ABSTRACT
Relative age effects (RAEs) appear consistently prevalent throughout the youth basketball literature. However, the selection into and successful transition out of a national talent pathway in basketball is yet to be explored. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to explore the influence of relative age, gender, and playing time based on the selection into the Regional Talent Hubs and Basketball England youth teams (U16, U18, and U20) and the successful transition into the England National Senior Teams. Participants who were selected into the male (n = 450) and female (n = 314) Basketball England Talent Pathway were allocated into one of three cohorts: (a) Regional Talent Hubs (U12 to U15; n = 183), (b) England National Youth Teams (U16, U18, and U20; n = 537), and (c) England National Senior Teams (n = 44). A chi-square test was used to compare the birth quarter (BQ) distributions of each cohort against the expected distributions, with a Cramer's V (Vc) used to interpret effect sizes. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were also calculated to compare the likelihood of each BQ being represented. Males revealed significant RAEs across both the Regional Talent Hubs (p < 0.001, Vc > 0.29, OR = 10) and England National Youth Teams (p < 0.001, Vc > 0.17, OR = 3.1). In comparison, females only had significant RAEs in the Regional Talent Hubs (p < 0.001, Vc > 0.29, OR = 2.3). Despite RAEs being prevalent throughout youth levels, there were no significant differences in the BQ distribution based on playing time and those who made the successful transition to the England National Senior Teams. These findings demonstrate the potential mechanisms of RAEs in basketball, as well as the impetus to explore more equitable competition structures within the England Basketball Talent Pathway.
ABSTRACT
The relative age effect (RAE) is almost pervasive throughout youth sports, whereby relatively older athletes are consistently overrepresented compared to their relatively younger peers. Although researchers regularly cite the need for sports programs to incorporate strategies to moderate the RAE, organizational structures often continue to adopt a one-dimensional (bi)annual-age group approach. In an effort to combat this issue, England Squash implemented a "birthday-banding" strategy in its talent pathway, whereby young athletes move up to their next age group on their birthday, with the aim to remove particular selection time points and fixed chronological bandings. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the potential effects of the birthday-banding strategy on birth quarter (BQ) distributions throughout the England Squash talent pathway. Three mixed-gender groups were populated and analyzed: (a) ASPIRE athletes (n = 250), (b) Development and Potential athletes (n = 52), and (c) Senior team and Academy athletes (n = 26). Chi-square analysis and odds ratios were used to test BQ distributions against national norms and between quartiles, respectively. Results reveal no significant difference between BQ distributions within all three groups (P > 0.05). In contrast to most studies examining the RAE within athlete development settings, there appears to be no RAE throughout the England Squash talent pathway. These findings suggest that the birthday-banding strategy may be a useful tool to moderate RAE in youth sports.
ABSTRACT
Jeffreys, MA, De Ste Croix, MBA, Lloyd, RS, Oliver, JL, and Hughes, JD. The effect of varying plyometric volume on stretch-shortening cycle capability in collegiate male rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 33(1): 139-145, 2019-The purpose of this study was to identify the effectiveness of low and high volume plyometric loads on developing stretch-shortening cycle capability in collegiate rugby players. A between-group repeated measures design was used. Thirty-six subjects (age 20.3 ± 1.6 years, mass 91.63 ± 10.36 kg, stature 182.03 ± 5.24 cm) were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: a control group (CG), a low volume plyometric group (LPG), or a high volume plyometric group (HPG). Data were collected from a force plate, and measures of reactive strength index (RSI) and leg stiffness were calculated from jump height, contact time, and flight time. A significant between-group × time (F = 4.01, p ≤ 0.05) interaction effect for RSI was observed. Bonferroni post hoc analysis indicated that both the LPG training group (p = 0.002) and HPG training group (p = 0.009) were significantly higher than the control group. No significant interaction effect between time × group was observed for leg stiffness (F = 1.39, p = 0.25). This study has demonstrated that it is possible to improve reactive strength capabilities through the use of a low volume plyometric program. The low volume program elicited the same performance improvement in RSI as a high volume program while undertaking a lower dose. This suggests that strength and conditioning coaches may be able to benefit from the ability to develop more time-efficient and effective plyometric programs.
