Supplementing regular training with short-duration sprint-agility training leads to a substantial increase in repeated sprint-agility performance with national level badminton players
- Authors: O'Brien, Brendan , Walklate, Benjamin , Young, Warren , Paton, Carl
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 23, no. 5 (2009), p. 1477–1481
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- Description: Walklate, BM, O’Brien, BJ, Paton, CD, and Young, W. Supplementing regular training with short-duration sprint-agility training leads to a substantial increase in repeated sprint-agility performance with national level badminton players. J Strength Cond Res. 23(5): 1477–1481, 2009—Repeated-agility sprint ability is an important performance characteristic of badminton players. However, it is unclear whether regular badminton training is sufficient to improve repeated-agility sprint ability or whether supplementary training is required. Therefore, our aim was to investigate whether supplementing regular group training with short sessions of badminton-specific agility-sprint training conferred any greater changes in performance than regular training alone. Twelve national level badminton players completed a set of performance tests in the week before and after a 4-week training period. Performance tests consisted of 10- and 20- meter sprints, a multistage fitness test, a 300-meter shuttle run, and a novel badminton sprint protocol. After pretesting, pairmatched participants were randomly assigned into regular or supplementary training groups. Both groups undertook regular national squad training consisting of 4 2-hour sessions per week. In addition, the supplementary group completed a highintensity sprint-training regime consisting of 7 to 15 repeats of badminton-specific sprints twice per week. Relative to control, the supplementary training group reported improvements (mean 6 90% confidence limits) in the 300-meter shuttle run (2.4% 6 2.7%) and badminton sprint protocol (3.6% 6 2.6%). However, there were no substantial difference in either the 10- meter (20.3% 6 2.1%) or 20-meter (20.6% 6 1.8%) sprint or the multistage fitness test (0.0% 6 2.7%). Supplementing regular training with sessions of short-duration sprint training appears to lead to worthwhile increases in repeated-agility sprint performance with national level badminton players.
- Description: 2003008105
Acute effect of exercise on kicking accuracy in elite Australian football players
- Authors: Young, Warren , Gulli, Rachael , Rath, David , Russell, Andrew , O'Brien, Brendan , Harvey, Jack
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 13, no. 1 (2010), p. 85-89
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- Description: Kicking accuracy (KA) is an important skill in Australian football but the potential influence of exercise on this skill has not been previously investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine if a 2× 2 min time trial running protocol influenced short KA in elite Australian football. Another aim was to identify if endurance, playing experience and position were related to any exercise-induced KA changes. Twenty-seven professional footballers performed a KA test by kicking at a bullseye on a target projected onto a screen. The mean error from the centre of the target was the KA score. The players were assessed on the KA test, and then performed a 2× 2 min time trial with a 3-min recovery between runs. The total distance covered was used as a measure of endurance fitness, and the test also served as an exercise bout designed to impose some physiological stress. Immediately following this test, the players walked into the laboratory and performed the KA test again. A paired t-test revealed that the whole group achieved a non-significant 2.7% improvement in KA. Players were divided into two distinct groups based on endurance (2× 2 min results), playing experience and position (midfielders and forwards/backs). Analysis of covariance showed that after the exercise bout, the fitter group had significantly better KA (p = 0.010) than the less fit group, and the more experienced players were 16% more accurate than the less experienced group (p = 0.055). The midfielders were 8.2% better than the forwards/backs in KA (p = 0.32). It was suggested that greater endurance and playing experience may facilitate KA under moderate physiological stress. © 2008 Sports Medicine Australia.
- Description: 2003008125
Agility training for tennis
- Authors: Bradshaw, Ryan , Young, Warren , O'Brien, Brendan , Feros, Simon
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 2011 ASCA International Conference on Applied Strength and Conditioning p. 102-107
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- Description: Tennis is a multi-factorial sport that relies upon the amalgamation of numerous performance qualities (23). For example, during competition, a player is required to repeat short, moderate to high intensity efforts while executing controlled and powerful strokes in a strategically planned series of patterns. In return, players must possess outstanding physical capacity, technical skill, tactical knowledge, and mental control to excel on-court (23). A player's agility skill is considered to be one of the major physical capacities that determine successful performance (31 ). For example, throughout a match, players are required to intercept numerous strokes, each hit with a different velocity, direction, and type and rate of spin. To reach each ball, players must continually coordinate changes in direction and/or velocity and locomotion technique in reaction to the opponent's stroke. A slow reaction and/or poor movement speed may lead to a rushed stroke and greater chance of error (52, 36). Under certain situations, these errors may have a significant impact on the outcome of a match (14). To develop agility skill, the strength and conditioning coach needs a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to agility skill in tennis (37). Furthermore, the coach requires knowledge of the most effective training methodology to optimise training efficacy (47). Therefore, this paper will present a detailed dissection of agility skill and discuss the major contributing factors that relate specifically to tennis performance. To conclude, this paper will then present a brief discussion of associated training considerations and recommendations.
Physically preparing the fast bowler in cricket: A review of the literature
- Authors: O'Brien, Brendan , Young, Warren , Feros, Simon , Bradshaw, Ryan
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 2011 ASCA International Conference on Applied Strength and Conditioning p. 117-122
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Reliability and validity of a novel intermittent peak running speed test for Australian football
- Authors: Mooney, Mitchell , Hunter, Jayden , O'Brien, Brendan , Berry, Jason , Young, Warren
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 25, no. 4 (2011), p. 973-979
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- Description: Mooney, MG, Hunter, JR, O'Brien, BJ, Berry, JT, and Young, WB. Reliability and validity of a novel intermittent peak running speed test for Australian football. J Strength Cond Res. 25(4): 973-979, 2011-Australian football requires frequent intermittent sprinting close to peak running speed. However, tests assessing the capability to maintain intermittent peak running speed are not reported in scientific literature. Therefore, our objective is to report the reliability and validity of a novel intermittent peak running speed test. The intermittent peak running speed test required footballers to perform 10 repetitions on 25-second intervals. Each repetition required 15-m jogging, 20-m acceleration to peak speed, 10 m to sustain peak speed, 20-m deceleration, and finally a 15-m jog. Intermittent peak running speed was determined by portable global positioning system. To assess reliability, 26 footballers performed the intermittent peak running speed test on 2 occasions 3-5 days apart. Our results revealed that average peak speed had a coefficient of variation of 2.2% and an intraclass correlation of 0.91. To assess construct validity, average peak speed was compared between elite, sub-elite, and regional footballers. The average peak speed of the elite footballers (28.6 ± 1.7 km-h-1) was higher than that of the sub-elite (27.4 6 1.7 km-h -1) and regional (27 6 1.9 km-h-1) competitors (p < 0.05). Our study revealed that the intermittent peak running speed test possesses acceptable reliability and distinguishes between elite and sub-elite footballers. © 2011 National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Repeated sprint training improves intermittent peak running speed in team-sport athletes
- Authors: Hunter, Jayden , O'Brien, Brendan , Mooney, Mitchell , Berry, Jason , Young, Warren , Down, Neville
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 25, no. 5 (2011), p. 1318-1325
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- Description: Repeated sprint training improves intermittent peak running speed in team-sport athletes. J Strength Cond Res 25(5): 1318-1325, 2011-The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 2 repeated sprint training interventions on an intermittent peak running speed (IPRS) test designed for Australian Rules football. The test required participants to perform 10 3 10-m maximal efforts on an 80-m course every 25 seconds, for each of which the mean peak speed (kilometers per hour) was recorded to determine IPRS. The training interventions were performed twice weekly for 4 weeks immediately before regular football training. In the constant volume intervention (CVol), sprint repetition number remained at 10 (n = 9), and in the linear increase in volume (LIVol) intervention, repetition number increased linearly each week by 2 repetitions (n = 12). Intermittent peak running speed, 300-m shuttle test performance, and peak running speed were assessed before and upon completion of training. All measures were compared to a control group (CON; n = 8) in which players completed regular football training exclusively. Intermittent peak running speed performance in CVol and LIVol improved significantly (p < 0.01) by 5.2 and 3.8%, respectively, with no change in IPRS for CON. There were no differences in IPRS changes between CVol and LIVol. Additionally, peak running speed improved significantly (p < 0.01) by 5.1% for CVol, whereas 300-m shuttle performance improved significantly (p < 0.01) by 2.6% for LIVol only. Intermittent peak running speed, 300-m shuttle performance and peak running speed were improved after 4 weeks of training; however, progressively increasing sprint repetition number had no greater advantage on IPRS adaptation. Additionally, exclusive regular football training over a 4-week period is unlikely to improve IPRS, peak running speed, or 300-m shuttle performance.
The relationship between physical capacity and match performance in elite Australian football : A mediation approach
- Authors: Mooney, Mitchell , O'Brien, Brendan , Cormack, Stuart , Coutts, Aaron , Berry, Jason , Young, Warren
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Vol. 14, no. 5 (2011), p. 447-452
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- Description: The aim of this study was to verify if yo-yo intermittent recovery test (level 2) (yo-yo IR2) score is linked to Australian football (AF) performance through match exercise intensity. Six week prospective study design. Twenty-one data sets were recorded from nine individual players that completed the yo-yo IR2, and played an Australian Football League match in the first five rounds of the 2010 season wearing a global positioning system (GPS) unit. Simple mediation modelling was used to analyse the inter-relationship between yo-yo IR2 score, match exercise intensity and AF performance. Playing position and experience were also incorporated into the model to identify conditional affects. A significant direct relationship was observed between yo-yo IR2 and number of ball disposals (p<0.1) and a significant indirect relationship was observed between yo-yo IR2 and number of ball disposals through distance travelled at high intensity (HIR mmin-1) (p<0.1). Moderation analysis showed that playing position affected the relationship between of yo-yo IR2 and HIR mmin-1 (p<0.1) and HIR mmin-1 and total ball disposals (p<0.1). Playing experience also significantly affected the relationship between HIR mmin-1 and total ball disposals. This study is the first to identify the effects of yo-yo IR2 on total ball disposals through HIR mmin-1 performed during AF matches, and that playing position and playing experience affect these interactions. © 2011 Sports Medicine Australia.
The acute effects of heavy-ball bowling on fast bowling performance in cricket
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , O'Brien, Brendan
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning Vol. 21, no. S2 (2013), p. 41-44
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- Description: Poster presented at conferrence
Accelerometer load as a measure of activity profile in different standards of netball match play
- Authors: Cormack, Stuart , Smith, Renee , Mooney, Mitchell , Young, Warren , O'Brien, Brendan
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance Vol. 9, no. 2 (2014), p. 283-291
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- Description: To determine differences in load/min (AU) between standards of netball match play., Methods: Load/ min (AU) representing accumulated accelerations measured by triaxial accelerometers was recorded during matches of 2 higher- and 2 lower-standard teams (N = 32 players). Differences in load/min (AU) were compared within and between standards for playing position and periods of play. Differences were considered meaningful if there was >75% likelihood of exceeding a small (0.2) effect size., Results: Mean (± SD) full-match load/min (AU) for the higher and lower standards were 9.96 ± 2.50 and 6.88 ± 1.88, respectively (100% likely lower). The higher standard had greater (mean 97% likely) load/min (AU) values in each position. The difference between 1st and 2nd halves' load/min (AU) was unclear at the higher standard, while lower-grade centers had a lower (-7.7% ± 10.8%, 81% likely) load/min (AU) in the 2nd half and in all quarters compared with the 1st. There was little intrastandard variation in individual vector contributions to load/min (AU); however, higher-standard players accumulated a greater proportion of the total in the vertical plane (mean 93% likely)., Conclusions: Higher-standard players produced greater load/min (AU) than their lower-standard counterparts in all positions. Playing standard influenced the pattern of load/min (AU) accumulation across a match, and individual vector analysis suggests that different-standard players have dissimilar movement characteristics. Load/min (AU) appears to be a useful method for assessing activity profile in netball. © 2014 Human Kinetics, Inc.
The relationships between selected physical qualities and bowling performance, with 'match-intensity' and 'maximal-effort' deliveries in cricket pace-bowlers
- Authors: Feros, Simon , O'Brien, Brendan , Young, Warren
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning Vol. 22, no. 5 (2014), p. 120-123
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Analysis of a reactive agility test using a live tester
- Authors: Willey, Benjamin , Young, Warren , O'Brien, Brendan
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning
- Relation: Vol. 27, no. 2 (2019), p. 19-31
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- Description: The utility of a reactive agility test using a live tester (LRAT) was investigated by assessing the variability and reliability of the tester’s movements. Of interest was how the tester’s actions influenced the agility measure of total test time (Ttt). Thirty-one (N=31) semi-elite Australian Rules football players were used to investigate the impact of tester time (TT) variability. A single subject was employed as the test presenter. The LRAT was presented to the playing group on two occasions (test 1 and test 2) separated by a period of 47 days. The impact of the TT on the subject’s agility was investigated for test 1 only. The TT displayed between subject variability within a session. The TT was initiated by the testers’ forward movement and ceased the instant the tester planted his outside foot to change direction. This was represented by the coefficient of variation, and the range expressed as a percentage of the mean. These were 4.8% and 25.6%, respectively. To understand the impact of this, subjects were ranked from fastest to slowest for Ttt, before being re-ranked after the TT was removed. This resulted in 22 out of the 31 subjects changing rank. The test-retest for the TT revealed a very large and significant decrease in time (p = .0001). This was accompanied by an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of -0.04. Thus, the TT failed to provide a stable measure. Based on these findings it is recommended that measures such as agility time (AT), i.e. Ttt minus the TT, be used instead of Ttt. Further, isolating measures of perception and decision-making abilities (PDM) from the physical qualities is recommended to enhance agility inferences.
Relationship between selected physical qualities, bowling kinematics, and pace bowling skill in club-standard cricketers
- Authors: Feros, Simon , Young, Warren , O'Brien, Brendan
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol. 33, no. 10 (Oct 2019), p. 2812-2825
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- Description: Although strength and conditioning of cricket pace bowlers has become more specialized in recent times, little is understood about the interplay between physical capacities, pace bowling kinematics, and pace bowling skill measures. This study sought to determine these interrelationships. Thirty-one male club-standard pace bowlers completed 3 test sessions on separate occasions 4-7 days apart. The first testing session comprised an 8-over pace bowling assessment, where bowling skill and selected bowling kinematics were measured. A physical test battery was completed over the remaining 2 sessions. Peak and mean ball release (BR) speed were related with 1 repetition maximum pull-up strength (r(s) = 0.56, p = 0.005) and correlated with 20-m sprint time (r(s) = -0.42, p = 0.022; r(s) = -0.37, p = 0.044, respectively). Mean radial error was associated with 10-m and 20-m sprint times (r(s) = 0.41, p = 0.030; r(s) = 0.38, p = 0.037, respectively), and correlated with height and peak power from 3 countermovement jumps (CMJs) (r(s) = -0.39, p = 0.036; r(s) = -0.41, p = 0.031, respectively), and mean peak power from 20 CMJs (r(s) = -0.45, p = 0.020). Bivariate variable error was correlated with front-leg extension angle at BR (r(s) = 0.41, p = 0.036), and also with approach speed (r(s) = -0.36, p = 0.050). These relationships may assist strength and conditioning coaches in designing more effective training programs to enhance bowling speed and accuracy. Training interventions are warranted, however, to validate these associations.