Combined effects of home advantage and match result on interactions performed by Brazilian handball players

Abstract Aim: This study verified the combined effects of game result and match location on centrality measures based on the interactions of Brazilian handball players. Methods: The sample consisted of 3435 interactions performed by 15 players during 7 official Brazilian Regional Championship matches. Social network analysis was applied to investigate the following network properties: degree of centrality, closeness centrality, degree of prestige, proximity prestige, and network density. Results: Results revealed that playing at home increases closeness centrality (η2 = 0.99; p = 0.01), and network density (η2 = 1.00; p = 0.01). When the handball team lost the game, an increment in the network density in relation to the draw and win scenario was observed (η2 = 1.00; p = 0.01). It was observed that closeness centrality and network density increased when the team had lost and played at home, while when the team was playing away from home and losing, closeness centrality decreased (η2 = 0.99; p = 0.01). Conclusions: In conclusion, contextual variables impact the way that handball players interact during a match.

Tactical efficacy and offensive game processes adopted by Italian and Brazilian youth soccer players

Abstract Aim: To analyze success and failure of offensive sequences and the adopted offensive method in under-15 (U-15) and under-17 (U-17) soccer players. Methods: The sample was composed of 218 offensive sequences performed by U-15 and U-17 players selected from 28 matches, being 18 matches of an Italian team and 10 matches of a Brazilian team. All offensive sequences which ended in finalization were selected for the analysis. Using observational methodology, an adapted ad hoc observational instrument was built with the variables "number of players involved", "ball touches", "passing", "duration", and "corridor changes". Next, offensive actions were classified into three offensive game methods: counter-attack, quick attack, and positional attack. Results: Results revealed that teams which use positional attack expend more time constructing an offensive play, involve extra players, and change the ball corridor more often during offensive actions when compared to counter-attack and quick attack (p<0.01). Moreover, offensive efficacy did not present an association with the offensive method employed (X2=0.47; p=0.78). Sequences that finished in success presented significantly higher values of the number of touches (p=0.02), passes (p=0.003), and duration (p=0.01) in comparison to failure. Conclusion: The findings suggest that all offensive methods adopted can be used to reach success during a game of U-15 and U-17 soccer players.

Mulher e esporte: o preconceito com as atletas de Rugby da cidade de Maringá-PR / Women and sport: the prejudice against Rugby athletes in the city of Maringa ­ PR / Mujeres y deporte: el prejuicio con las atletas de Rugby de la ciudad de Maringá-PR

Este trabalho relata os resultados de uma pesquisa, que investigou a relação entre preconceito e um grupo de mulheres que jogam Rugby na cidade de Maringá, no estado do Paraná, Brasil. Para a coleta de dados, questionamos quinze atletas por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, baseada em sete perguntas. Os resultados apontam para o fato de que essas sofrem preconceito, embora afirmem que não se incomodem e/ou perturbem com isso. Os comentários direcionados a elas são de que este é um esporte de/para homens. Concluímos também que o preconceito é oriundo principalmente de suas famílias, e as participantes sustentam que ele ocorre em resultado da falta de conhecimento adequado da modalidade esportiva.

This paper reports the results of a study that investigated whether a group of women playing Rugby in Maringa, Parana, Brazil. To collect data, fifteen athletes were questioned through a semi-structured interview based on seven questions. The results pointed to the fact that they suffer prejudice, although they asseverate not to bother with that. Most comments directed to them are that this is a sport for men. It was concluded that prejudice is mainly derived from their own families and the participants maintain that it occurs as a result of lack of proper knowledge of this sport.

Este trabajo presenta los resultados de un estudio que investigó si un grupo de mujeres que juegan al Rugby en Maringá, Paraná, Brasil. Para recoger los datos, cuestionamos quince atletas a través de entrevista semiestructurada basada en siete preguntas. Los resultados apuntan al hecho de que sufren prejuicios, aunque no se molesten o perturben con eso. Comentarios direccionados a ellas son que este es un deporte de/para los hombres. También se concluye que el prejuicio se deriva principalmente de sus familias, y las participantes sostienen que se produce como resultado de la falta de conocimiento adecuado sobre este deporte.

Tactical performance, anthropometry and physical fitness in young soccer players: a comparison between different maturational groups / Desempenho tático, antropometria e capacidades físicas em jovens futebolistas: comparação entre diferentes grupos maturacionais

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to compare the tactical performance, anthropometric indicators, and physical capabilities between different maturational groups in young soccer players. Study participants were 48 soccer players (14.80±1.52 years). Anthropometric measurements of weight, height, and trunk-cephalic height were carried out. Peak height velocity (PHV) was used as a relative indicator of somatic maturity. For evaluation of physical capabilities, the sit-and-reach test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1, handgrip test, modified abdominal test, and vertical jumps (Counter Movement Jump and Squat Jump) were performed. Tactical performance was achieved through the System of Tactical Assessment in Soccer (FUT-SAT). For statistical analysis, non-hierarchical k-means Cluster Analysis, One-Way ANOVA, and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used. The results indicated that early players in the maturational process presented higher values in the performance of physical capabilities such as aerobic endurance and lower limb muscle strength (P<0.01). Tactical principles "offensive coverage", "offensive unity", and "concentration" were executed more frequently by the Post-PHV group than the Pre-PHV (P<0.05). Significant correlations were observed between PHV and the principles "offensive coverage" (r=0.32), "offensive unity" (r=0.39), and "concentration" (r=0.38). These results suggest that advancement in maturational classification has little influence on the management of gaming space.

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi comparar o desempenho tático, os indicadores antropométricos e as capacidades físicas entre diferentes grupos maturacionais em jovens futebolistas. Fizeram parte do estudo 48 jogadores de futebol (14,80±1,52 anos). Foram realizadas medidas antropométricas de massa corporal, estatura e altura tronco-cefálica. O Pico de Velocidade de Crescimento (PVC) foi utilizado como indicador relativo de maturidade somática. Foram realizados os testes de sentar-e-alcançar, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1, preensão manual, abdominal modificado e saltos verticais (Counter Movement Jump e Squat Jump). O desempenho tático foi obtido através do Sistema de Avaliação Tática no Futebol (FUT-SAT). Para análise estatística, utilizou-se a Análise de Cluster, Anova One-Way e o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Os resultados indicaram que os jogadores adiantados no processo maturacional apresentaram valores superiores no desempenho das capacidades físicas como resistência aeróbia e força muscular de membros inferiores (P<0,01). Os princípios táticos "cobertura ofensiva", "unidade ofensiva" e "concentração" foram mais executados por jogadores Pós-PVC comparativamente ao grupo Pré-PVC (P<0,05). Foram observadas correlações significativas entre o PVC e os princípios "cobertura ofensiva" (r=0,32), "unidade ofensiva" (r=0,39) e "concentração" (r=0,38). Tais resultados sugerem que o avanço na classificação maturacional exerce baixa influencia sobre a gestão do espaço de jogo de jovens futebolistas.

O corpo no esporte escolar, de lazer e de alto nível: um diálogo na busca de significados / The body in the school sport, of leisure and high level: a dialogue in the search of meanings

Neste livro reflito o "entendimento de corpo" que permeia a prática de esportes nas dimensões escolar, de lazer e de alto nível. Partindo de uma análise histórica sobre o corpo na sociedade ocidental, o corpo antes do domínio cristão; o corpo sob o domínio do cristianismo; o corpo a partir da ciência tradicional; e, o corpo na prática do esporte moderno; busquei demonstrar a complexidade do fenômeno esportivo e apresentar sinteticamente as teorias de Le Boulch, Parlebas e Manuel Sérgio, no sentido de apontar com seus conhecimentos para a preparação do diálogo com os praticantes. A interpretação da fala dos praticantes tornou possível vislumbrar que para o praticante de esporte o ser humano é dual, e o seu corpo é visto de forma fragmentada e como um instrumento que deve ser preservado, condicionado e aperfeiçoado para o máximo rendimento. Não passou despercebida a irreflexividade do corpo praticante, que impede o avanço de novas interpretações e práticas diferenciadas do esporte, no sentido de ser bem utilizado para o benefício do homem