This week in the world of sports science, here’s what happened…
- Predicted trends for 2024
- Strength and conditioning terminology
- Does sacking the manager help football teams?
Predicted trends for 2024
As 2023 comes to an end, we here at SFS Weekly would like to thank all our dedicated readers for your support this year. We would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous 2024!
Speaking of 2024, a foretelling article was published this week by Forbes. The article predicts fitness and nutrition trends for 2024. Plant-based like “fake meats” have become increasingly popular over the past few years. However, it is predicted that plant-based products will dwindle in popularity in 2024 as more and more people are viewing them as too processed.
Protein was the most popular macronutrient in 2023, and no change is envisaged for 2024. Protein for older adults, protein through whole plant foods, and fish consumption are predicted protein trends for next year. Well-rounded diets like the Mediterranean diet are predicted to grow in 2024 while intermittent fasting and the Keto diet are predicted to become less and less popular.
The article expects sleep, nervous system regulation, emotional health, personalised wearable technology, Psychobilin and cannabis to be areas of interest for next year. The following are some interesting supplements predicted for growth next year too:
- Ashwagandha
- Berberine
- Mushroom powder
- Marine collagen
- Choline
- Astaxanthin
Strength and conditioning terminology
(Image: X)
Strength and conditioning (S&C) terminology can often add more confusion than clarity. With many overlapping terms and debates about definitions, it’s no wonder that coaches sometimes get jumbled up on their terminology. There is still a dispute about the correct definition of power for God’s sake!
A study published in the latest edition of the International Journal of Strength and Conditioning examined terminology in the field. The study is a fascinating read and outlines how misunderstood terminology leads to miscommunication between S&C coaches, athletes, sports coaches, and sports scientists. The study also describes how terminology needs to be understandable and consistent for the athletes performing the program. Many effective programs are becoming restricted by misunderstood or inaccurate terminology.
The study proposes using a terminology hierarchy for strength, agility, power, and speed. In theory, this hierarchy should add further clarity among S&C coaches, sports, scientists, sports coaches, and athletes. While this may be an effective step in clearing up the miscommunication, S&C terminology must be standardised and consistent globally.
Does sacking the manager help football teams?
Unfortunately, football managers seem to have very little job security. In recent years, owners of football clubs have been very swift in sacking managers if they feel the team is underperforming. Many argue that the constant hiring and firing of managers creates an unstable environment for a team.
However, a recent captivating study examined the effects of manager dismissal on a team. The long-term study examined the top two Spanish football leagues (La Liga and Second Spanish Division) over four years (2015/2016 to 2019/2019). All coach dismissals were monitored during this time.
Remarkably, immediate team performance (points won) and distance ran were significantly higher post-manager dismissal. Throughout the season, total distance covered and high-intensity running distance were significantly higher post-manager dismissal too. These findings suggest that coach replacement can positively influence team performance and match physical demands. Perhaps, players are eager to work harder to impress the new manager.
While we here are SFS Weekly don’t want to see any football managers sacked, the findings of the study suggest sacking a manager can be potentially beneficial for team performance! It is worth pointing out that these findings fail to acknowledge the coaching ability of the succeeding managers may have been superior to the dismissed manager.
From us this week:
>> New course: Aerobic Conditioning For Football
>> New podcast: How To Sprint Like A Top NFL Draft Pick
>> New infographic: Wicket Sprinting
>> New article: kBox
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