Michal Arnon

Measurement of talent in team handball: the questionable use of motor and physical tests.

Testing for selection is one of the most important fundamentals in any multistep sport program. In most ball games, coaches assess motor, physical, and technical skills on a regular basis in early stages of talent identification and development. However, selection processes are complex, are often unstructured, and lack clear-cut theory-based knowledge. For example, little is known about the relevance of the testing process to the final selection of the young prospects. The purpose of this study was to identify motor, physical, and skill variables that could provide coaches with relevant information in the selection process of young team handball players. In total, 405 players (12–13 years of age at the beginning of the testing period) were recommended by their coaches to undergo a battery of tests prior to selection to the Junior National Team. This number is the sum of all players participating in the different phases of the program. However, not all of them took part in each testing phase. The battery included physical measurements (height and weight), a 4 × 10-m running test, explosive power tests (medicine ball throw and standing long jump), speed tests (a 20-m sprint from a standing position and a 20-m sprint with a flying start), and a slalom dribbling test. Comparisons between those players eventually selected to the Junior National Team 2–3 years later with those not selected demonstrated that only the skill test served as a good indicator. In all other measurements, a wide overlap could be seen between the results of the selected and nonselected players. It is suggested that future studies investigate the usefulness of tests reflecting more specific physical ability and cognitive characteristics.

Physical Characteristics and Physiological Attributes of Female Volleyball Players - The Need for Individual Data

Abstract Nikolaidis, PT, Ziv, G, Arnon, M, and Lidor, R. Physical characteristics and physiological attributes of female volleyball players—The need for individual data. J Strength Cond Res 26(9): 2547–2557, 2012—The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to profile physical characteristics and physiological attributes of adolescent and adult Greek female volleyball players (n = 61) who were members of the A (the best league for female volleyball players) and B (the second-best league for female volleyball players) Series clubs in Greece and (b) to examine the intraindividual variability among these players in all physical and physiological measurements that were undertaken in the study. The participants were divided into 3 age groups––under 14, 14–18, and over 18 years. They underwent a series of physical (e.g., height, body mass, and percentage of body fat) and physiological (e.g., aerobic profile, flexibility, and vertical jumping ability) tests. Three main findings emerged from the data analysis: (a) differences in physical characteristics and physiological attributes existed between the 3 age groups. For example, fat-free mass was lower in players under the age of 14 years (41.57 ± 6.06 kg) compared with that in players between the ages of 14–18 years (50.24 ± 6.96 kg) and players over the age of 18 years (52.03 ± 3.39 kg). In addition, the relative peak power as measured in the Wingate Anaerobic Test was the highest in the over-18 group (9.72 ± 0.65 W·kg−1), lower in the 14–18 group (8.95 ± 0.7), and the lowest in the under-14 group (8.32 ± 0.78 W·kg−1), (b) large intraindividual variability existed in most physical characteristics and physiological attributes measured in the study, and (c) the intraindividual variability was observed in all the 3 groups. These findings emphasize the need for coaches to examine the intraindividual variability within the players on their teams and to use this information when designing training programs and strength and conditioning programs.

Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of sedentary life in older Israelis

Objectives: Both loneliness and insufficient physical activity are common in old age. This study investigated the association between loneliness and adherence to recommended guidelines of physical activity in a national sample of Israelis, and examined whether loneliness was a risk factor for insufficient physical activity independent of other variables. Methods: A random sample of 1663 (799 men) older adults aged 65+ reported their physical activity routine, and based on official guidelines were categorized as sufficiently active, insufficiently active, and inactive. In addition, they were divided into lonely or not lonely based on a single question from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results: Chi-square analyses indicated that loneliness, but not living alone, were inversely related to level of physical activity in both genders. Based on multinomial stepwise logistic regressions body mass index, being religious versus secular, self-rated health, and education were associated with engaging in physical activity in men (Cox & Snell R 2 = 0.202). Loneliness contributed significantly to explaining the level of participation in physical activity beyond these variables in women, but not in men (Cox & Snell R 2 = 0.197). Conclusions: Loneliness is associated with an increasing risk of inactivity in advanced age in women. Further research inquiring into whether loneliness is the cause of reduced physical activity or whether physical activity acts as a protective factor against loneliness is needed. Developing and implementing tailored intervention programs that encourage social interaction in combination with a physical activity program are recommended.

Reasons attributed to omitting exercising: A population‐based study

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to examine patterns of reasons attributed to not exercising in a population‐based study of 2,298 Australians aged 18–78. A multinomial logistic regression on total number of reasons selected indicated that inactive individuals selected more reasons than active, women more than men, and young people more than old. Factor analysis on the reasons resulted in five categories. A multinomial logistic regression performed for each factor indicated that older individuals selected less External reasons, and less Internal‐State reasons, but more Internal‐Trait and Health reasons than other age groups. Women selected more Internal‐State reasons than males. Sufficiently active individuals selected more External‐Environmental but less Internal‐Trait reasons than insufficiently active individuals. In‐depth psychological techniques should be included in intervention programs geared toward changing thoughts about exercise. Understanding the functions served by beliefs about non‐adherence may aid the attempt to develop appropriate interventions.

Relative age effect and birthplace effect in Division 1 female ballgame players—the relevance of sport-specific factors

An attempt was made in this study to determine the existence of two factors associated with achieving a high level of proficiency in sport—the relative age effect (RAE) and the birthplace effect. Information on these effects was collected from 389 female players playing for various Division 1 (the highest division) ball clubs in Israel: 46 basketball players, 107 handball players, 156 soccer players, and 80 volleyball players. Three main findings emerged from our data analyses: (a) RAE did not exist in the four ball games, (b) the birthplace effect was observed in basketball, handball, and volleyball, but not in soccer, and (c) the birthplace effect was not found to be associated with cities of a similar size. These findings provide support for the sport- and culture-specific explanation that different sports within a country should be carefully considered when analyzing the RAE and the birthplace effect. In addition, the unique developmental systems of sport of a given country should also be taken into consideration.

Predicting team rankings in basketball: The questionable use of on-court performance statistics

Statistics on on-court performances (e.g. free-throw shots, 2-point shots, defensive and offensive rebounds, and assists) of basketball players during actual games are typically used by basketball coaches and sport journalists not only to assess the game performance of individual players and the entire team, but also to predict future success (i.e. the final rankings of the team). The purpose of this correlational study was to examine the relationships between 12 basketball on-court performance variables and the final rankings of professional basketball teams, using information gathered from seven consecutive seasons and controlling for multicollinearity. Data analyses revealed that (a) some on-court performance statistics can predict team rankings at the end of a season; (b) on-court performance statistics can be highly correlated with one another (e.g. 2-point shots and 3-point shots); and (c) condensing the correlated variables (e.g. all types of shots as one category) can lead to more stable regressional models. It is recommended that basketball coaches limit the use of individual on-court statistics for predicting the final rankings of their teams. The prediction process may be more reliable if on-court performance variables are grouped into a large category of variables.

Inter-individual Variability in Soccer Players of Different Age Groups Playing Different Positions

Abstract The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to profile physical characteristics and motor abilities of three age groups of soccer players - under 14 years, 14-17, and over 17, playing different positions - goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards; and (b) to examine the inter-individual variability among the players in each age group in all physical and physiological measurements performed in the study. In addition, anthropometric, power, strength, and flexibility tests were administered. Findings showed large inter-individual variability in all three age groups and in all playing positions. Differences between playing positions were found only in the 14-17 group (body mass) and in the over-17 group (body height, body mass, fat-free mass, and mean power in the Wingate Anaerobic Test). Due to the observed large inter-individual variability, it was concluded that the findings obtained in the physical and physiological tests should be interpreted with caution when attempting to differentiate between successful and unsuccessful soccer players, as well as when trying to predict future success in soccer.

On the advantage of playing the second game at home in the knock out stages of European soccer cup competitions

Abstract This study explores, in the case of two soccer teams playing against each other twice in a knock out system, whether it is more advantageous to enjoy home advantage in the first game or to play the second game at home. Our data analysis included 398 soccer games (199 played at home and 199 played away): 220 (110 home and 110 away) games played in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League and 178 (89 home and 89 away) games in the UEFA Cup. Multiple chi‐square (χ2) analyses indicated that the teams playing the second game at home had a substantially higher chance of advancing to the next round than the teams playing the first game at home. Analysis of variance conducted on the number of goals scored in each of the two games revealed that the average number of goals scored by the home team increased in the second game. It was also found that both effects decreased when the level of competition was higher. We argue that in the first game both teams attempt to achieve the maximum potential, whereas in the second game, goal specificity exists

Motivation dimensions for running a marathon: A new model emerging from the Motivation of Marathon Scale (MOMS)

Purpose The aim of this study was to test and expand the Motivation of Marathoners Scale (MOMS) model (Masters et al., 1993). Methods The MOMS questionnaire was distributed to 306 male and female marathon runners (age range: 20–77 years) with experience in marathon running (range: 1–44 runs). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that the original model failed to fit the data. Hence, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed to test the best factorial solution for the current data, and a subsequent CFA was performed on the revised factorial structure. Then, a series of EFAs using maximum likelihood factor extraction method were performed. Results The best structure solution for model-data fit resulted in 11 factors: psychological coping—emotional-related coping, psychological coping—everyday-life management, life meaning, self-esteem, recognition, affiliation, weight concerns, general health orientation—reduced disease prevalence and longevity, general health orientation—keep fit, competition, and personal goal achievement. Conclusion This study provides a sound and solid framework for studying motivation for physically demanding tasks such as marathon runs, and needs to be similarly applied and tested in studies incorporating physical tasks which vary in mental demands.

Monitoring the effects of an education for peace program: An Israeli perspective

The aim of the current study was to monitor the changes that individual participants experienced as a result of taking part in a peace education program. The findings of prior analyses led to the understanding that participating in a peace program does not always ensure positive changes and may even cause a regression in attitudes. The present study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, the researchers learned about the processes that participants underwent during a peace education program and accordingly, a reinforcement program to restore/rehabilitate any negative attitudes was formed. In the second stage, the effectiveness over time of this reinforcement program was evaluated. The study’s findings show that engaging in reflection about the workshop content, especially when it is oriented towards positive thinking, is effective in reinforcing attitudes among participants who underwent a positive change in attitudes, and at the same time helps to rehabilitate attitudes among those participants who underwent a negative change. It is recommended that future peace education programs include at least three parts: preliminary preparation, the program itself, and follow-up/reinforcement activity after completion of the program.