order to perform their best. They also developed individual and collective strategies to achieve their desired feel, thoughts, and behaviours, and enhance their responses to obstacles. By learning to regulate themselves and their felt experiences, the athletes and coach unanimously reported that the intervention led to enhanced team performance and cohesion, which contributed to their highly successful season. Implications and future directions are addressed.

The first purpose of this research was to establish the reliability of numerous measures obtained from a single and short duration repeated countermovement jump (CMJ) utilising a portable forceplate (Experimental Studies 1 and 2). Secondly, the response of reliable CMJ variables and T, C and T:C to a single elite level ARF match was assessed to identify the pattern of response and highlight those measures with the greatest potential for usefulness as monitoring tools across longer periods (Experimental Study 3). Finally, those variables identified as most valuable in Experimental Study 3 in addition to T, C and T:C; were measured throughout a season of elite ARF competition in order to examine the manner of their response and assess the magnitude of change in these variables in relation to performance and training and competition loads (Experimental Study 4).

High level sport is linked to educational institutions. Historically, a number of systems designed to develop high level sports performance have been based at places of learning. This work is concerned with how an educational institution has gone about developing the sport of judo, taking the form of a case study of the Team Bath Judo Programme at the University of Bath, recognising that that system sits within a social and political context.

The objective of this dissertation was to examine the action profiles of elite field hockey players in relationship to the 2015 FIH rule change. The following are major findings of the dissertation: The following are major findings of the dissertation: Study 1 – Relative action profiles before the rule change revealed that defenders work at a lower meter per minute (m/min) when compared with all other positions, and that forwards, midfielders, and screens perform similar m/min during a game. Examination of pre rule change difference from the 1st to the 2nd half play showed that elite level field hockey players are able maintain high-intensity actions in zone 6 throughout the game by increasing actions in zones 1 and 2, and decreasing actions in zones 4 and 5. Study 2 – Action profiles after the rule formatting change revealed the team was unable to match the percent of distance covered in zones 4 and 5 during the 1st quarter all in subsequent quarters. The low intensity actions in zone 1 and 2 gradually increased, while m/min gradually declined. However the percent of distance covered in zone 6 showed no statistically significant change. When positional differences were examined forwards covered the greatest percent of distance in zones 5 and 6, followed by midfielders, screens, and defenders. This pattern varies for zone 4, within which the midfielders possesses the greatest percent distance covered. 3 Study 3 – Relative action profile comparisons for the team, pre to post the 2015 rule change did not indicate a significant change in zones 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. However zone 1 experience a statistically significant decrease. Positional analysis showed statistically significant changes for midfielders only. The changes were a decrease in zone 1, and increase in zone 5 and 6 during the first half of the game, and decrease in zone 1 and m/min during the second half of the game. A major focus of the US Women’s National Team is to develop the athletes’ physical capacity to maintain and repeat high intensity actions. The combination of physical preparation and tactical strategies allow the team to express high m/min and numerous high intensity actions throughout a match.

[Truncated abstract] Broadly, research literature on the physiological aspects of water polo game play is limited, but particularly so in the women's game. Moreover, significant changes to game rules in recent years are likely to have had an impact on the game demands. Therefore, this research project sought to investigate the physiological characteristics of contemporary elite female water polo players and the demands of match play. Overall, the five studies comprising this thesis aimed to improve the practical knowledge of coaches and sport scientists concerning the training and monitoring of players. Study one (Chapter 3) compared two water polo-specific field tests of aerobic and/or match fitness (MSST, multistage shuttle swim test; and WIST, water polo intermittent shuttle test) with a traditional incremental swimming test to exhaustion (IST, 5 x 200 m). Prior to this study, the physiological responses to the MSST and WIST were not well understood. Additionally, the degree of association between these two tests was unknown. Therefore, 14 Australian National Women's Water Polo Squad players performed the MSST and WIST, and 13 players from a National Water Polo League club performed the MSST, WIST and IST, on separate occasions. Peak heart rate, blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion were obtained for all tests. Expired air was collected post test for the National League players. The results showed that the National Squad players performed significantly better in the MSST (636 ± 114 vs. 437 ± 118 m, p < 0.001) and WIST (270 ± 117 vs. 115 ± 57 m, p < 0.001) than the National League players. ... Absolute decrement yielded TE of 0.55 s (-0.42-0.81), CV of 26.0% (19.3-41.0) and ICC of -0.002 (-0.44-0.44). Relative (%) decrement yielded TE of 1.6% (1.2-2.3), CV of 27.2% (20.1-42.9) and ICC of -0.02 (-0.46-0.42). Results indicate that total time was a reliable measure, whilst decrement was not. Similar to land-based RSA tests, total time should be the criterion measure of performance in the RST. The RST can form part of a specific battery of field tests for water polo, and can also be used as a conditioning tool. The final study (Chapter 7) was a nutritional-intervention study. Based on the time-motion data from study three, a 59-min match simulation test (MST) was designed to mimic the activity profiles and physical demands of water polo match play. Using a randomized cross-over double-blind design, 12 Australian National Women's Water Polo Squad players ingested 0.3 g·kg-1 of NaHCO3 or placebo, 90 min before performing the MST, which included 56 x 10-m maximal-sprint swims as the performance measure. Although pre-exercise ingestion of NaHCO3 was effective in enhancing extracellular pH and bicarbonate levels, the percentage difference in mean sprint times between trials showed no substantial effects of NaHCO3 (0.4; ±0.9%, effect size = 0.09; ±0.23, p = 0.51). The results suggest that elite water polo players should not expect enhancement in intermittent-sprint performance from NaHCO3 supplementation. These findings are contrary to previous NaHCO3 studies on simulated team-sport performance, but this investigation is unique in that it examined highly-trained athletes performing sport-specific tasks. In conclusion, the findings of this thesis add to the existing literature on the applied physiology of women's water polo. It is hoped that the knowledge gained from these findings will lead to more appropriate conditioning, testing and selection outcomes.

Undersökningen har studerat hur sex elitidrottande kvinnor upplever sin självkänsla kopplat till bas-självkänsla och prestationsbaserad självkänsla. Det tar utgångspunkt i att elitidrott är en prestationsinriktad miljö som med omgivningens krav ställer press på idrottarna. Undersökningen utgick från två olika perspektiv, de som är aktiva och de som inte är aktiva, där antalet var jämnt fördelat. Respondenterna delades sedan in i en av fyra grupper som mäter hur hög eller låg bas-självkänslan och den prestationsbaserade självkänslan är. Grupp 1 beskrivs som hög bas-självkänsla och hög prestationsbaserad självkänsla, grupp 2 beskrivs som låg bas- självkänsla och hög prestationsbaserad självkänsla. Resterande grupper 3 och 4 beskrivs antingen ha hög eller låg bas-självkänsla och låg prestationsbaserad självkänsla. Undersökningens resultat visade på att tre av respondenterna blev placerade i grupp 1 och tre respondenter i grupp 2. Resultatet av undersökningen menar på att samtliga respondenter upplever en hög prestationsbaserad självkänsla, som kännetecknas genom att de har en stark tillhörighet till sin idrott och upplever starka känslor för att prestera. Varje respondent påverkas olika men utgår efter liknande känslor och tankar vilket skapar en tydlig bild över att fenomenet kan skapa motivation till att prestera men också vara en faktor till att psykisk ohälsa existerar inom idrotten.
The study has shown how six women in elite sports experience their self-esteem based on basic self-esteem and performance-based self-esteem. This is developed on the premise that elite sports are a performance-oriented environment which, with the demands of the environment, puts pressure on the athletes. The study takes on two different perspectives, those that are active and those who are not active anymore, where the number is evenly distributed. The respondents were then divided into one of four groups, that measure how high or low the base self-esteem and the performance-based self-esteem are. Group 1 is described as high-base self-esteem and high-performance-based self-esteem, group 2 is described as low-base self-esteem and high performance-based self- esteem. Remaining groups 3 and 4 are described as having either high or low base self-esteem and low performance-based self-esteem. The results of the survey showed that three of the respondents were placed in group 1 and three of the respondents in group 2. The survey states that all respondents experience a high performance-based self-esteem, which is characterized by having a strong belonging for their sport and experiencing strong feelings for performing. Each respondent is affected differently but is based on similar feelings and thoughts. It creates a clear picture that the phenomena can be able to bring motivation to performance but also develop the mental illness that exists in sport.

The efficient and effective management-led implementation of change is often required for successful performance across a host of organisational domains (By, 2005; du Gay & Vikkelsø, 2012; Sorge & van Witteloostuijn, 2004). However, while a major modern-day industry, elite sport organisations have seen limited development of their change management practices; particularly those deployed in the department responsible their core product: on field performance. Reflecting growing awareness of the need for elite sport performance team managers to rapidly create and sustain high performing cultures when taking over at a new team (Cruickshank & Collins, 2012a; Fletcher & Arnold, 2011; League Managers Association, 2012; Lee, Shaw, & Chesterfield, 2009), the aim of this thesis was to therefore provide the first exploration of this specific culture change process. Accordingly, interviews were undertaken with performance team managers in professional then Olympic sport as part of a grounded theory approach for developing domain-specific models of culture change best practice. Illuminating the criticality of the manger’s initial programme integration phase, both models primarily depicted a holistic, dynamic, and 360-degree process which was rooted to the manager’s power- and political-based interactions with key internal and external stakeholders. To further understanding of these features and their effective management, a case study of a successful change programme in a professional sport performance team was undertaken. This time examining multi-stakeholder perspectives (i.e., team management, players, support staff, and CEO) through a decentred theory lens, successful change was shown to have been facilitated by the team managers’ deployment of processes which proactively encouraged a “to and fro” of social power. Additionally, and falling out from the analysed data across the grounded theory and case studies, a unique change-mechanism plus a range of novel and previously overlooked leadership styles and management skills were also found to underpin optimal change in all settings. Overall, this thesis represented a long overdue study of the challenges faced by newly appointed elite sport performance team managers and, most significantly, provided the first sports team-specific, evidence-based implications on which these may be surmounted to enable consistent success.

Background: Sport is an important form of physical activity and has been shown to have many health benefits. Cricket is a popular sport in the UK and internationally, but little is known about the short- and long-term health effects of a career in elite cricket. This thesis will describe the long-term physical and mental health of former elite cricketers compared to the general population, explore the association of cricket-related factors with their long-term musculoskeletal health, and evaluate the effect of elite fast bowling on the knee cartilage of current elite fast bowlers. Methods: A sample of male former elite English cricketers was recruited for a cross-sectional retrospective questionnaire study of the long-term health of former cricketers. Chronic conditions in the former cricketers were compared to a general population sample and cricket-related factors including playing position and injury were tested for their association with musculoskeletal outcomes. A sample of male and female current elite fast bowlers was recruited for a biomechanics and cross-sectional MRI study of their knee cartilage. The knee cartilage was compared between the bowlers' trailing leg versus the higher loaded leading leg, and was tested for associations with bowling kinematic and kinetic parameters. Results: The former elite cricketers reported a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis, total hip replacement, total knee replacement, anxiety and depression than the general population sample and a lower prevalence of heart problems than the general population. Injury was the only cricket-related factor analysed to be associated with the musculoskeletal outcomes of joint pain, osteoarthritis, and joint replacement in the former cricketers. The current elite fast bowlers did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the compartmental knee cartilage volume in the trailing leg versus the higher loaded leading leg. A clinically significantly greater cartilage volume was found in the lateral tibia compartment of the leading leg than the trailing leg. The lateral tibia cartilage of the leading leg was also found to be significantly associated with the knee flexion/extension moment and abduction/adduction moment at leading leg strike of the bowling action. Conclusions: This research identifies risks and benefits of a career in elite cricket, providing targets for prevention and resource provision for chronic conditions in current cricketers and cricketers transitioning out of elite cricket. These results also suggest that cartilage may be sensitive to bowling loads in current elite fast bowlers, providing evidence that increased physical activity and loading is associated with increased cartilage volume.

Abstract Background: Marketing in the current era is more complex than before, companies need to be creative and utilize more marketing mediums in order to stand out and reach a greater audience. Many companies thus implement sponsoring activities connected to sports to reach a greater and more specific audience. Football is the world’s most popular sport, it attracts billions of people and by sponsoring a football team, companies can access the attention of these people. Problem: Despite sponsorships popularity, there are difficulties in measuring the results and the long-term business purpose. Yet companies spend millions of dollars each year on sponsorships of elite football teams, even though the return on investment appears to be seemingly low. Purpose: This research aims to gain further understanding of the reasons why and what makes companies decide to sponsor Swedish elite football teams. On a further note, companies’ expectations and what they value in a sponsorship will be presented. The research will also examine possible business benefits correlated to the sponsorship. Lastly, the companies’ eventual measurements of the sponsorships are examined. Method: The research has been conducted through a qualitative approach of nine semi-structured in-depth interviews.  The interviewees hold managerial positions in corporations who sponsor Swedish elite football teams. The data was analysed and further compared to existing literature within the field. Results: The results from this research indicates that the expectations and what companies’ value in a sponsorship often coincide. On a further note, these companies prioritize gaining access to the brand and network of the sponsored team to use within marketing as well as building relationships. Companies also see sponsorships as part of their CSR-projects to contribute to society. All the companies considered either had a local connection or heartful relation to the sponsored club. Regarding measuring the sponsorships, few companies have any sort of measurement in place but rather evaluates the sponsorship on more than just numbers.

Syftet med studien var att studera sambandet mellan elitjuniorers ledarskapspreferenser och deras personlighet. Urvalsgruppen bestod av 167 elitjuniorer, i åldrarna 16-20 år (M=17,29). Försökspersonerna var av både manligt (116 st) och kvinnligt (51 st) kön, vilka var aktiva inom interaktiva bollsporter. Deltagarna fick svara på tre olika frågeformulär (1) Demografisk fakta (2) Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS) (3) NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Efterföljande korrelationsanalyser visade signifikanta samband mellan Extraversion, Demokratiskt ledarbeteende och Positiv Feedback, samt mellan Neuroticism och Socialt stödjande ledarbeteende. Resultatet visade även ett signifikant samband mellan personlighetsdraget Trevlighet och Autokratiskt- och Socialt stödjande ledarbeteende. En slutsats utifrån resultatet är att prefererat ledarskap formas av olika personlighetsdrag, och varierar bland individer genom dess personlighet. I diskussionsdelen föreslås att ledarskapet inom idrotten bör präglas av en flexibilitet och anpassas till enskilda individer i större utsträckning. Exempel på praktiska implikationer och framtida forskning ges.
The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between elite junior athlete’s   leadership preferences and their personality. Study participants consisted of 167 elite juniors, aged 16-20 years (M = 17,29). Subjects were both male (116) and female (51), and active in interactive sports. Participants were asked to answer three questionnaires (1) Demographic facts (2) Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS) (3) NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Subsequent correlation analyses showed significant associations between Extraversion, Democratic behavior and Positive Feedback, and between Neuroticism and social supportive behavior. The results also showed a significant correlation between the personality trait Agreeableness and Autocratic and Social support behavior. One conclusion from the results is that preferred leadership is a function of the athlete’s personality traits. This suggests that leadership in sports should be characterized by flexibility and adaptation to athlete’s individual differences to a greater extend. Examples of practical implications and future research are presented.

Introduction/Background Elite ice hockey is a highly physiological demanding team sport of intermittent character and high levels of performance are required over 6-8 months. There are benefits by designing a training program that includes the manipulation of training through its periodization and programming to achieve peak performance at set dates. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in training program design between higher- and lower-performing teams in the Swedish Hockey League. Method Four differently performing teams were selected from a performance ranking system. The teams were divided into a higher-performing and lower-performing group. After receiving their verbal approval, an information document and a consent form were digitally sent to the teams’ representatives to obtain their written consent. Subsequently, the teams received a survey consisting of 177 questions that contained single, multiple, ranking and graded-choice questions about their training program design. Intra- and inter-group differences were analyzed with a descriptive statistical calculation of percentage. Results The intra-group analysis revealed a 77,9% difference in the lower-performing team group and 74,5% difference between teams in the higher-performing group. The inter-group difference was found to be 92,7%. The highest amount of inter-group difference (60,5%) was found in questions with no intra-group similarity, whereas 1,1% reveled intra-group different but intra-group similar results. Conclusion This study shows that there are significant differences in training program design between higher- and lower-performing teams as well as significant differences between teams in the lower-performing and higher-performing-group. Some discussed results seem to indicate that higher-performing teams tend to focus more on power, maximal strength and endurance training as well as on its individualization. However, due to the complexity of elite ice hockey, the intra- and inter-group heterogeneity and the shortcomings of the study design, these variables cannot be taken as team key performance indicators.

Forskning tyder på att lagidrotten kan utgöra en hälsofrämjande arena som uppfyller en viktig samhällsfunktion. Trots detta väljer många att lämna idrottsrörelsen i ung ålder medan elitlagidrottare utgör en grupp som valt att fortsätta satsningen vidare. Syftet med studien var att undersöka elitidrottares upplevelse av lagidrottens hälsofrämjande egenskaper och vilka faktorer som bidrar med motivation till fortsatt idrottande. Metoden var av kvalitativ karaktär och datainsamlingen bestod av intervjuer i fokusgrupp. Tjugo deltagare rekryterades från fyra olika idrottsföreningar och idrottsgrenar. Datamaterialet analyserades med hjälp av en manifest innehållsanalys där fyra underkategorier “Någonting större”, “Kropp och knopp”, “Professionella förutsättningar” och “Spelets drivkraft” skapade huvudtemat “Elitlagidrott- att tillsammans drivas av något hälsofrämjande”. Resultatet visar att elitlagidrotten kan bidra med hälsofrämjande egenskaper som också tillsammans med föreningens arbete och tävlingsmomenten skapar förutsättningar för motivation till fortsatt idrottande. Slutsatsen är att de hälsofrämjande egenskaperna inom elitlagidrott kan utgöra någonting större än bara idrott och främjar både psykisk och fysisk hälsa som tillsammans med idrottsföreningens arbete samt tävlingsmomentet utgör motivationsfaktorer till det fortsatta idrottandet.
Research suggests that team sports can constitute an arena for health promotion and encompass an important societal function. Despite this, many choose to leave the team sport context at a young age, whereas elite athletes form a group that has chosen to continue participating. The purpose of this study was to investigate elite athletes’ experiences of the team sport’s health promotion characteristics and which factors can contribute to the motivation to continue with sports participation. The research method was of a qualitative nature and the data collection consisted of interviews with focus groups. Twenty participants were recruited from four different sporting clubs, each in a different field of sport respectively. The data was analyzed using a manifest content analysis method, where four categories - “Something bigger’’, “Body and mind’’, “Professional conditions’’ and “The motivation of the game” - created the main theme “Elite team sport - to be driven together by something health promotive’’. The result shows that elite team sports can contribute with health promotive qualities, that together with the work of the sports clubs and the element of competition creates motivation for continuing sports participation. The conclusion is that health promotive qualities in elite team sports can constitute something bigger than just the sport itself and promote both mental and physical health. This effect, together with assistance from the sports club, as well as the element of the competition, constitute motivational factors for continued sports participation.

Introduction: Futsal, is a five-a-side team sport, which has experienced a significant global growth, as well as in Portugal. Portugal currently has about 57000 federated futsal players. Due to the increase in the competitiveness in futsal and the increasing number of players, injury burden sustained by these players has become more relevant. However, there has been little research on the typology of injuries in elite futsal in Portugal. Aim: To describe and characterize injuries sustained by elite Portuguese futsal players. Methodology: This is a prospective and descriptive epidemiological study of injuries sustained by elite players in the 2019-2020 season of the Portuguese futsal league (Liga Placard), before COVID-19 confinement. A total of 167 players from 9 elite male futsal teams from the Portuguese championship were monitored during the season. The international consensus guidelines for injury surveillance in football was used as part of the study for data collection, procedures, and terminology. Results: A total of 136 injuries were recorded. The overall injury incidence was 4,57 injuries per 1000h of total exposure (training and match). Moderate injuries were the most frequent. Injuries often involved the lower extremity (83,8%) followed by the head and trunk (8,8%) and the upper limb (7,4%). The groin (18,4%), thigh (16,9%), knee (18,4%) and ankle (15,4%) were the most affected body locations. Wingers were the players that registered the most injuries with a total of 43 injuries (46,7%) followed by lastmen with 15 injuries (16,3%) and keepers with 14 injuries (15,2%). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the injury rate in futsal is high, and athletes are more prone to be injured by non-contact trauma and during training sessions. Injury rate during games was higher than during training sessions. In this study, wingers were the players with a highest injury rate. The most affected body locations were groin, thigh, knee and ankle. Additionally, sprains and muscle injuries are the most common type of injuries amongst Portuguese elite futsal players.
Introdução: O futsal é uma modalidade coletiva com cinco jogadores, que teve um crescimento significativo a nível mundial, assim como em Portugal. Portugal conta atualmente com cerca de 57000 praticantes federados de futsal. Com o aumento da competitividade do futsal e o crescente número de jogadores, o impacto das lesões nestes atletas tornou-se mais relevante. No entanto, existe pouca investigação sobre a tipologia das lesões no futsal de elite em Portugal. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a epidemiologia das lesões sofridas em jogadores de futsal de elite na temporada 2019-2020. Metodologia: Este é um estudo epidemiológico descritivo e prospectivo de lesões sofridas por jogadores de elite na temporada 2019-2020 da liga de futsal de Portugal (Liga Placard) antes do confinamento por COVID-19. Ao longo da temporada foram acompanhados 167 jogadores de futsal masculino, pertencentes a 9 equipas de elite do campeonato português. As diretrizes do consenso internacional para vigilância de lesões no futebol foram usadas como parte do estudo para recolha de dados, procedimentos e terminologia. Resultados: Foram registadas um total de 136 lesões durante a época 2019-2020. A incidência geral de lesões foi de 4,57 lesões por 1000h de exposição total (treino e jogo). As lesões com severidade moderada foram as mais frequentes. As lesões mais observadas foram as que envolviam os membros inferiores (83,8%), seguido da cabeça e tronco (8,8%) e dos membros superiores (7,4%). A região inguinal (18,4%), a coxa (16,9%), o joelho (18,4%) e a tibio-társica (15,4%) foram as localizações corporais mais acometidas. Os alas foram os jogadores que mais sofreram lesões com um total de 43 lesões (46,7%), seguidos dos fixos com 15 lesões (16,3%) e dos guarda-redes com 14 lesões (15,2%). Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que o índice de lesões no futsal é elevado e as lesões ocorrem principalmente por traumas sem contato direto e durante as sessões de treino. A taxa de lesões verificada durante os jogos foi superior a taxa de lesões que ocorre durante as sessões de treino. Neste estudo em particular, os alas foram os jogadores com maior índice de lesões. As localizações corporais mais afetadas foram virilha, coxa, joelho e tibiotársica. Os entorses da tibiotársica e as lesões musculares são o tipo de lesão mais comuns entre os jogadores de futsal de elite portugueses.
Mestrado em Fisioterapia

碩士
國立體育學院
教練研究所
94
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships of paternalistic leadership, team culture, sport motivation, and Burnout among elite basketball players. Participants were 112 (males=72, females=40) elite basketball players recruited from 7 SBL teams and 5 WSBL teams. Participants’ average age and experience were 23.45±3.85 and 9.65±4.03 years respectively. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing paternalistic leadership, team culture, autonomy, competence, relationship, sport motivation, and burnout. The results indicated that the perceptions of autonomy and relatedness were significantly predicted by authoritative leadership and competence leadership. In terms of the prediction of the team culture on perception of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, team-orientation significantly predicted perception of autonomy. Work-orientation significantly predicted perception of competence; obedient-orientation significantly predicted perception of relatedness. The results also found that participants’ sport motivation was significantly predicted by perception of autonomy and relatedness. In other words, players reported greater self-determined motivation when they perceived greater autonomy and relatedness. In terms of the prediction of sport motivation on burnout, self-determined motivation negatively predicted players’ burnout. Finally, the results of path analysis indicated that paternalistic leadership and team culture had impacts on sport motivation and burnout through three psychological mediators. Based on the results of this study, the implications, applications and suggestions for future study were also proposed.

Most team sports involve regular competition over the course of a season. There are several factors thought to affect match outcome in such a structured competition. These factors include days break between matches, match location, travel, team characteristics (age, height, and weight). All these factors can influence the structure of the training program. However, whilst monitoring training in an elite team sport environment is common practice, there are areas yet to be explored. The overall aim of this PhD thesis was to investigate factors affecting team success and the relationship between a global training load measure, match performance, and injury risk in an elite team sport. Three studies were undertaken to explore these ideas.

This thesis investigated the suitability of Global Positioning System (GPS) to assess activity profiles in elite hockey. Study one established validity and reliability of GPS units (1 and 5 Hz) to assess distance during movement’s common to team sport. Measurement accuracy decreased as speed increased in both straight line and change of direction (COD) courses. Difference between criterion and GPS measured distance ranged from 9.0 – 32.4%. Higher sampling rates improved validity regardless of distance and locomotion. Reliability improved as distance travelled increased but decreased as speed increased. Total distance (TD) over the team-sport circuit exhibited the lowest variation (Coefficient of variation (CV) 3.6% at 1 and 5Hz), while sprinting over 10 m demonstrated the highest (CV 77.2% at 1 Hz). Study two examined the variability between GPS units. Differences (±90% CI) between the units ranged from 9.9 ±4.7% - 11.9 ±19.5% for straight line running, 9.5 ±7.2% - 10.7 ±7.9% in COD courses and 11.1 ±4.2% in the team-sport circuit. Similar variability was displayed for TD (10.3 ±6.2%) and High Speed Running Distance (HSR) (10.3 ±15.6) during match play. It is recommended players wear the same GPS unit for each exercise session. Study three compared activity profiles of national and international hockey players. International players covered more TD (13.9%) and HSR (42.0%) than sub-elite players. Less running was performed during the second half in both competitions (TD = 6.1−7.5%). Study four investigated the influence of multiple games on exercise intensity during an international hockey tournament. Two levels of comparison were made; (a) data from subsequent matches were compared to match 1 and (b) data from each match compared to a tournament average (TA). The amount of HSR was maintained as the tournament progressed. When compared to the TA, defenders showed more variation in each match. All positions showed lower movement outputs when the team won by a large margin. It was possible for elite team sport athletes to maintain exercise intensity when playing six matches in a period of nine days.

This thesis investigated the movement sequences of elite and junior-elite female netball athletes using a local positioning system (LPS). Study one determined the indoor validity of an LPS, specifically the Wireless ad hoc System for Positioning (WASP), for measuring distance, velocity and angular velocity whilst sprinting and walking five nonlinear courses. The criterion measure used to assess WASP validity was Vicon, a motion analysis system. During all sprinting and walking drills, WASP had an acceptable accuracy for measuring total distance covered (coefficient of variation, CV; < 5.2%). Similarly, WASP had an acceptable accuracy across all sprinting and walking drills for measuring mean velocity (CV; < 6.5%). During all sprinting drills, WASP had acceptable accuracy for measuring mean and peak angular velocity (CV; < 3%). A increased bias was observed during all walking drills, compared to sprinting, likely due to radio-frequency (RF) interference from the metal-clad indoor stadium where validation trials were conducted. Researchers and practitioners may use WASP to accurately quantify the non-linear movement of athletes during indoor court-based sports although should be aware of the increased bias during walking movement.

碩士
臺北市立大學
休閒運動管理學系碩士班
105
Basketball was popular over the world. It`s very important for coaches to lead the team. In this study, it was aimed to explore the leading charisma of coaches on team cohesion and self-confidence within the elite college basketball players. It`s used the quantitative method to find research questions by the author. A total of 300 questionnaires were collected and recovery rate was 96%. Data analysis, the author used the technique of descriptive statistics, independent sample T test, single factor and multiple stepwise regression analysis. The results could be found 1.the elite basketball players, coaches and teams were dominated by male. However, the training days and training hours were separately more than 4 or 5 days more than 15 hours per week. 2. Coaches required to understand the feature of teams and players, at the same time, gave the appropriate leading style for teams, build the specific culture of teams, and subsequently won the respect and trust of players and fell the leading charisma for coaches. 3. Coach charismatic leadership on team cohesion climate and the movement of the self-confidence of the prediction were significant predictive force. Which to develop a vision for team cohesion for each configuration of the surface of the predicted force was the highest, however, to show the self-confidence of the movement of the self-confidence of each facet predicted force is the highest. Conclusions: the coach must understand the team and player features, giving teams the appropriate leadership style, building out the team dedicated the culture, got players respect and trust, and thus felt the coaching in leadership on the charm.

Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Statistics and Information Management, specialization in Marketing Research e CRM
A liderança é um fator relevante no desempenho das organizações. Ao longo dos anos, o conceito de liderança tem sofrido alterações deixando de ser centralizado numa única pessoa e procurando o envolvimento de outros elementos da equipa para atingir os objetivos comuns a todos. Este estudo explora a liderança partilhada num contexto desportivo, com particular foco na liderança dos atletas. Realizou-­‐se uma análise qualitativa sobre as perceções de treinadores e atletas de uma equipa de voleibol campeã de Elite na época 2015/2016 com principal objetivo sobre o entendimento da influência destes atletas nos restantes elementos da equipa. Assim, foram realizadas entrevistas individuais a todos oselementos da equipa e uma entrevista de grupo (focus group) que possibilitaram a identificação de líderes formais, os treinadores e o capitão, e líderes informais, nomeadamente dos líderes de tarefas, motivacional e social. Foram identificados os principais momentos de atuação destes líderes assim como as suas formas de atuação pelo que foi possível analisar o efeito produzido por estes em cada individuo do grupo. Dada a dificuldade em percecionar a influência da liderança partilhada no desempenho da equipa, os resultados os respondentes sugerem que uma liderança distribuída por treinadores e atletas otimizaria o desempenho individual e consequentemente coletivo.
Leadership is a relevant factor in organizational performance. Over the years, the concept of leadership has undergone changes from being centralized in a singles person and seeking the involvement of other team members to achieve the goals common to all. This study explores shared leadership in a sporting context, with particular focus on the athlete leadership. A qualitative analysis was carried out on the perceptions of coaches and athletes of an Elite champion volleyball team in the 2015/2016 season, with the main objective of understanding the influence of these athletes on the other elements of the team. Thus, individual interviews were carried out with all team members and a focus group was performed allowing the identification of formal leaders, coaches and captains, and informal leaders, especially task, motivational and social leaders. The main moments of action of these leaders as well as their forms of action were identified and it was possible to analyze the effect produced by them in each individual of the group. Given the difficulty in perceiving the influence of shared leadership on team performance, the respondents' results suggest that leadership distributed by coaches and athletes would optimize individual and consequently collective performance.

Este relatório teve como objetivo a sumarização das práticas realizadas de um estagiário na área de Observação e Análise de Jogo do Benfica Lab-Sport Lisboa e Benfica. Consiste neste trabalho a descrição das diversas tarefas operacionais e complementares realizadas por um estagiário na área já referida. Acrescendo a essas descrições, é apresentado em detalhe um estudo de investigação iniciado durante o processo de estágio, tendo sido todos os dados recolhidos nesse período e fornecidos quase exclusivamente pela área de observação e análise do Benfica Lab. Este estudo demonstrou existirem diferenças significativas em medidas de centralidade individuais (nível de intermediação numa rede social; influência numa rede social) da equipa A para a equipa B na mesma posição (posto especifico). A descrição detalhada de todo o processo envolvente à realização de uma conferência (relação com a comunidade), também está presente neste documento, evento esse que teve como seu principal objetivo demonstrar o “Processo de estágio Benfica Lab/ FMH – Observação e Análise de Jogo”.
This report aimed to review the practices carried out by an intern in the department of Observation and Game Analysis of Benfica Lab-Sport Lisboa e Benfica. This paper contains the description of several operational and complementary tasks performed by a trainee in the area referred above. Added to these descriptions, it is shown in detail a research study initiated during the internship, all the data collected during this period were provided almost exclusively by the department of observation and analysis of Benfica Lab. This study showed significant differences in individual centrality metrics (level of centrality in a social network; influence in a social network) from main team to reserve team in the same position (specific position). A detailed description of the entire process surrounding the making of a conference (relationship with the community) is also presented in this document, that event had as its main goal to demonstrate the "Internship process Benfica Lab / FMH - Observation and Game Analysis".

This thesis includes four main chapters that investigate the use of speeded video as a method of decision-making training. Six different video speeds were tested using a video-based decision-making task, to gain a thorough understanding of the effects of video speed on different levels of expertise in Australian football, particularly, the mechanisms which drive expert performance. The significant difference in performance between elite and sub-elite at the 1.5 speed indicated this to be a potential training speed for elite athletes.

Participation in a physically demanding team sport, such as Australian football (AF), can result in post-exercise physical performance decrements as well as increases in psychometric measures, muscle damage and inflammation. The use of both cold water immersion (CWI) and contrast water therapy (CWT) as a means of post-exercise recovery is becoming more prevalent in the team sport environment. Both modalities are utilised in an attempt to enhance physical performance recovery while reducing perceived muscle soreness and fatigue. Although increasing in popularity, conflicting evidence exists regarding their effectiveness. Comparisons within the same team sport population are lacking, while little information on the efficacy of either intervention exists in AF. Therefore, the effects of a single 14 min exposure of both CWI and CWT on restoring repeat 20 m sprint time, jump performance and psychometric measures was investigated following AF training (Study 1) and an AF match (Study 2). The effects of both modalities post-match on moderating the appearance of markers of muscle damage and inflammation was also investigated (Study 3). Australian football training and match participation reduced repeat sprint, countermovement and squat jump performance and increased perceptions of fatigue and muscle soreness. Match participation also greatly increased inflammatory and muscle damage markers. Both CWI and CWT were more successful than a passive recovery at attenuating decrements in physical performance and reducing exercise induced increases muscle soreness, fatigue and markers of muscle damage, with CWI being the most effective. Neither CWI nor CWT altered the postexercise inflammatory response and therefore most likely had no effect on blunting the inflammatory pathways involved in muscle repair. Results demonstrate that AF participation leads to post-exercise declines in physical performance, an acute phase inflammatory response, muscle damage and heightened perceptions of soreness and fatigue. It was established that in well trained AF players, both modalities were more effective at attenuating these changes than a passive recovery with CWI being more effective. These findings add to the body of knowledge regarding the use and efficacy of CWI and CWT in team sport and would be of benefit to team sport athletes/coaches in decreasing any confusion regarding their use and in helping them to determine the best modality for their recovery needs.

A interacção sinergética entre colegas de uma equipa de futebol tem propriedades susceptíveis de serem estudadas através da Social Network Analysis (SNA). A análise de redes formadas pelos passes de colegas de equipa tem demonstrado que o sucesso colectivo está correlacionado com alta densidade de rede e coeficientes de clustering, bem como com centralização de rede reduzida. Apesar disso é importante evitar uma simplificação excessiva no estudo deste fenómeno, nomeadamente a consideração por igual na obtenção das métricas de rede dos eventos que estão na origem quer da performance colectiva de sucesso quer de insucesso. No presente estudo, investigamos se a densidade, o coeficiente de clustering e a centralização das redes podem prever o sucesso ou o insucesso da performance de uma equipa no futebol. Analisámos 12 jogos do Grupo C da UEFA Champions League 2015/2016, utilizando registos públicos das transmissões de TV. Realizaram-se análises de notação para categorizar as sequências ofensivas como bem-sucedidas ou mal-sucedidas e para recolher os dados das redes de passe e subsequentes métricas. Utilizou-se um modelo de regressão logística hierárquica para prever o sucesso das sequências ofensivas a partir da densidade, do coeficiente de clustering e da centralização das redes, utilizando a variável total de passes como variável moderadora. Os resultados confirmaram o efeito independente das métricas de rede. A densidade, ao contrário do coeficiente de clustering e a centralização, foi um preditor significativo do sucesso das sequências ofensivas, tendo-se registado uma relação negativa entre densidade e sucesso de sequências ofensivas. Para além disso, densidades reduzidas foram associadas a um número superior de sequências ofensivas, embora maioritariamente mal-sucedidas. Por outro lado, altas densidades foram associadas a um número inferior de sequências ofensivas bem-sucedidas, mas também a um menor número total de sequências e de "perdas de posse de bola" sem que a equipa atacante tivesse conseguido entrar na zona de finalização. Uma análise individual por equipa indicou que a relação entre a performance da equipa e a densidade é dependente da equipa. A aplicação de SNA aos desempenhos de sucesso e insucesso, de forma independente, de uma equipa de futebol é importante para minimizar uma possível simplificação excessiva das sinergias efectivas de uma equipa.
The synergistic interaction between teammates in soccer has properties that can be captured by Social Network Analysis (SNA). The analysis of networks formed by team players passing a ball in a match shows that team success is correlated with high network density and clustering coefficient, as well as with reduced network centralization. However, oversimplification needs to be avoided, as network metrics events associated with success should not be considered equally to those that are not. In the present study, we investigated whether network density, clustering coefficient and centralization can predict successful or unsuccessful team performance. We analyzed 12 games of the Group Stage of UEFA Champions League 2015/2016 Group C by using public records from TV broadcasts. Notational analyses were performed to categorize attacking sequences as successful or unsuccessful, and to collect data on the ball-passing networks. The network metrics were then computed. A hierarchical logistic-regression model was used to predict the successfulness of the offensive plays from network density, clustering coefficient and centralization, by using the number of total passes as a moderator variable. Results confirmed the independent effect of network metrics. Density, but not clustering coefficient or centralization, was a significant predictor of the successfulness of offensive plays. We found a negative relation between density and successfulness of offensive plays. However, reduced density was associated with a higher number of offensive plays, albeit mostly unsuccessful. Conversely, high density was associated with a lower number of successful offensive plays, but also with overall fewer offensive plays and “ball possession losses” before the attacking team entered the finishing zone. An individual team analysis indicated that a relationship between team performance and density is team dependent. Independent SNA of team performance is important to minimize the limitations of oversimplifying effective team synergies.

博士
中國文化大學
體育學系運動教練碩博士班
107
Purpose: To explore the impact of two different de-training models on specific physical qualities (vertical jump, aerobic capacity, explosiveness, speed, agility), body composition and special athletic. Methods: Recruiting 16 junior college taekwondo Pair of players (This study recruited 16 volunteers to participate in the taekwondo competition, each with at least 8 years of Taekwondo competition experience (age: 19.88 ± 1.26 years old, 12 males, 4 females, weight; 65.18 ± 11.43 ), at three different times (one week before the game, one week after the game, two weeks after the game) to conduct a special sports performance test to compare the effects of one week and two weeks on the performance of the special sports after the game. Results: Explosive power, Speed, muscle strength, agile coordination, aerobic capacity, no difference in body composition, and there is no difference between the special reaction ability and the special intermittent kick. Only the accuracy of kicking, the performance of the second week after the game has made significant progress. Conclusion: The performance of special sports is oriented. In fact, the effect of stopping training for one week and two weeks on the athletic performance of players is a tiny root. For the information provided, the coach can let the player plan a one to two week rest to allow the player to adjust to his or her state without a significant decline in athletic performance.

碩士
國立臺南大學
體育學系碩士在職專班
107
In order to understand the current situation of motivation and obstacles of the participation of sports teams in senior high school students in Tainan City, this study compares the differences between students with different backgrounds. Through self-made questionnaires, the survey was conducted in a random manner, and a total of 594 valid questionnaires were obtained. Then, the data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, independent sample t-test, analysis of variance, (ANOVA), and Scheffé post hoc test. The results of the study are summarized as follows. First, for members of school teams, the two most prominent aspects of motivation are "Psychological" and "Interpersonal Relationship". They do not pay much attention to "Achievements and Rewards". In contrast, the non-team members value most "Physical Fitness" and "Psychological", and value least "Achievements and Rewards." Second, for members of school teams, the two most obstructive factors are "External Structure" and "Inner Structure", while "intrapersonal" is the least obstructive ; in contrast, non-team students are most obstructed to the same degree by "Inner structure" and "Personal ", and are least obstructed by "External Structure". Third, as to motivation among different backgrounds, six variables : “gender”, “grade”, “participation time”, “team type” and “average semester grade” show significant effects on the motivation of the team members; in contrast, four variables: "gender", "grade", and "parental exercise habits" demonstrate significant effects on the motivation of the non-team members. Fourth, for school team members, six variables on obstacles among different backgrounds: "gender", "participation time", "team type", "average semester grade" have significant effects in this facet; for non-team students, four variables: "gender", "grade", "parental exercise habits" show significant effects. Fifth, as to motivation of participation, there is a significant difference between students of sports teams and non-sports teams in Tainan City in terms of "Psychological and Physical growth" and "Physical Fitness". As to obstruction, of the four background variables, there are significant differences in “Interpersonal”, “intrapersonal”, “Internal Structure” and “External structure”.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Treino Desportivo para Crianças e Jovens apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências do Desporto e Educação Física
Objetivo: A investigação visou a validação de um guião de uma entrevista semiestruturada e respetiva aplicação a treinadores com experiência no treino e formação de Guarda-Redes (GR) de Futebol. Pretendeu-se analisar e compreender a visão dos entrevistados quanto às principais temáticas relevantes no treino específico deste jogador: 1) Metodologia e características de um microciclo-padrão de treino de GR, 2) Perfil do GR talentoso, 3) Treino e formação de GR a longo prazo, e, 4) Competências do treinador de GR e sua formação. Metodologia: Foram entrevistados quatro treinadores com anos de experiência na coordenação e no treino de GR de futebol, no presente a trabalhar em quatro clubes de futebol da 1ª Liga em Portugal. A primeira versão do guião da entrevista, desenvolvida em função do tema e da revisão da literatura foi revisto por dois Professores Doutores em Ciências do Desporto. Foram ainda, realizadas entrevistas piloto a dois treinadores de GR de futebol, com experiência de treino em escalões de formação e em futebol sénior, testando os procedimentos metodológicos de aplicação da entrevista na sua versão definitiva. Resultados: Os entrevistados defenderam que o treino de GR de futebol deve dotá-lo de ferramentas que potenciem a sua ação no jogo, revelando os pressupostos que norteiam o seu trabalho, em especial o microciclo padrão. Enaltecendo as características do GR talentoso, os treinadores entrevistados referem-se à necessidade de estruturar o treino de GR a longo prazo em várias etapas de formação, considerando os atributos e as necessidades das crianças e dos jovens durante o seu desenvolvimento. No quadro das competências do treinador de GR, para além das aptidões em relação ao próprio treino, destaca-se que o mesmo deve ter capacidade de liderança do subgrupo dos GR, em sinergia com a gestão do treinador principal, criando uma relação interpessoal forte com os GR. Conclusões: Os requisitos associados ao treino de GR, bem como a identificação e desenvolvimento de GR talentosos, devem integrar as exigências e preocupações das estruturas técnicas dos clubes de futebol, através da nomeação de treinadores de GR. Importa que os treinadores de GR sejam reconhecidos na sua função, tenham a sua profissão certificada e acesso a formação específica autenticada por entidades competentes.
Aim: The investigation aimed to validate a script for a semi-structured interview and its application to coaches with experience in Soccer Goalkeeper (GK) training and youth GK development. It was intended to analyze and understand the view of the interviewees regarding the main relevant topics in the specific training of this player: 1) Methodology and characteristics of a standard microcycle of GK training, 2) Profile of the talented GK, 3) Training and youth GK long-term development, and, 4) GK coach skills and formation. Methodology: Four coaches with several years of experience in Soccer Goalkeeper training and coordination youth GK development were interviewed, currently working in four football clubs of the 1st League in Portugal. The first version of the interview guide, developed according to the theme and the literature review, was reviewed by two PhD in Sports Sciences. Pilot interviews were also conducted with two GK coaches, with training experience in youth GK training and senior soccer, testing the methodological procedures for applying the interview in its definitive version. Results: The interviewees argued that the GK training should provide GK with tools that enhance their action in the game, revealing the assumptions that guide their work, especially the standard microcycle. Praising the characteristics of the talented GK, the coaches interviewed refer to the need to structure the GK training in the long term in several stages of training, considering the attributes and needs of children and young people during their development. In terms of the skills of the GK coach, in addition to the skills in relation to the training itself, it is emphasized that the same should have leadership capacity of the GK subgroup, in synergy with the management of the main coach, creating a strong interpersonal relationship with GK. Conclusions: The requirements associated with GK training, as well as the identification and development of talented GK, must integrate the requirements and concerns of the technical structures of football clubs, through the nomination of GK coaches. It is important that GK coaches are recognized in their role, have their profession certified and have access to specific professional qualification authenticated by competent entities.

The main aim of this dissertation was to examine the relationship between team success and team cohesiveness with a sample of elite youth sport teams. The secondary aim of this international thesis was to translate and analyze the psychometric properties of responses to the Czech and Slovak versions of the Youth Sport Environment Questionnaire (YSEQ; Eys, Loughead, Bray, & Carron, 2009b) in a sample of elite youth handball and soccer players. The accomplishment of the second purpose involved three phases of research. First, the questionnaire was translated into the Czech and Slovak languages by method of parallel back-translation. In Phase 2, feedback was sought on the translated versions of each questionnaire from both researchers (N = 2) and athletes (N = 52) to ensure the clarity of the instructions and the readability of the items. Subsequent confirmatory analyses in the final phase provided an adequate fitting model for both Czech and Slovak versions with an independent sample (N = 352) from youth sport teams. These results offer further support to Eys et al.'s (2009b) proposed two dimensional model underlying their measure of cohesion for youth sport groups. In terms of the general purpose, we employed structural equation modeling to examine the direction of that relationship via a...