Alfonso Gutiérrez-Santiago

Objective: This study aimed to describe and analyze the temporal structure of combat in female Para judo and to examine the influence of sport class and weight category following the classification changes introduced by the International Blind Sports Federation in 2022. Design: An observational methodology was applied to 116 matches from the 2022 IBSA Judo World Championships using the OTSJUDO v.2 system. Temporal variables related to standing-combat sequences, pauses, and displacement times were analyzed according to sport class (J1 and J2) and weight category. Results: Clear differences emerged between sport classes. J1 athletes exhibited longer pauses, whereas J2 athletes showed more dynamic combat, with longer total and sequential standing-combat time and shorter pauses. Weight-category effects varied by class. In J1, extra lightweight athletes (−48 kg) showed a more intermittent pattern with shorter pauses, while heavier categories presented longer pauses and displacement times. In J2, extra lightweight athletes performed shorter standing-combat sequences than other categories. Between-class comparisons within weight categories revealed differences mainly in intermediate divisions, particularly in standing-combat sequences (−57 kg) and pause duration (−70 kg). Conclusion: Sport class emerged as the primary determinant of temporal combat dynamics in female Para judo, with weight category acting as a secondary modulating factor.

Despite the recent expansion of pickleball, empirical evidence on the technical–tactical demands of men's doubles play remains scarce. This study provides the first integrated analysis of match structure and point-resolution mechanisms in elite men's doubles pickleball. A total of 2344 points from fifteen semifinal and final matches of the 2023 PPA Tour were analysed using observational methodology. All actions were coded with LINCE PLUS, and descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted in SPSS. Variables included rally length, striking zone, finishing zone, and final stroke. A CHAID decision-tree model was used to identify multivariate predictors of point outcome, and THEME 6 Edu was applied to detect recurrent T-patterns. Receiving pairs won 55.5% of rallies, consistent with a limited serve advantage characteristic of men's doubles play. Very long rallies (≥13 shots) were the most frequent (35.2%). Short and medium rallies favoured receivers, whereas long and very long rallies favoured servers. Most decisive shots were executed in zone 2, which acted as the primary operational area for rally control. Groundstrokes were closely associated with unforced errors, while volleys (especially in medium and long rallies) showed greater winning potential. The CHAID model identified rally length as the strongest predictor of point outcome, followed by striking and finishing zones. T-pattern analysis revealed recurrent temporal structures characterised by alternations between deep and mid-court zones and terminal volley actions. Men's doubles pickleball exhibits a distinctive internal logic based on cooperative spatial management, prolonged rallies, and incremental serving consolidation. These insights provide objective references for optimising training design and tactical preparation in doubles play.

The aim was to analyze the impact of recent Para Judo rule modifications on the temporal structure of combat in elite male judo athletes with visual impairment, considering new sport classes (J1, J2) and weight categories. An observational study analyzed 205 matches from the 2022 International Blind Sports Federation Judo World Championships using the Observed Temporal System for Judo Combat v.2 instrument. Significant differences emerged between sport classes: J1 combats were less fragmented, with longer pauses, groundwork, displacement, and gripping times poststoppage. J2 combats were more fragmented, involving shorter, dynamic sequences. Heavier Para Judo athletes (−90 kg, +90 kg) showed longer standing sequences, pauses, and gripping durations, indicating deliberate recovery strategies. Across all weights, J1 Para Judo athletes experienced longer pauses, reflecting greater temporal demands from total blindness. Results validate the competitive separation of J1 and J2 and emphasize tailored training strategies according to sport class and weight category. Specific temporal structure models support individualized Para Judo training planning.

This study aimed to analyze the tactical patterns employed by elite U-14 female tennis players during the 2023 Les Petits As tournament, as a case study, focusing on singles matches from the quarterfinals to the final. Using a structured observational methodology and the OBSTENNIS-JUNIOR-S23 instrument, 837 points were coded and analyzed through LINCE PLUS and THEME 6 Edu software. Descriptive results revealed a predominant use of first serves (70%) and a preference for targeting the body zone (43.2%). Short rallies (0–4 shots) were most frequent (38%). Overall, 57% of points ended with a final shot from behind the baseline, and 56% concluded with a forehand. Unforced errors were the leading cause of point conclusions, particularly with balls going beyond the baseline (24.7%). Inferential analyses showed no significant differences between deuce and advantage sides in serve patterns or outcomes. These results suggest that, at U-14, the serve primarily functions as a rally starter rather than a direct-scoring weapon, although placement and early rally control remain influential in shaping point outcomes. Limitations include the narrow sample scope and lack of longitudinal data; future research should expand to diverse contexts and incorporate developmental trajectories. The findings provide practical implications for training while contributing to a more gender-inclusive understanding of tactical development in junior tennis. Practical implications include prioritizing serve placement variability and early point control (serve+1) under competition-like constraints in U-14 girls’ training.

This study analyzed penalty kick performance in elite women’s football, focusing on contextual, situational, and technical factors across the Spanish Liga F and the English Women’s Super League during the 2022/23 to 2024/25 seasons. Using an observational methodology, 240 penalties were systematically coded according to twelve criteria and fifty-five categories. Chi-square goodness-of-fit and independence tests were applied to examine distributions and associations. The overall conversion rate was 80.4%, with 15.4% of attempts saved and 4.2% missed. Home teams achieved significantly higher success than away teams (85.6% vs. 72.7%), while penalties taken when leading were less effective (69.9%) compared with those executed while drawing or losing (>84%). Temporal effects were also observed, with lower effectiveness around halftime (71.8%). Laterality and goalkeeper actions showed no significant influence, although some league-specific tendencies were noted. Shot placement emerged as the strongest determinant of success, with upper and central zones achieving near-perfect results, whereas medium-height shots were least effective. These findings extend existing knowledge by providing the first longitudinal evidence from elite women’s domestic leagues in Spain and England. Practical implications include emphasizing accuracy toward optimal zones, reinforcing psychological preparation when leading, and addressing performance drops during specific match periods.

Purpose: This study aimed to describe, analyze, and compare the temporal and sequential structure of women’s foil bouts in wheelchair fencing across Categories A and B. Methods: An observational study was conducted using an adapted version of the ESGRIMOBS system, validated by expert judges. The sample comprised 44 direct elimination bouts (22 per category) from international competitions held after 2022. Variables analyzed were bout duration, number and type of pauses, action time, and distribution by periods and minutes. Data were recorded with Lince Plus software and analyzed in SPSS (v.25.0) using descriptive statistics, comparative tests (Student’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis), and effect sizes. Results: All bouts ended in the second period, mostly within the first minute (68.2%). Category A showed longer average duration, though not significantly. Both categories displayed high fragmentation, with actions <3 s. In the second period, Category A had significantly more action and pause sequences than Category B. Minute-by-minute analysis indicated activity concentrated at the start of both periods. Conclusions: Wheelchair fencing is characterized by fragmentation and short actions. Temporal structure models are proposed for both categories, providing useful guidance for technical–tactical training and emphasizing the need for adaptations based on functional classification.

This study examines the effectiveness of the Judo Mat as a didactic tool in the teaching of the tai otoshi throwing technique during the initial stages of judo instruction. A total of 108 university students without prior experience in judo participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group receiving traditional instruction, an experimental group exposed to the Judo Mat in other techniques but not in tai otoshi , and a second experimental group that used the Judo Mat specifically to learn tai otoshi . An observational and experimental methodology was used, assessing the presence of technical errors through the SOBJUDO-TAI v.2 instrument. Statistical analyses included Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, along with multiple comparison corrections using Holm-Bonferroni and Benjamini-Hochberg procedures. Among the errors analyzed, only the incorrect positioning of the right foot (IRFP) showed statistically significant differences between groups after correction (adjusted p < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cramér's V = 0.403). The group using the Judo Mat specifically for tai otoshi demonstrated a lower frequency of this error. No significant differences were observed in the remaining categories. These findings suggest that the Judo Mat may be effective in addressing specific technical errors when applied directly to the target skill, but its overall impact on performance improvement remains limited.

This study investigates the tactical patterns and effectiveness of serve strategies in elite U-14 international boys’ tennis. Using an observational methodology, we analyzed 971 points from the quarterfinals to the final of the Les Petits As 2023 tournament, a prestigious event for junior players. Data were collected using the OBSTENNIS-JUNIOR-S23 instrument with the LINCE PLUS recording tool and processed with SPSS 25 and THEME 6 Edu software. The findings reveal that the first serve is significantly more effective than the second serve, particularly in short rallies (0–4 shots), where serves directed to the T-zone achieved the highest success rates. U-14 players did not exhibit a dominant serving pattern compared to professional players, distributing their serves relatively evenly across different target areas. Additionally, most players remained in deep baseline positions rather than stepping forward, limiting their ability to capitalize on serve placement. Tactical inefficiencies were evident in the execution of the serve +1 shot, where errors often extended rallies unnecessarily. These findings highlight the need for targeted training interventions to improve serve placement, forward positioning, and decision-making. Implementing these improvements could facilitate a smoother transition to higher levels of play and optimize performance in junior tennis competitions.

Despite the growing popularity of women’s basketball in recent years, scientific literature on the subject remains significantly less extensive compared to its male counterpart. The main objective of this research was to analyze successful offensive actions and patterns during critical moments in the Women’s EuroLeague. The sample consisted of 377 technical–tactical actions corresponding to plays with score differences of three points or less (one-possession games) in the final minute and overtime periods of the Women’s EuroLeague during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. This study was based on an observational design, utilizing the LINCE PLUS software together with a customized observation tool. Descriptive statistics and chi-square (χ²) tests were carried out using SPSS version 25, while T-Pattern detection was performed through Theme 5 software. A threshold for statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. The findings indicated that home teams achieved a higher percentage of successful plays compared to visiting teams. Most successful patterns occurred during the final phase of possession (8”–0”), regardless of game location or team result. Additionally, layups, plays involving shots after on-ball screen, and actions following personal fouls demonstrated the highest success rates. The practical implications discussed in this research provide valuable insights for coaches to optimize offensive strategies during high-pressure moments in elite women’s basketball.

In elite basketball, closely contested games are often decided in the last minute, where a single possession can significantly alter the outcome. The objective of this study was to analyze the offensive patterns and effectiveness of successful play sequences executed during the last minute and overtime periods of the 2022–2023 EuroLeague men’s basketball season. Specifically, we examined how offensive strategies varied based on score conditions and team status (winning, losing, or tied) in games with a score difference of three points or fewer, representing a maximum one-possession margin. The sample consisted of 709 technical–tactical actions performed in one-possession games during the last minute and overtime periods of the men’s EuroLeague 2022–2023 season. An observational methodology was employed using the LINCE PLUS software with a purpose-designed observational instrument. Descriptive analyses and chi-square (χ²) tests were conducted using SPSS 25, and T-Pattern analysis was performed with Theme 6 software. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The results showed that teams leading at the start of the possession executed a higher number of successful actions, primarily through free throws drawn from fouls committed by the opposing team. Additionally, plays involving few or no passes, executed within the first 17 s of possession, and completed by point guards or centers, were associated with higher success rates. While less frequent, fast breaks proved to be more effective than set offenses. Furthermore, the study highlights the role of elite playmakers in late-game situations, as their ability to read defenses and create scoring opportunities plays a crucial role in determining offensive success. The practical implications of this study can assist coaches in optimizing offensive strategies during high-pressure moments in elite men’s basketball by refining late-game decision-making and tactical planning.