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EXAMINATION OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS AFFECTING SPORTS PERFORMANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF ATHLETE EXPERIENCE
Views:798Introduction: In our research, we investigated the components, executive functions, and cognitive abilities underlying decision-making in sports performance using a computer-based test system. To define the athlete experience, we classified athletes according to an exact, unambiguous definition following international terminology, based on their performance, achievement, playing age, and sport's popularity. We hypothesize that team athlete with significant athletic experience will perform better on the executive function test.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on team athletes N=52. The VTS-DT test was used to measure executive function. The classification of athlete experience was based on an internationally accepted taxonomy defined with scientific precision (SWANNN, 2015).
Results: When classified by athlete experience, the athletes we studied fell into amateur and elite categories. The DT/S2 scores of the two groups were compared based on each factor. We obtained trend-like correlations for the factors 'number of reactions', 'number of stimulations,' and 'number of good responses. Correlation analysis was performed between the factors on a group-by-group basis. When examining the relationship between reaction time, we found that there is a strong relationship with the number of stimulations (amateurs: r = -0.80; elite athletes: r = -0.87) since the faster someone is (i.e., the less reaction time), the more times they can respond to stimulations. Looking at the results for elite athletes, we also observe a moderately strong relationship between reaction time and the number of good responses (r = -0.68). We may suggest that experienced athletes could produce better responses faster than less professional athletes.
Conclusions: Our hypotheses were partially confirmed, as we found a trend-like correlation that elite athletes scored higher on the DT test, which examined athletes' executive functions in a complex, adaptive way. Our research demonstrates that, on the one hand, it is worthwhile for coaches to build on experienced athletes when assembling a team, in addition to the momentum of young athletes, and that the development of executive functions and cognitive skills can improve the performance of athletes.
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AN EXAMINATION OF SPORT MENTAL TOUGHNESS AMONG INTERNATIONAL AND HUNGARIAN BASKETBALL PLAYERS
Views:465In our research, we compared the mental results of Hungarian basketball players to international averages. We examined the degree of mental toughness of the athletes who filled out the SMTQ questionnaire, whether they are motivated to achieve success, and whether they maintain their self-confidence (even despite occasional failures). Our goal was to indicate Hungarian athletes' mental strengths and weaknesses, thus helping the athletes' preparation. The aggregate mental toughness scores indicated that Hungarian basketball players are above the international average. Still, in terms of control, it is below average in certain age groups. The adult age group (over 18 years of age) is recommended to develop autonomy and responsibility and maintain self-control. It is necessary to improve the influence of their behavior, emotions, and self-regulation. Confidence scores assume that respondents believe in themselves and their successes. They have a positive attitude and a failure-averse attitude. Endurance results will likely be goal-oriented athletes who do not give up and can maintain their motivation.
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MAXIMIZING JUMP PERFORMANCE: THE ROLE OF PLYOMETRICS IN YOUTH FOOTBALL TRAINING
Views:570Vertical jump training is a fundamental method for the physical conditioning of athletes. The synergy of motor skills exhibited during such movements substantially contributes to achieving motor acts and actions with higher performance indices. In football, vertical jumping, like other specific factors, is an essential element that can determine the outcome of a match. Football players need to be physically prepared to handle any complex situations that may arise during a game.
Our study aims to evaluate the impact of plyometric training on vertical jump height performance in young football players.
A total of 16 subjects, U11 football players, were randomly assigned equally into a PL group (N=8), which followed a plyometric training routine for 6 weeks, and a control group (N=8), which followed the routines set by the club team's coach. They were evaluated in two phases – an initial and a final phase – using Optojump testing equipment. The results obtained were compared using statistical and mathematical methods of descriptive analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality distribution, and the Independent Samples T-test.
Additionally, Levene's test was used to analyze the type of variances in the distributions.
Our study confirmed that a customized plyometric training routine can significantly improve vertical jump performance, considering age-specific characteristics.
Our investigations suggest that integrating this type of training into the subjects' routines can bring significant benefits to the development of motor skills, specifically to young football players, offering exciting perspectives for optimizing their performance in the long term.