Development of perceptual-cognitive motor skills is a crucial factor influencing soccer training and competition. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of neuromuscular coordination, proprioceptive and balance exercises on physiological attributes and technical skills in female soccer. Female soccer players competing in Greek A Division (N = 48) were assigned to intervention (N₁ = 24) and control groups (N₂ = 24). The Proprioceptive Training Intervention Program (PTIP) lasted approximately 20 min and was implemented five times per week for 16 weeks. It was hypothesized that the PTIP in addition to a regular training programme would significantly affect female soccer player perceptual-cognitive-motor capability as it was estimated with physiological attributes ([ ]O₂max and agility) and motor performance soccer technical skills (juggling, heading, shooting, passing, and dribbling). All performance variables were measured prior and after the 16-weeks PTIP. Groups by Measures (2 × 2) ANOVAs with repeated measures on the second factor revealed that the intervention group decreased percent body fat and improved [ ]O₂max and all technical skills in comparison to the control group after the PTIP ( p < 0.05). The findings demonstrate the beneficial role of a proprioceptive training programme on both physiological attributes and technical skills in female soccer. Practical implications include the application of the intervention programme for monitoring and developing soccer players while also the use of the assessment tests to evaluate players.

The aim of this study was to investigate which factors contribute to the quality of the junior-to-senior transition (JST) which includes adjustment to senior level, sport and life satisfaction in Greek athletes. The sample consisted of 177 aspiring young Greek athletes who were in the process of JST. Participants completed a Greek version of the Transition Monitoring Survey (TMS) developed by Stambulova et al. (Stambulova, N., Franck, A., & Weibull, F. (2012). Assessment of the transition from junior-to-senior sports in Swedish athletes. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 10(2), 79–95). Multiple regressions were used to assess how key factors related to the JST contribute to the adjustment of athletes to senior level in sport, to their sport and life satisfaction. Results showed that personal resources (p < .0001), environmental support (p = .008) and transition demands (p = .02) were the strongest predictors of adjustment to senior level in sport. To facilitate the JST process, special attention needs to be given to the development of personal resources prior to the JST. Given the significant role demands play in adjustment, an environment which adopts an approach of “supported challenge” can help athletes be better prepared for the JST and facilitate progression towards senior level.

This article used the popular poem of Ithaka by C.P. Cavafy to create an analogy aiming to provide a theoretical analysis of the journey of talent development within sport. Concepts discussed include the similarities between elements of the poem and talent development literature. Elite level can...

Background: We assessed the effects of a 6-week, low-volume Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) intervention on hamstring flexibility, muscle mechanical properties and eccentric and isometric isokinetic knee flexion strength in recreationally active adults. Methods: Eighteen recreationally active adults were randomized into an NHE intervention group (IG; n = 9; females/males: 3/6; mean ± SD, age: 24.1 ± 1.3 years) and control group (CG; n = 9; females/males: 5/4; mean ± SD, age: 23.5 ± 1.8 years). The NHE intervention involved a progressive, supplementary training program performed initially one (weeks 1 and 2) and then two times per week over a 6-week period. The number of repetitions per session increased from 15 to 36 repetitions/week. The CG maintained their usual exercise routine over the same period. Standard goniometry, myotonometry, and isokinetic dynamometry (60°/s) were used to measure hamstring flexibility, muscle properties and isometric and eccentric isokinetic strength prior to and five days following the intervention. Results: The Linear Mixed Methods analysis identified a significant group × time interactions for isometric torque (IG: +5% vs. CG: −12%, p = 0.022) and flexibility (IG: +1% vs. CG: +7%, p = 0.023). Peak eccentric torque (IG: +7% vs. CG: −7%, p = 0.053) and muscle mechanical properties remained unchanged over the intervention period. Conclusions: Six weeks of low-volume NHE training marginally improved isometric and eccentric hamstring strength in recreationally active adults without changing hamstring flexibility or mechanical properties. The findings may have important implications for performance enhancement and hamstring injury risk reduction during high-intensity recreational sports.

This research aims to investigate an environment designed by a head coach with a track record of both highly successful talent development and world-class performance outcomes in the sport of triathlon. A qualitative approach involving semistructured interviews with the head coach, the psychologist, and the nutritionist was used. Key considerations regarding the selection of athletes were discussed, providing evidence for the key role of psychology and prolonged trials that allowed thorough understanding of the athlete, and insight into development capacity, as well as their contribution to the wider squad. In addition, a coaching team was embedded utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, and significant others were actively incorporated in the development process. Furthermore, the complexities of managing long-term development were highlighted, and the use of challenge as a mechanism of development was evident.

The integration of technology into coaching is extensive, particularly in supporting reflective practice and performance analysis. Recent advances in extended reality technology, such as 360° video, present new opportunities to enhance coach observation, assess expertise, and improve coaching behaviours. This study examined student football coaches’ perceptions of the acceptability and benefits of 360° video for reflecting and learning about coaching practice. While student coaches engaged with mobile 360° video recordings of coaching sessions, collective allo-confrontation interviews were used to elicit their cognitive activity (interests, concerns, noticing, and knowledge construction) during collaborative reflections. Findings indicated that 360° video enabled student coaches to shift perspective, experience a greater sense of embodied presence in the situation, and access supplementary information beyond standard observation. Student coaches reported that the technology enhanced reflective learning by allowing them to relive coaching moments, gain greater awareness of player engagement and interpersonal dynamics, and develop richer tactical insights. The pragmatic benefits of this technology support situated coaching approaches and acts as a tool for strengthening reflexivity in coaching behaviours. Immersive 360° video offers one way to bridge observational and experiential learning, offering potential uses in coach development and assessment. Limitations, challenges, and applications for coach education are discussed.