Early identification of the opposition shot taker characterises elite goalkeepers' ability to read the game.

Researchers investigating expertise in soccer goalkeepers have overwhelmingly focused on anticipating penalty kicks and identifying kinematic cues that are used to anticipate action outcomes. In this study, we took a novel approach to exploring 'game reading' skills in soccer goalkeepers. Specifically, we investigated whether and by what point during an attacking sequence in open play, elite goalkeepers can identify the opposition shot taker, a skill that is likely to facilitate organisation of the defensive line and interception of forward creative attacking passes. We used a moving window temporal occlusion paradigm to present elite, sub-elite, and amateur goalkeepers with 11-vs-11 attacking sequences that were divided into progressive segments. After viewing each segment, participants identified the player they thought would shoot at goal at the end of the attacking sequence. Elite goalkeepers identified the opposition shot taker earlier and more accurately than sub-elite and amateur participants. Findings suggest that elite goalkeeping is underpinned not only by anticipation of action outcomes but also game-reading skill that enables identification of the player most likely to carry out those actions.

Shoulder, arm, and elbow injuries in soccer players.

Soccer is a global widespread sport with a high injury rate, mostly to the lower limbs. Even though upper limb injuries are much less common among soccer players, their prevalence has increased in recent years. This is due to several reasons/factors, including new and more aggressive tactics, a rise in the number of younger players with different levels of skeletal maturation, and due to the growth of women's participation in sports, which is in line with the fast progression in the degree of professionalism in women's soccer. This review paper aims to (a) describe the most common injuries in the shoulder, arm, and elbow in soccer players and (b) to show the role of different imaging modalities in diagnosing upper extremity injuries that can occur in this sport. Familiarity with these injuries and their mechanisms will lead to a quicker diagnosis and correct reporting of imaging of soccer players.

Isolated Trapezoid Fracture in Adolescent Goalkeepers: A Scoping Review of the Literature and a Report of Two Cases.

Purpose: Isolated trapezoid fractures are rare injuries, particularly among adolescents, constituting only 0.4% of all carpal bone fractures. This study aims to present two cases of isolated trapezoid fracture in adolescent goalkeepers and a scoping review of the literature to provide guidelines for the management of this injury. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a scoping review of reported cases was conducted. Two hundred and twenty articles were found using PubMed and Google Scholar. After full-text review, a total of 30 cases from 22 articles along with our 2 cases were analyzed based on demographics, injury mechanism, method/timing of diagnosis, prognosis, and time to recovery. Results: Thirty-two reported cases of trapezoid fractures with a mean age of 26.7 years (75% male) were found, with pain as the most common presenting symptom. A majority (78%) had initial negative findings on radiography, and the diagnosis was primarily established through computed tomography (59%; n = 19) or magnetic resonance imaging (50%; n = 16). There was a substantial delay in diagnosis (mean 26 days), primarily because computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging was frequently ordered late. The majority of cases (78%) were managed conservatively, with immobilization periods ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. The average duration for full recovery was 4.5 months, with operative management taking 7.3 months and conservative management taking 3.5 months. Conclusion: Trapezoid fractures, though rare, are often not promptly diagnosed on initial plain radiographs, leading to a potential underreporting of cases. Because of the risk of complications associated with this type of injury, clinicians should maintain a high level of vigilance and consider trapezoid fracture as a possible differential diagnosis when presented with carpal pain, swelling, or limited movement, particularly after axial load incidents. Further research and guidelines are needed to enhance our understanding and management of this uncommon injury in the future. Type of study/level of evidence: Differential diagnosis/symptom prevalence IIIb.

Test para evaluar la rapidez específica en porteras de balonmano de la preselección nacional cubana / Teste para avaliar a velocidade específica dos goleiros nacionais cubanos de pré-seleção de handebol / Test to evaluate the specific speed in female handball goalkeepers of the Cuban national preselection

RESUMEN Introducción: El portero de balonmano debe poseer una excelente condición física para superar las múltiples exigencias actuales del juego. En el juego ofensivo, se constata un aumento en la velocidad de las acciones, fuerza y la resistencia de los jugadores y un elevado bagaje técnico-táctico, entre otros, por lo que los porteros necesitan destacar la rapidez específica en su posición en los que se encuentran los desplazamientos defensivos ante los lanzamientos a portería. Objetivo: El estudio que se presenta tuvo por objetivo diseñar un test para la evaluación y control de la rapidez específica de las porteras de la preselección nacional cubana de balonmano. En la investigación, participaron las tres porteras de la selección nacional cubana de balonmano que se preparaban para el ciclo olímpico 2012-2016, y que posteriormente asistieron al Campeonato Panamericano La Habana, 2015. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizaron métodos teóricos y empíricos como el sistémico estructural funcional, la observación directa y la medición. Resultados: Se presentaron los resultados de los análisis llevados a cabo en el estudio. De acuerdo con las observaciones realizadas a los entrenamientos de la preparación, se constató que no se contaba con un instrumento para evaluar y controlar la rapidez específica de la posición de las porteras, se incluían en el control y evaluación de las jugadoras de campo; por lo que no se tenía una valoración del estado de esta capacidad esencial en esta posición en el balonmano. Conclusiones: Tras la aplicación del test y la valoración de los especialistas y los miembros de la comisión nacional de balonmano, se incorporó el Test en el Programa de Preparación Integral del Deportista de la disciplina por los resultados alcanzados de manera ascendente por las porteras durante la preparación y la competencia.

SÍNTESE Introdução: O goleiro de handebol deve possuir uma excelente condição física para superar as múltiplas exigências atuais do jogo. No jogo ofensivo, há um aumento na velocidade das ações, força e resistência dos jogadores e um alto background técnico-táctico, entre outros, portanto os goleiros precisam destacar a velocidade específica em sua posição na qual os deslocamentos defensivos antes dos chutes a gol são encontrados. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi elaborar um teste para a avaliação e controle da velocidade específica dos goleiros da equipe nacional cubana de pré-seleção de handebol. A pesquisa envolveu os três goleiros da seleção nacional cubana de handebol que se preparavam para o ciclo olímpico 2012-2016, e que posteriormente participaram do Campeonato Pan-Americano de 2015 em Havana. Materiais e métodos: Foram utilizados métodos teóricos e empíricos, tais como sistêmico estrutural funcional, observação direta e medição. Resultados: Foram apresentados os resultados das análises realizadas no estudo. De acordo com as observações feitas nas sessões de treinamento da preparação, verificou-se que não havia nenhum instrumento para avaliar e controlar a velocidade específica da posição dos goleiros, eles foram incluídos no controle e avaliação dos jogadores de campo; portanto, não houve avaliação do estado desta capacidade essencial nesta posição no handebol. Conclusões: Após a aplicação do teste e a avaliação dos especialistas e dos membros da comissão nacional de handebol, o teste foi incorporado ao Programa de Preparação Integral do Desportista da disciplina devido aos resultados alcançados de forma ascendente pelos goleiros durante a preparação e a competição.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The handball goalkeeper must have an excellent physical condition to overcome the multiple current demands of the game. In the offensive game, there is an increase in the speed of the actions, strength and endurance of the players and a high technical-tactical background, among others, so the goalkeepers need to highlight the specific speed in their position in which are the defensive movements before the shots on goal. Objective: The present study aimed to design a test for the evaluation and control of the specific speed of the goalkeepers of the Cuban national handball team. The three goalkeepers of the Cuban national handball team who were preparing for the 2012-2016 Olympic cycle, and who later attended the Pan American Championship in Havana, 2015, participated in the research. Materials and methods: Theoretical and empirical methods were used, such as functional structural systemic, direct observation and measurement. Results: The results of the analyses carried out in the study were presented. According to the observations made during the training sessions, it was found that there was no instrument to evaluate and control the specific speed of the goalkeepers' position, they were included in the control and evaluation of the field players; therefore, there was no assessment of the state of this essential capacity in this position in handball. Conclusions: After the application of the test and the evaluation of the specialists and the members of the national handball commission, the Test was incorporated into the Comprehensive Preparation Program for the Athlete of the discipline due to the results achieved in an ascending manner by the goalkeepers during the preparation and competition.

The Effects of a Weighted Football Intervention on Ball Velocity of a Standard Football Place-Kick among Elite Gaelic Football Goalkeepers: A Single-Subject Designed Study.

Weighted football place-kicking acutely enhances the ball velocity (BV) of subsequent standard football place-kicks. However, there is a dearth of research examining the long-term effects of such interventions, with less evidence in existence among elite athlete cohorts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the individual effects of a 4 week, eight-session weighted Gaelic football intervention on BV of standard Gaelic football place-kicks among six elite male Gaelic football goalkeepers. This research design was based on a pre-, mid-, post-, and retention-test design. A linear mixed model analysis was employed, with time and participants as fixed effects, and the number of place-kicks per testing session as a random effect. Post hoc tests revealed significant changes in BV for five of the six participants (p < 0.05), with three participants experiencing significant BV increases from pre-test to post-test (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were found between post-test and retention-test. The remaining three participants experienced no significant BV differences from pre-test to post-test and retention-test. These findings suggest that a weighted football place-kicking intervention can be a time-efficient means of maintaining and enhancing BV and, thus, kick distance, among elite goalkeepers during pre-season and in-season phases.

Float like a Butterfly: Comparison between Off and On-Ice Torso Kinematics during the Butterfly Stance in Ice Hockey Goalkeepers.

In ice hockey, the butterfly style/stance is a technique distinguished by the goalkeepers (goalie) dropping to their knees to block attempts to score. Although this goalie style has been around for many years, comparisons between on and off-ice attire has not been undertaken. Therefore, this preliminary study compared differences in torso acceleration and energy expenditure by way of the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) during off-ice and on-ice butterfly stances/saves. Seven participants each performed 8 on-ice butterfly saves/stances whilst wearing full hockey attire followed by 8 off-ice butterfly stances without wearing full hockey attire whilst torso acceleration was collected. The off-ice movement significantly increased vertical torso acceleration (p < 0.01, d > 0.90) with increased MET, compared to on-ice motion. Despite no significant difference in anteroposterior and mediolateral torso kinematics, vector magnitudes were significantly greater (p < 0.01, d > 0.90) when the stance was performed off-ice. The increased vertical acceleration observed when goalies performed the movement off-ice could be due to a failure to maintain adequate posture without the support of the external load. The results of this study may help inform off-ice training interventions for ice hockey goalkeeping.

Análise observacional das ações dos guarda-redes de futebol jovem / Análisis observacional de las acciones del joven portero del fútbol / Observational analysis of the young soccer goalkeeper actions

O guarda-redes (GR) tem uma ação preponderante no processo ofensivo e defensivo de uma equipa de futebol. O objetivo do estudo centrou-se na análise das ações ofensivas e defensivas do GR sub-17 de futebol, recorrendo à metodologia observacional. Foram analisados GR Sub-17 (n=4) em 30 jogos do campeonato distrital da AF Lisboa. A amostra observacional foi de 286 ações defensivas e 790 ações ofensivas. Utilizámos os sistemas de observação das ações técnico-táticas ofensivas e defensivas dos GR. As ações observadas foram codificadas recorrendo ao software informático LINCE versão 1.3. O tratamento de dados foi realizado através da análise descritiva, do teste U-Mann Whitneypara comparar as ações na condição de casa e fora e estatística gráfica. Verificámos nas ações defensivas maior número de ocorrências na forma de intervenção saída da baliza (n=140; 4.66±2.57), ação como último defesa (n=102; 3.4±2.34), forma de execução técnica com as duas mãos (n= 205; 6.83±3.32) e zona final da ação técnica 1 (n=155; 5.16±3.19). Nas ações ofensivas registámos mais ocorrências para forma de chegada da bola ao GR através de atraso (n=263; 8.76±3.89), início da ação na zona 1 (n=205; 13.30±4.72), ação técnica pontapé de baliza curto (n=191; 6.36±3.99), decisão tática ataque posicional (n=498; 16.60±5.87), final da ação manutenção da posse de bola (n=593; 19.76±5.81) e zona final da ação 5 (n=131; 4.36±3.47). No processo defensivo, a ação dos GR tem enorme preponderância como último defesa e defesa da baliza. No processo ofensivo as ações técnicas com os pés são relevantes na participação na construção do ataque posicional. A ação dos GR é influenciada pela condição de visitado ou visitante. (AU)

The goalkeeper (GK) has a major role in the offensive and defensive process of a soccer team. The aim of the study focused on the analysis of the offensive and defensive actions of the U-17 soccer GK, using observational methodology. U-17 GK (n=4) was analyzed in thirty Lisbon FA U-17 championship games. The observational sample consisted of 286 defensive actions and 790 offensive actions. We used the observational systems of the offensive and defensive technical-tactical GK’ actions. The actions observed were codified using the LINCE version 1.3computer program. Data processing was performed through descriptive analysis, of the U-Mann Whitneytest to compare actions in home and away condition and graphical statistics. We verified in the defensive actions a higher number of occurrences in the intervention form come off from goal (n=140; 4.66±2.57), action as last defender (n=102; 3.4±2,34), technical execution form with two hands (n= 205; 6.83±3.32) and final zone of technical action 1 (n=155; 5.16±3,19). In the offensive actions we recorded more occurrences for ball arrives the GK through back pass (n=263; 8.76±3.89), start of the action in zone 1 (n=205; 13.30±4.72), technical action short goal kick (n=191; 6.36±3.99), tactical decision positional attack (n=498; 16.60±5.87), final action maintenance of ball possession (n=593; 19.76±5.81) and final zone of action 5 (n=131; 4.36±3.47). In the defensive process, the action of the GKs has enormous preponderance in the action as the last defense and goal defense. In the offensive process, technical actions with the feet are relevant in the positional attack construction participation. The GK’ action is influenced by the condition of home game or visitor. (AU)

El portero (POR) tiene un papel importante en el proceso ofensivo y defensivo de un equipo de fútbol. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar las acciones ofensivas y defensivas de los POR U-17 del fútbol, utilizando la metodología observacional. POR Sub-17 (n=4) fueron analizados en treinta partidos del campeonato del distrito de AF Lisboa. La muestra observacional consistió en 286 acciones defensivas y 790 acciones ofensivas. Utilizamos los sistemas de observación de las acciones técnico-tácticas ofensivas y defensivas de los porteros. Las acciones observadas fueron codificadas utilizando el programa informático LINCE versión 1.3. El procesamiento de datos se realizó a través de análisis descriptivos, de la prueba U-Mann Whitneypara comparar las acciones en la condición de local y visitante y estadísticas gráficas. Verificamos en las acciones defensivas un mayor número de ocurrencias en forma de intervención fuera de gol (n=140; 4.66±2.57), acción como la última defensa (n=102; 3.4±2.34), forma de ejecución técnica con ambas manos (n= 205; 6.83±3.32) y zona final de la acción técnica 1 (n=155; 5.16±3.19). En las acciones ofensivas registramos más ocurrencias para la forma en que la pelota llegó al POR a través del pase atrás (n=263; 8.76±3.89), inicio de la acción en la zona 1(n=205; 13,30±4,72), patada de objetivo corto de acción técnica (n=191; 6.36±3.99), ataque posicional de decisióntáctica (n=498; 16.60±5.87), fin de la acción de mantenimiento de la posesión (n=593; 19.76±5.81) y zona final de la acción 5 (n=131; 4.36±3.47). En el proceso defensivo, la acción del POR tiene una enorme preponderancia como la última defensa y defensa de la portería. En el proceso ofensivo, las acciones técnicas con los pies son relevantes en la participación en la construcción del ataque posicional. La acción de los POR es influenciada por la condición de visitado o visitante. (AU)

Elite professional goalkeepers report high rate of sport resumption after shoulder surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the return to sport after surgical treatment of shoulder injuries in professional goalkeepers in relationship with the mechanism of injury and the pattern of related shoulder lesions. METHODS: Twenty-six shoulders in nineteen elite male professional soccer goalkeepers were retrospectively analyzed considering multiple diseases (instability, rotator cuff, biceps or other tendon injuries). Data was collected for injury modality and context, pathological findings, surgical procedures, time, level of return to sport, and complications. RESULTS: The mechanism of injury was "mild trauma without contact" in 46% of the cases and 54% of injuries happened during training. 11 patients (42%) reported multiple pattern lesions and 9 patients (35%) classic anterior instability lesions. The mean time for return to differentiated training and unrestricted sport activity was 14 and 20.2 weeks, respectively. 15 athletes (62.5%) reported 100% return to sport, 4 (16.7%) to 90%, 1 (4.2%) to 85%, 3 (12.5%) to 80% and 1 athlete to 50%, stopping professional activity. 21% of the cases reported the persistence of some shoulder symptoms. 3 cases experienced a new injury. Patients with classic anterior instability had significantly lower age (30.7 vs 19.8 years, P = 0.001), experienced injury in different context and reported symptoms more frequently compared to multiple lesion patients (4/8 vs 0/10, P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Professional elite goalkeepers which required shoulder surgery for different causes demonstrated high-rate level of return to play despite the persistence of mild symptoms. The high frequency of multiple lesions, patients' characteristics, injury context and mechanism, increase the concern for injuries in overstressed shoulder for this category of sport. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The FIFA 11+ Shoulder Injury Prevention Program Was Effective in Reducing Upper Extremity Injuries Among Soccer Goalkeepers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide. Goalkeepers are more likely to injure their upper limbs, particularly their shoulders, than outfield players. To reduce upper extremity injuries, the FIFA 11+ Shoulder Injury Prevention Program (FIFA 11+S) was developed. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the FIFA 11+S program in reducing the incidence of upper extremity injuries among amateur soccer goalkeepers. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A total of 726 goalkeepers, who were blinded to study intent, were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n = 360) or control group (n = 366). The experimental group was instructed to perform the FIFA 11+S program before all training sessions for 1 season (6 months). The control group was instructed to continue performing their usual routine warm-up program before training sessions for 1 season. Primary outcomes included the incidence of upper extremity injury and incidence of mechanism, type, and severity of injury measured using injury risk ratios (IRR); compliance with the experimental and control interventions was also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 50 injuries (0.62 injuries per 1000 exposure-hours) were reported in the experimental group, and 122 injuries (1.94 injuries/1000 hours) were reported in the control group. The FIFA 11+S program reduced the total number of upper extremity injuries by 68% (IRR = 0.32 [95% CI, 0.27-0.34]) compared with the usual warm-up. The FIFA 11+S program reduced the incidence of contact injury (IRR = 0.30 [95% CI, 0.25-0.31]), noncontact injury (IRR = 0.40 [95% CI, 0.35-0.43]), initial injury (IRR = 0.34 [95% CI, 0.29-0.36]), recurrent injury (IRR = 0.20 [95% CI, 0.17-0.21]), and overuse injury (IRR = 0.40 [95% CI, 0.35-0.43]). Participants in the experimental group demonstrated a significant decrease in injuries of minor (IRR = 0.32 [95% CI, 0.27-0.34]) and moderate severity (IRR = 0.33 [95% CI, 0.29-0.35]) compared with the control group. We noted no difference in compliance between the experimental and control groups (80% vs 73%, respectively; P = .92). CONCLUSION: The FIFA 11+S program resulted in 50% fewer upper extremity injuries among soccer goalkeepers, compared with a regular warm-up. REGISTRATION: ACTRN12618001080213 (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry).

Performance analysis of professional soccer goalkeepers by Composition of Probabilistic Preferences / Análise de desempenho de goleiros do futebol profissional por Composição Probabilística de Preferências / Análisis del rendimiento de porteros de fútbol profesional por Composición Probabilística de Preferencias

ABSTRACT This research aims to assist managers and technical commissions to choose professional soccer goalkeepers. A sample of 64 goalkeepers playing in Argentina and Brazil was studied. Their performance in the matches of two seasons were analyzed considering three criteria: goals against per minute played, percentage of goals and percentage of matches without conceded goals. The Composition of Probabilistic Preferences (CPP) was the method chosen for modeling, considering the random variability in the problem data and in football, considered one of the most unpredictable sports. CPP allowed to compare the choice based on the data analysis to the latest goalkeeper call-ups for these countries' national teams. The selected goalkeepers corresponded to those presenting the best individual performance, which confirms the model.

RESUMO Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo auxiliar gestores e comissões técnicas na escolha de goleiros do futebol profissional. Foi estudada uma amostra de 64 goleiros que atuam na Argentina e no Brasil. Foram analisados seus desempenhos em jogos de duas temporadas, considerando três critérios: gols sofridos por minutos jogados, percentual de gols evitados e percentual de partidas sem sofrer gols. A Composição Probabilística de Preferências foi o método escolhido para a modelagem, por considerar a variabilidade aleatória dos dados do problema e do futebol, considerado um dos esportes mais imprevisíveis. A aplicação comparou a escolha baseada na análise dos dados com as últimas convocações de goleiros para as seleções desses países. Os goleiros selecionados corresponderam aos de melhor desempenho individual, confirmando o modelo.

RESUMEN Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo ayudar a gerentes y comisiones técnicas para elegir a los porteros de fútbol profesional. Una muestra de 64 porteros de Argentina y Brasil fue estudiada. Las actuaciones en los partidos de dos temporadas fueran analizadas, considerando tres criterios: goles concedidos por minutos jugados, porcentaje de goles evitados y porcentaje de partidos en los que al portero no le encajaron goles. La Composición Probabilística de Preferencias fue el método elegido, considerando la variabilidad aleatoria de los datos del problema y del fútbol, considerado uno de los deportes más impredecibles. La aplicación comparó la muestra con las últimas convocatorias de porteros de las selecciones nacionales de estos países. Los porteros seleccionados correspondieron a los de mejor rendimiento individual, confirmando el modelo.

Goalkeepers Live Longer than Field Players: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis Based on World-Class Football Players.

The purpose of this article is to study whether the position occupied by footballers on the pitch influences their life duration. It is known that various types of sporting activity (endurance, resistance, or mixed) may influence lifespan in different ways. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the role of different positions played in team sports such as football. Our research was based on elite international football players born before 1923 who took part in the first three football World Cups (n = 443) or played in the 1946/1947 season in the leading clubs of the main European leagues (n = 280). Goalkeepers were characterized by a 5-8-year longer life duration compared to their colleagues playing in other positions (World Cup: 82.0 ± 7.0 vs. 74.0 ± 8.0, p = 0.0047; European leagues: 83.0 ± 7.5 vs. 78.0 ± 8.0, p = 0.0023), with an absence of differences between defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Moreover, in both of the analyzed subgroups, the rate of survival until the 85th birthday was significantly higher among goalkeepers than among field players (p = 0.0102 and p = 0.0048, for both studied groups, respectively).

The relative age effect on soccer goalkeeper training in Brazil: scenarios of the male and female elites / O efeito da idade relativa sobre a formação de goleiros de futebol no Brasil: cenários das elites masculina e feminina

ABSTRACT In Brazil, soccer championships for children and adolescents are generally organized and divided into categories by age group (usually every two years), with the aim of bringing about greater balance and fairness in the competition. Although they create a certain scenario in which performance capabilities are similar among participants, such division, on the other hand, enables and sustains some conditions that provide unequal learning opportunities. Coupled with socio-cultural and pedagogical issues, it structures a phenomenon called Relative Age Effect (RAE). The objective of this study was to analyze the occurrence of RAE among male and female goalkeepers that competed in the A series of the 2018 Brazilian men's and women's soccer championships. Information about the athletes' birth dates was collected from the official website of the Brazilian Football Confederation. The male group was composed of 68 goalkeepers within a population of 73 individuals, while the female group was composed of 39 of totals of 43 goalkeepers. For statistical analyses, the chi-square test was used. Results reveal that the RAE does not happen in this population, regardless of gender. This may be due to the goalkeeper position in soccer teams being less contested. It is concluded that, for both males and females, date of birth does not seem to influence the offer of opportunities for goalkeepers to reach the elite of Brazilian soccer.

RESUMO No Brasil, os campeonatos de futebol para crianças e adolescentes são geralmente organizados e divididos por categorias relacionadas a faixas etárias (normalmente a cada dois anos), com o objetivo de promover maior equilíbrio e justiça na competição. Embora produzam certo cenário de proximidade de capacidades de desempenho entre os participantes, por outro lado, tal divisão comporta e sustenta algumas condições de desigualdade de ofertas de oportunidades de aprendizagem. Isso somado a questões de ordem sociocultural e pedagógica, estrutura um fenômeno denominado Efeito da Idade Relativa (EIR). O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a ocorrência do EIR em goleiros e goleiras dos Campeonatos Brasileiros de futebol masculino e feminino da Série A no ano de 2018. As informações sobre as datas de nascimento dos(a) atletas foram coletadas através do site oficial da Confederação Brasileira de Futebol. O grupo masculino foi composto por 68 goleiros dentro de uma população de 73 indivíduos, enquanto o grupo feminino foi composto por 39 de um total de 43 goleiras. Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado. Os resultados revelam que o EIR não acontece nesta população, em nenhum dos gêneros. Isso pode ocorrer por existir menor concorrência por vagas de goleiros e goleiras em equipes de futebol. Conclui-se que, para o gênero masculino e feminino, a data de nascimento não parece influenciar a oferta de oportunidades para goleiros atingirem a elite do futebol brasileiro.

Practical Use of the Navigate Pain Application for the Assessment of the Area, Location, and Frequency of the Pain Location in Young Soccer Goalkeepers.

Next to winning, minimizing injuries during training and matches is one of the primary goals of professional team sports games. Soreness and pain can be early indicators and risk factors for acute or long-term injuries. Monitoring pain intensity and duration, as well as potential sources, are useful for planning practices and can be effective means for preventing injury. The aim of this study was to assess the areas and locations of pain in young soccer goalkeepers during a training camp, and to differentiate the area and frequency between pain arising from the muscles (MP), joints (JP), or as a result of an impact (IP). Recordings of the MP, JP, and IP location along with the area were performed using digital body mapping software (Navigate Pain Android app, Aalborg University, Denmark) installed on a tablet personal computer at the end of each training day across a 5-day training camp. There was a significant difference in the area between the three types of pain (p < 0.001). The post hoc analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the pixel areas of IP versus JP (p < 0.001), IP versus MP (p < 0.001), and JP versus MP (p < 0.001). There was no significant time-effect for the IP area between 1-5 days of training (p = 0.610), neither for MP (p = 0.118) or JP (p = 0.797) and no significant difference for all three pain areas between the front and the back side of the body. The body regions most often reported for MP were thighs, while for JP they were groin and hips, and for IP the hips, shoulders, and forearms were most frequently indicated. This is the first study to map and report the pain distribution associated with training across a 5-day training camp in soccer goalkeepers, and these findings emphasize the value of using digital pain drawings clinically as well as for monitoring the health status of soccer players.

Postural Stability in Goalkeepers of the Polish National Junior Handball Team.

The aim of the study was to assess postural stability of goalkeepers from the Polish national junior handball team. Eleven juniors of the Polish national handball team (age 16.82 ± 1.6 years, body height 191.27 ± 3.1 cm, body mass 88.41 ± 12.26 kg, BMI 24.18 ± 3.22 kg/m2) were selected for the study. The Biodex Balance System and AccuGait AM¬TI platform were used to evaluate postural stability. The obtained results indicated good postural stability of the subjects. During the Biodex Balance System platform tests, all subjects presented very good postural stability and maintained within Zone A. Postural sway was greater in the sagittal plane compared to the frontal one. Most of the participants demonstrated slight backward tilts, but maintained in Quadrant IV. During the AccuGait AMTI platform trial, Path Length and Average COP Speed significantly increased in the test performed with closed eyes. Furthermore, there were significant positive correlations between the number of variables obtained during the Biodex Balance System and AccuGait AMTI tests. Proper and stable posture are necessary conditions to be met to carry out most free movements and locomotion. They play a significant role in the game of a handball goalkeeper and for that reason, postural stability testing of handball goalkeepers is an important element of coordination training. Thus, the use of postural stability exercises implementing the biofeedback method on stabilo and dynamometric platforms is practical and justifiable.

Informational constraints on interceptive actions of elite football goalkeepers in 1v1 dyads during competitive performance.

The aim of this study was to examine whether perceptual variables can provide informational constraints for the goalkeepers to intercept the ball successfully in 1v1 dyads. Video images of 42 actions (1v1 in direct shots) were selected randomly from different matches and divided into conceded goals (n = 20) and saved actions (n = 22) to investigate interceptive actions of 20 goalkeepers in the English Premier League in season 2013-2014. Time to Contact (TTC) of the closing distance gap between shooter and goalkeeper was obtained by digitising actions in the 18-yard penalty box. Statistical analyses revealed that, in sequences of play resulting in an intercepted shot at goal, goalkeepers closed down outfield players in the X axis, whereas when a goal was conceded, there was a significantly delayed movement by goalkeepers toward the shooters in this plane. The results of canonical correlations showed that a decreasing distance between a shooter and goalkeeper, and accompanied reduction in relative interpersonal velocity followed a temporal pattern. Findings of this study showed how perception of key informational constraints on dyadic system relations, such as TTC, interpersonal distance and relative velocity, constrain elite goalkeepers' interceptive actions, playing an important role in successful performance.

Different injury pattern in goalkeepers compared to field players: a three-year epidemiological study of professional football.

OBJECTIVES: Goalkeepers have a specific physiological and biomechanical profile including hip loading with increased frontal plane kinetics and explosive side jumps. The aim of this study is to analyze the injury incidence in professional goalkeepers and to compare this with field players. DESIGN: Descriptive Epidemiology Study. METHODS: Prospective (3 seasons, 2008-2011) registration of injuries and exposure of first division professional footballers of Qatar. RESULTS: Of the 527 players, 49 were goalkeepers. Sixty-seven injuries occurred during 17.858 h of exposure. Goalkeepers had a lower total (p=0.01) and training (p=0.007) injury incidence than field players, while there was no injury difference during matches (p=0.279). Moreover, goalkeepers presented a lower incidence of injuries that were: non contact (p=0.002), traumatic (p<0.001), strains (p<0.001), thigh (p<0.001), and hamstring (p=0.038). Adductor strains were the most common subtype of injury for goalkeepers and this incidence was higher in goalkeepers than in field players (p=0.045). In goalkeepers, mean lay off time for adductor strains was 2.5 times longer than for hamstring strains. More than one third of the overuse injuries were hip and groin injuries. While the overall and lower body injury incidence in goalkeepers was lesser than in field players, upper body incidence was higher. CONCLUSIONS: Football goalkeepers have a peculiar injury epidemiology, possibly due to their specific physiological and biomechanical performance requirements. Goalkeepers are prone to acute adductor and overuse hip and groin injuries, while muscle strains, in particular located in the hamstrings, are lower compared with field players. Specific prevention program should be implemented in this category of footballers.