Annals of “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati. Fascicle XV, Physical Education and Sport Management

OBJECTIVES OF THE TECHNIQUE OF HITTING THE BALL ON THE RIGHT HIT (FOREHAND) IN THE GAME OF TENNIS

Adrian Alistarh — 2023-11-09

I chose this theme, out of the desire to evolve professionally, to understand and effectively solve the problems encountered in field tennis observed throughout the career of a performance athlete, as well as that of a teacher. Also, I want to bring news regarding the technique of hitting the ball for the right shot in the game of tennis. The sample investigated in the research will be represented by subjects between the ages of 10-12 years from the High School with Sports Program "N. Rotaru" from Constanța. The main research methods are studying specialized literature, diagnostic method – SWOT analysis, tests of the tennis federation (general and specific physical training), statistical method (arithmetic mean), graphic representation method. At the end of my doctoral studies, I will propose a model in tennis training of players aged 10-12, by designing technical training programs that positively influence the game both at training as well as in competitions, also determining a significant improvement of the right shot. The preparation plan will contain exercises in the form of competitions, tests, control rules, verification and official games that will significantly improve the results of the subjects in the tests and the results of the proposed tests will be analyzed within the preliminary research.

USE OF CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS OF LAWN TENNIS PLAYERS IN RELATION TO THEIR PSYCHOMOTOR SKILLS

Alexandru Anghel — 2023-11-09

Biorhythm or circadian rhythm represents a biological process through which the human body adopts a rhythmicity, which can be measured once every 24 hours. An analytical analysis of human biorhythms and their interaction in the synergy of psychomotor capabilities of lawn tennis players was performed. The reliability of performances in official competitions is conditioned by the integral preparation of the athlete, the components of which are optimal technical and tactical, physical, functional and mental training, taking into account the manifestation of his biorhythms. Biorhythmology is currently of great theoretical and practical importance in sports training. However, certain principles and provisions of biorhythmology in sports are insufficiently highlighted and scientifically justified, but, without a doubt, research in this direction gives the expected practical result. A series of aspects of psychophysiology are highlighted, the solution of which largely depends on the success of using biorhythms to increase the efficiency of sports activities. The dynamics of the circadian rhythms of the psychophysiological functions are reflected in the volume and intensity of the applied training and competition tasks, as well as in the physical recovery after their performance. In order to identify the relationship between biorhythms and sports and psychomotor performances of athletes, we analyzed the results obtained in competitions by tennis students (the best and worst of the season). The analysis of the obtained results showed that the best sports and test results are presented by tennis players during the optimal phases of the biorhythm, and the worst - during critical periods. It is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the biorhythm when predicting and analyzing the performances of athletes in certain competitions and the test parameters that characterize their psychomotor capabilities as determining factors of sports and tactical abilities. It has been established that psychomotor indices and sports performance of tennis players are interconnected with the periods of biorhythms. In the negative period and on the critical days, the greatest decrease in the reactions to the moving object (RMO) was observed, the decrease in the state-impact force, which provides the force of the deep (postural) muscles of the trunk, involved in maintaining both statodynamic and dynamic, one of the factors of motor-coordinating qualities of tennis players.

STUDY OF THE PSYCHOMOTOR ABILITIES AND QUALITIES OF THE STUDENTS CONDITIONED BY BIORYTHMS AND THEIR PERSONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Alexandru Anghel — 2023-11-09

One of the most important problems of modern science is the search for new reserves aimed at increasing the efficiency of educational, work and training activities by using biological rhythms. The temporal sequence of interaction of various functional systems of the body with the environment, developed in the course of evolution, contributes to the harmonious coordination of various biological processes and ensures the normal functioning of the entire organism. This reveals the important adaptive value of biorhythms for the body's vital functions. However, certain principles and provisions of biorhythms in sports are insufficiently highlighted and scientifically justified, but without a doubt, scientific research in this direction brings the expected practical result. We also mention the problems of psychophysiology, the solution of which largely depends on the success of using biorhythms to improve the efficiency of sports and students learning activities [1]. The dynamics of the circadian rhythmicity of the psychophysiological functions is reflected in the volume and intensity of the applied training and competition tasks, as well as in the performance recovery after performing them. Three biorhythms are known that significantly influence human performance: physical, emotional and intellectual ones.

METHODS AND MEANS OF LEARNING THE BASIC SHOTS OF THE GAME OF TENNIS AT THE 8-10 YEARS AGE CATEGORY

Cosmin Cătălin Catană — 2023-11-09

I chose this theme, due to the interest that I developed during my university training, for educating, training and learning the basic strokes of the game of tennis for beginner children. Through the present work we aim to make a useful contribution and relevant to existing practice regarding the benefits of learning the correct ball striking technique for the forehand, forehand and service stroke.
The sample investigated in the research will be represented by subjects between the ages of 7-10 years from the High School with Sports Program "N. Rotaru" from Constanța. The current game of tennis is characterized by great dynamism, the player being put in the position to think and act quickly for the effective application of the technical-tactical arsenal, in the diversity of adversity situations. Thus, beginner players at the age of 8-10 need to learn the most correct technique in order to be able to carry out any tactical plan in order to win matches in competitions. The general objective of the research is to observe to what extent the new methods and means proposed for improving the basic shots help to make the learning process more efficient for children in training and to improve the tennis game at the mentioned age.

THE IMPACT OF AGE AND BODY COMPOSITION ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND SOCCER SKILLS AMONG PRE-PUBERTAL PLAYERS IN "MIXED-AGE" TEAMS

Federico Abate Daga — 2023-11-09

Purpose: The main objective of this research was to examine how age impacts physical fitness and soccer skills among players in mixed-age teams. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the connection between body fat percentage, BMI, and physical performance. Methods: The researchers selected 43 pre-pubertal children from an amateur soccer school and placed them in the "Under 10" or "Under 12" groups based on age. To evaluate the players, the researchers conducted tests such as the standing long jump, 20-meter sprint, shuttle dribble, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 modified for Children (YYIR1C). Results: The results indicated that older and more experienced children performed better in physical and soccer-specific evaluations (p < 0.0001). Moreover, higher body fat levels harmed physical exertion and soccer-specific performance (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Therefore, mixed-age teams may not be the most effective solution for maximizing soccer school schedules, and nutritional guidance should be incorporated into soccer school programs.

THE ROLE OF MULTISTATION EXERCISES IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY EXPOSURE DURING A CURRICULAR PRIMARY SCHOOL LESSON: A PILOT STUDY

Stefania Cazzoli — 2023-11-09

Background: The benefits of physical activity on primary school children are well reported. Nevertheless, the percentage of children meeting the minimum daily amount of recommended moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) declines continuously. Many countries worldwide promote projects in primary schools to sensibilise children to physical activity to fight against this phenomenon. However, most of the interventions focused on the available time dedicated to physical activity and not on the quality of time usage. Thus, this study aimed to identify the role of exercise set-up on the actual time spent by active moving during PA intervention using the "multistation exercise" method. Methods: Twenty children from the third grade of a primary school were recruited to perform 60 minutes of extra-curricular PA intervention. Children performed three different exercise formats, and active time spent by moving or exercising was calculated by video recording the intervention. Results: The final sample size was 12 primary school children (weight 26.83 ± 4.26 kg; height 125.83 ± 6.07 cm, BMI 16.87 ± 1.804 kg/m2 ). The mean active time spent moving or exercising was 50.75 ± 6.46 seconds in the one-station format and 100.13 ± 10.78 seconds in the two-station format, and 148.71 ± 7.26 seconds in the four-stations format. Repeated measure ANOVA showed a significant solid difference among the three formats (p<0.001). Bonferroni Post Hoc showed a considerable difference between one and two workstation formats (p< 0.001; +97% of active time), between two and four workstation forms (p<0.001; +49% of active time) and between one and four workstation set-ups (p<0.001; +193% of active time). Conclusions: The multistation exercise method may be an excellent opportunity to optimise PA intervention in primary school children.

AGE AND GENDER DIFFERENCES IN BODY COMPOSITION IN YOUNG ADOLESCENTS

Pavol Čech — 2023-11-09

At the age of 11-15 (the period of younger adolescents), there are significant changes in body composition due to pre-pubertal and pubertal development. In our paper, the differences in indicators of body composition of elementary school students in the context of age and gender were evaluated. Boys and girls from primary schools aged 10-11 years (n=32 and n=38), 12-13 years (n=36 and n=57) and 14-15 years (n= 38 and n=33) were examined. In addition to age, body height (BH), body weight (BW), Quetelet's index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), body fat mass index (BFMI), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), percentage of body fat (PBF), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and visceral fat (VFA) were monitored. The data were obtained using the InBody 230 device using the multi-frequency bioimpedance method of measuring body composition. The measured data were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 20.0. Since data were not normally distributed (Shapiro-Wilk test), they were processed using non-parametric methods through Kruskal-Wallis Anova (age differences) and multiple comparisons with the Mann-Whitney U test with the application of the Bonferonni adjustment. The most significant differences were only found in the intersex comparison of 14-15-year-old pupils, when in the relative values of fat representation (BFMI and PBF), girls achieved higher mean values, on the contrary, higher values of in the group of boys are visible in the indicators describing active body mass (FFM, FFMI and SMM).

CHALLENGES DETERMINED BY THE NEW TRENDS IN HANDBALL COMMUNICATION

Bogdan Ion Chepea — 2023-11-09

The act of communication plays an important role in all aspects of social life and is an inevitable link in the normal functioning of sports organizations. Therefore, the research theme aims to explore how communication is viewed in the game of handball, highlighting the main problems encountered. The purpose of the study is to analyze communication problems within handball teams. Communication has always represented a fundamental element in the game of handball, but nowadays it is much more important, due to the fact that society is characterized by a continuous diversification of cognitive domains and the effective involvement of the act of communication in all activities carried out. Therefore, it is well known that handball is the basis of the physical and mental development of young athletes, which should be a sign created by healthy individuals, so communication within handball teams can greatly influence the achievement of these young people athletes, developing their image and sport, especially increasing the efficiency of the handball game. Thus, communication is a fundamental condition in handball, for the instructional process to be carried out under appropriate conditions, communication being what constitutes the bond that holds together the members of a handball team.

PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF ATTACK PREPARATION IN THE GAME OF TENNIS

Liliana Ocheșel — 2023-11-09

In the last decades, the game of tennis has evolved considerably due to several factors, among which we enumerate: the improvement of the learning methodology and the improvement of technical procedures, the improvement of tactical thinking, the appearance of fast playing surfaces, the increase of the effort capacity of the players, the participation in competitions throughout the year. The relationships of interdependence between technique and the previously listed factors are obvious, they determine the increase in the quality of the tennis game. Due to the same causes, the vision of the specialists regarding the order of importance of the shots has fundamentally changed. Training has an increasingly perfected methodology in all aspects, being a specialized activity that represents the basic means of the entire training system of the tennis player and includes: practical training lesson and basic factors: physical, technical, tactical, mental (recovery, health, medication, motivation). Thus a professional player plays 32 tournaments a year. The tactical register, in top matches, registers remarkable progress on all levels, with special emphasis on game strategies and choosing a tactic according to the type of own and opposing player. Players prove solid theoretical knowledge.

CORPOREALITY AND CROSS-CURRICULAR LEARNING: FROM THE ANALYSIS OF THE 2004-2007-2012 NATIONAL INDICATIONS TO FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Cristiana D'Anna — 2023-11-09

The segmentation and specialization, which characterize the current state of knowledge, the "struggle" and sometimes the declared "incommunicability" between the sciences, today need a modification of the curricula and a consequent and necessary reorganization of educational planning and programming oriented to overcome the unidisciplinary approach. The present contribution, starting from an analysis of the 2004-2007-2012 national curriculum Indications (MIUR) and focusing on corporeality as a medium of cross-curricular learning, aims to initiate insights about the revision of programmatic guidance documents in the Italian context. The study in analysing objectives and developmental goals of the different disciplines within the national guidelines highlights the evolution of the value of corporeality by critically revisiting the usual educational scenarios where the body is often absent or little valorise. According to international educational perspectives increasingly directed toward the development of transversal skills and attitudes and recent research in the field of cognitive neuroscience, some epistemological nodes will be outlined on which to leverage so that corporeality can become a “tool” for the integration of knowledge and experience, traditionally separated from each other: those of speech (verbal dimension) with the less recognized ones of movement, gesture, gaze and the senses (non-verbal dimension). Physical education can enable the implementation of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary paths, foster the implementation of learning environments effective to the promotion of cognitive, social, cultural and affective experiences.

STUDY ON THE SOMATO-FUNCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF 10-11 YEAR OLD STUDENTS THROUGH THE EUFITMOS TEST PROTOCOL

Ionuț Dantis — 2023-11-09

In this paper we propose to carry out a study on the somato-functional development of 10-11-year-old students from the ”Vasile Alecsandri” National College in Bacau (Romania) using a standardized test battery – EUFITMOS and comparing the data obtained with the reference values established as normal indices of the World Health Organization for this age category. Method: The research subjects are represented by a number of 54 students aged 10-11 years, 33 boys and 21 girls, voluntarily participated in the measurements. We used only 5 tests out of the 9 that make up the EUFITMOS protocol: Standing long jump; 20m run; Back-saver sit and reach; BMI; Waist circumference. Results: Following the evaluation of the obtained results, we can state that the average of the results obtained by both categories of subjects has a value above the average of the normal fitness zone in two of the tests and the results obtained in the rest tests place both categories of subjects in the "sport" area of fitness. Conclusion: Although the specialized literature places Romanian children in 2nd place in Europe for childhood obesity, following the research we can affirm that the subjects have a normal body mass index in relation to the body mass index measured at the European level for this age group.

THE USE OF VIRTUAL REALITY IN FROZEN SHOULDER MOBILIZATION

Ionut Ciprian Gospodin — 2023-11-09

Virtual reality is: "a way for humans to visualize, manipulate and interact with computers and extremely complex data" [Aukstakalnis & Blatner, 1992] (the way through which people can visualize, manipulate and interact with computers and complex data) more precisely it can be an advanced form of a human-computer, an interface that allows the user to interact in an environment generated by an almost real, natural computer, just like in airplane, train, car simulators in which pilots train for the development skills. The same environment can be created to develop and recover cognitive and functional abilities, bringing interactive scenarios designed to meet the needs of patients or create tasks similar to the real world. Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a condition that causes a significant loss of both active and passive range of motion of the shoulder that occurs in the absence of preceding pathology.

HIGHLIGHTING THE ASPECTS OF DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN THE TACTICS AND THE SPECIFIC TECHNIQUE OF THE FOOTBALL GAME

Eduard Leonard Guță — 2023-11-09

Football is a complex sport of teamwork and competition, a shared space whose objective is to kick the ball into the opposite goal more times than the opposition .The fact that several players share a space, fighting over possession of the ball gives the sport one of its most defining characteristics: spontaneity and, therefore, makes it more difficult to predict events. This reality is recognised by coaches and new sport professionals who understand that training environments should resemble those that are found in a real competitive contexts. As a result, Small Sided Games (SSG) have become a widely used training tool in football. SSGs are down-sized situations where one, several, or all phases of the game can be trained in a smaller space and where there are fewer players than in a real situation.

ASPECTS OF SPEED AND AGILITY MONITORING IN PUPILS WHO PRACTICE TENNIS AS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Ilie Mihai — 2023-11-09

Problem statement. Tennis is a sport that lately demonstrates that the final result is not just the player's talent for handling the rocket or the ability to send the ball where it is needed. The ensemble of physical abilities represents an increasing weight in the training process, even from the beginning in tennis, all these taking into account the specific stages of growth and development of the body. Speed and agility are some of the main directions that can be addressed in the physical training of young juniors, knowing the fact that, at this age, the body development processes are evolving, the approaching of these qualities being done with obvious effects. Purpose of Study. The purpose of the research was to highlight the importance of monitoring speed and agility during tennis players' training periods, the children's category. Methods. The study has had as participants 5 tennis players aged between 10 and 12 years(±0,84years). The tests used to monitor the speed and agility were: 15 m sprint; 5 x 10 m shuttle sprint; visual stimulus reaction and running in a 3x3m square by changing direction; from the "T" running towards the net - approaching to a smart indicator and return to "T". Findings and Results. In terms of monitoring the running during 15 m, the time obtained ranged between 2.91 s - 3.21 s, while in the shuttle test, the time ranged between 12.25 s and 17.73 s. The agility tests expressed very good indicators regarding the ability of the tennis players to react, run to an indicated point and return to the start point. Conclusions. It was revealed that speed and agility monitoring in young junior tennis players is a very useful and important manner to achieve adequate, objective and proper training, especially at this age. The monitoring tests and hardware that were used proved to be motivational tools for the athletes having the chance to interact with some devices that gave them objective and smart feedback.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS THROUGH CYCLIC MEDITATION

Gurmeet Singh — 2023-11-09

The most significant challenge that the average person has in this fast-paced day is a troubled, unsatisfied mind as a result of leading an inappropriate lifestyle. The average person has also been significantly impacted by changes in the timing of their sleep and wakefulness, as well as by the absence of physical activity and the inclusion of outside junk foods in their diet. Ayurvedic scriptures identify ahara, nidra, and vyayam as the three sub-pillars of life. More specifically, ahara refers to one's nutrition; nidra refers to one's sleeping habits; and vyayam refers to one's physical activity. The consequences of living in such an unhealthy manner are seen in individuals today in the form of a wide variety of diseases, both mental and physical. The constant overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system has also had a deleterious impact on the quality of sleep. Alterations to one's lifestyle, together with consistent yoga practice, may be useful in reversing the course of this worsening illness and enhancing the health and well-being of the general population.

EFFECTS OF THE FIFA 11+ WARM-UP PROGRAM ON VERTICAL JUMP AND DYNAMIC BALANCE AT U16 LEVEL IN FOOTBALL

Silvia Violeta Teodorescu — 2023-11-09

The FIFA 11+ warm-up program was developed as an injury prevention alternative to traditional warm-up methods in football. Numerous studies have confirmed its effectiveness in reducing injuries, as well as its potential impact on performance. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of the FIFA 11+ program on explosive force and dynamic balance, utilizing the Opto Jump equipment by Microgate. A total of 39 players were divided into two groups based on their respective teams: the intervention group (n=19) and the control group (n=20). The intervention group followed the FIFA 11+ warm-up three times a week for 12 weeks, while the control group continued with their regular warm-up routine. The results indicated no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the vertical jump test. However, in the dynamic balance test, the intervention group demonstrated significantly better results in power and reactive strength index compared to the control group. In conclusion, implementing the FIFA 11+ program for a minimum of 12 weeks, three times a week, can enhance dynamic balance and serve as a viable alternative to traditional football warm-up routines.

SPATIAL-TEMPORAL ORIENTATION AND BALANCE ABILITY AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ACCORDING TO GENDER

Anca Raluca Tănasă — 2023-11-09

Spatio-temporal orientation and balance ability at certain ages show the superiority of a certain gender type in terms of the level of performance recorded. The aim of this study was to investigate whether performance in spatial-temporal orientation and balance ability differs by gender. In order to determine the differences between genders, an analysis was carried out on a sample of 120 primary school pupils who were divided by gender into two groups: 58 girls (M=27,13, SD=6,50 kg; M=129,07, SD=6,58 cm) and 62 boys (M=29,39, SD=7,90 kg; M=130,92, SD =7,02 cm). The following tests were applied: Matorin and Flamingo Test. For the interpretation of the results the Independent Samples T Test was used. According to the results of the research, in the case of the Flamingo Test - the handy leg, the values (M=4.48, SD=4.21) are significantly higher (t=2.21, DF=118, two-tailed p=0.28) than those of boys (M=3.06, SD=2.62). Regarding the Matorin Test - skill part, boys' values (M=283.06, SD=82.04) are significantly higher (t=3.50, DF=118, two-tailed, p=0.001) than girls' (M=232.55, SD=75.35). It is recommended to develop spatial-temporal orientation and balance skills because these skills play a considerable role in sports and technical games where they are in high demand.

EXPERT OPINION STUDY REGARDING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE RUGBY METHODS IMPLEMENTATION DURING THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Marian Udroiu — 2023-11-09

This article analyses the results of the opinion questionaire applied to physical education teachers who carry out the teaching-learning-evaluation process with high school students.
The research being oriented towards the improvement of the educational system in the discipline of Physical Education and Sport, by diversifying the means of the physical education lesson, it is absolutely necessary to find out the experts’ opinions regarding the formative and motivational effects in high school students by applying those in the game of rugby. The answers obtained from the teaching staff who completed the questionnaire highlight several methodical and organisational aspects related to the educational process in the discipline through the application of methods from rugby.
The relevant aspects for us are those that answer the questions of how often they can be used, in which moment of the lesson, oriented towards the development of which general drive qualities and what are the impediments to the application of rugby tools in the physical education class. The conclusions formulated following the application of the opinion questionnaire method allow us to correctly orient the research direction, the results of which must have an applicative-formative character and ensure an effective educational process of the physical education class for high school students.

ANALYSIS OF THE EVOLUTION OF JUNIOR A RESULTS FOR GIRLS IN ROMANIA AT SHORT TRACK COMPARED TO THE RESULTS OBTAINED BY TOP ATHLETES

Marius Vaida — 2023-11-09

The present study wants to highlight the level of progress and development of short track speed skating in Romania. The study I propose is based on the results obtained by the short track skaters at the National Championships in Romania, monitored for six years between 2014 and 2022. The 1st-3rd places were taken into account, being compared with the world records of that period to highlight the differences between the top results and those achieved at national level. The study was done at the Junior A women age level, the 500m, 1000m and 1500m competitions being targeted. From the data presented it can be seen that for the 1st place in ranking, the best result in the 500m race is achieved in 2017 with a time of 47.32 sec, and the worst result is 53 sec in 2022. The 1000m competition is characterized by various evolutions at the level of sportsmen in Romania, the best result achieved at the level of 1st place ranking being 1:51.60 min in 2021 compared to the worst that was obtained in 2015 with a time of 2:06.020. In the 1500m competition, 2021 is the year with the best result (2:57.12 min), and the worst result obtained at national championships was 3:20.00 min achieved in 2022. In the context presented above we can see a big difference compared to the world record, the biggest difference being 1:01.30 min in 2022 and the smallest being 32.20 sec in 2014. The poor results obtained last year are obvious, the 500m and 1500m competitions being the weakest of those presented, confirming the statement that, with the lack of funding and optimal training conditions, the motivation of the athletes decreases, the prolongation of this situation leading to the abandonment of the sport. Although the year 2022 is not characterized by the worst result obtained in the 1000 m race, it is noted that the trend is to increase the time obtained compared to 2016-2021.