The aims of this study were to compare the training load intended by a coach with the training load perceived by the players, over a 45-week professional futsal team season and to compare the variation of session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) across different periods of the season. Eighteen Brazilian professional futsal players participated in the study. The players' rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and coach's rating of intended exertion (RIE) were collected daily throughout the study. To compare the sRPE variation, the season was divided into 4 periods as follows: preseason (PRE-SEASON), first competitive period (COMP1), intercompetition period (INTER-COMP), and second competitive period (COMP2). Based on the cluster analyses, the training sessions were classified into 3 different intensity zones (low, moderate, and high). In all the season periods and intensity zones, the players' RPEs were lower than the coach's RIE. In the low-intensity zone, the INTER-COMP demonstrated higher sRPE values than did the other periods. In the moderate-intensity zones, the INTER-COMP and COMP2 were similar. Finally, for the high-zone intensity, the PRE-SEASON demonstrated higher values than did the other periods. We concluded that the coach overestimated the training load reported by the players in almost all intensity training zones and season periods. The RPE scale does not seem to be a suitable tool when used by the coach for intended training load. Therefore, technical staff should constantly review the training goals in each season period through daily training load control, always taking into consideration the possibilities and limitations of the RPE method.

The aim of this study was to evaluate nutritional and anthropometric profiles of young swimmers belonging to semiprofessional teams. Thirty-six caucasian adolescent swimmers (22 boys and 14 girls) participated voluntarily in the study. Anthropometric data, dietary intake, and blood parameters were determined. Female swimmers had greater values of triceps, suprailiac, and abdominal skinfolds. Endomorphic somatotype was twofold greater in girls compared with in boys. Energy intake and protein intake per kilogram of body weight were significantly greater in boys compared to in girls. On the other hand, girls had significantly greater polyunsaturated fatty acid intake compared that of boys. Energy intake of boys and girls was below their requirements. In contrast, protein intake doubled the requirements of the study population. Furthermore, inadequate intake of carotenes, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and folic acid was found in both boys and girls; girls also had inadequate intake of iron and calcium. Plasma levels of iron, vitamins C and E, and carotenes were similar in male and females swimmers, and they were within the normal range. In conclusion, young swimmers participating in the present study had differences between sexes in somatotypes. Adolescent swimmers had low average total energy intakes, excessive protein intake, and lower intake of several micronutrients in both sexes.

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This study was done to investigate the advantage of playing at home in elite women's volleyball leagues and the influence of performance indicators in the game score according to set number. The sample consisted of 240 games of the Brazilian Volleyball League (n = 132 games) and the Italian Volleyball League (n = 108 games) from the 2011-2012 season. The relationship of performance indicators (including serve, attack, block, and opponents' errors) with the game outcome (win or lose) was assessed. The results showed that there was a home advantage effect in women's volleyball leagues, with a higher prevalence of victory for the home teams in Brazilian and Italian leagues (58 and 56%, respectively). When related to the performance indicators and among the aspects that were most highly correlated with victory, the attack was the technical indicator that explained most of the results of volleyball games.

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n1p50 The aim of this study was to verify and to analyze adaptations on physical and physiological variables of futsal athletes during the pre-competitive and competitive phases of a training macrocycle. The sample was composed of nine Under-18 futsal athletes who performed the following tests: vertical jump, 10 and 30-meter linear sprint, repeated sprint ability test, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 and VO2máx. Based on the qualitative analysis of the change magnitude, it was possible to verify adaptations from training for the vertical jump test (certainly positive), 10-meter linear sprint (likely decrease), 30-meter linear sprint (irrelevant), repeated sprint ability test for best sprint (irrelevant), mean of sprints (likely decrease), fatigue index (likely decrease), YYIRI (likely increase), VO2máx (likely decrease) and speed of VO2máx (likely increase). Thus, it was possible to verify that training-induced adaptations were positive since athletes improved their performance for the most control tests for each physical capacities of futsal (vertical jumps, 10-meter linear sprint, and repeated agility sprint test for the mean of sprints and fatigue index and aerobic resistance. Therefore, data have shown that athletes improved their physical performance considering the characteristics of futsal during training throughout a macrocycle.

A competição na iniciação ao futebol configura um ambiente de aprendizagem, mas necessita ser organizada de forma adequada às características e possibilidades das crianças. O objetivo do ensaio teórico é apresentar possibilidades para a competição na iniciação ao futebol com base na estrutura, normas e funcionalidade do jogo e refletir acerca da participação no ambiente competitivo. A organização dos elementos estruturais e funcionais do jogo de futebol na etapa de iniciação precisa ser realizada a partir da compreensão do nível dos jogadores, na relação com a estruturação do espaço, comunicação na ação e relação com a bola. As relações estabelecidas entre jogadores, treinadores, árbitros e a família deve propiciar interações positivas, estabelecendo um ambiente seguro para as crianças. Assim, a competição na etapa de iniciação ao futebol deve ser pensada e arquitetada para potencializar o desenvolvimento das crianças, criando um ambiente de aprendizagem seguro.