Insight - Sports Science

Health-related fitness: Preservice physical educators attempt the model

2025-02-21T03:00:43+00:00

Purpose: This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions held by eleven preservice teachers regarding Health-Related Fitness as they learn to teach within the model to middle school students during an early field experience. It was hypothesised that issues brought up by the PTs at the beginning of the early field experience will be more self-centred (i.e., class management, preparation, curriculum and pedagogical content knowledge) and more student-centred toward the end of the early field experience (i.e., joy of student achievement, developing relationships). Method: Each PT was formally observed teaching two times for 40-60 min per session, as well as informally interviewed once for a period of approximately two hours at the conclusion of the semester. Additionally, the researcher also had dozens of conversations with each PT over the course of the semester to mentor and guide the PT through their field experience. Written data were analysed through open coding then selective coding to identify a “core category” and relate it to other categories and themes common to occupational socialization theory literature. Analytic induction was employed while documenting negative cases. Results: Most preservice teachers and middle school pupils ultimately “bought in” to Health-Related Fitness by the culmination of the early field experience and, in fact, most PT’s focus did become ore student-centred. Discussion: This exploratory study suggests that preservice teachers learn their conceptions of teaching Health-Related Fitness from a variety of different environments, contexts, and leadership figures. These personal experiences teaching Health-Related Fitness manifest themselves in preservice teachers understanding of how Health-Related Fitness content should be practiced in physical education. Physical education teacher education faculty can facilitate preservice teachers’ self-exploration through introspective and reflective practices.

Effect of short-term mindfulness training on free throw performance and thought control in novice athletes

2025-03-05T07:34:57+00:00

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of short-term mindfulness-based psychological training techniques on free-throw performance in novice athletes, particularly examining their compensatory effects under auditory interference. By addressing practical challenges in basketball and enhancing athletic performance, our findings seek to offer new insights and innovative training approaches for the field of sports training. Methods: Forty participants were recruited for a 2 × 2 mixed experimental design, with auditory interference (none vs. present) as a within-subject independent variable and group (control vs. mindfulness) as a between-subject independent variable. The intervention lasted 15 min. Dependent variables included mindfulness level, free-throw performance (measured by quality score and shooting percentage), and thought control. Results: 1) Mindfulness Level: Short-term mindfulness training significantly enhanced state mindfulness. 2) Free Throw Performance: No significant improvements were observed in free-throw quality or shooting percentage following short-term mindfulness training. 3) Thought control: Short-term mindfulness training significantly increased overall thought control scores; however, no significant effects were found in its sub-dimensions. Conclusion: A 15-min short-term mindfulness intervention effectively enhanced state mindfulness and overall thought control, particularly under auditory interference. However, neither short-term mindfulness training nor auditory distractions had a direct impact on basketball free-throw performance.

Addressing gender inequalities in European football: Key dimensions and strategies

2025-02-21T03:00:38+00:00

Women’s football in Europe has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from a historically marginalized status to a vibrant and increasingly celebrated part of the football world. Despite these advancements, gender inequality continues to present a formidable and multifaceted challenge, reflecting broader societal inequities and deep-rooted historical biases that persist in many aspects of life. This study employs a robust theoretical approach to systematically identify the key dimensions of gender inequality in European football and assess existing strategies deployed by the UEFA and its national associations, aimed at mitigating these disparities. This in-depth examination uncovers gaps and opportunities, providing a nuanced understanding of where progress has been made and where continued effort is required. Additionally, the study presents a comprehensive set of actionable insights and evidence-based recommendations designed to enhance current strategies and introduce pioneering solutions that effectively address specific challenges. Ultimately, this study contributes to the broader discourse on gender equality in sports, offering actionable insights for stakeholders committed to transforming the landscape of European football. The goal is to pave the way toward a more equitable and inclusive future for women’s football, setting an example for sports globally through evidence-based reforms and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders and policymakers.