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118 Abstracts / Journal of Science an

he dependent variable. Boys and girls were analysed sepa-ately.

Results: Fitness performance varied with weight statuscross all fitness tests (p < 0.001). Jumping performanceended to decline as weight status increased, except in thetanding broad jump where thin boys performed worse thanheir normal weight peers. For sprint and endurance running,he very thin, thin and normal weight youths displayed sim-lar performances, with progressively poorer performancesbserved for overweight and obese youths respectively. Forndurance running performance, distinct sex differences werepparent, with the very thin and thin boys performing moreoorly, and the very thin and thin girls performing better thanheir normal weight peers.

Conclusions: Contrary to expectations, the thin youngeople performed well compared to their peers. The fitness-erformance of thin youth was broadly similar to that oformal weight youth and significantly better than obeseouth. Weight status affects both the supply and demandomponents of fitness performance. Therefore, the factorsssociated with thinness (e.g. reduced fat, muscle and bodyass) may account for the positive performances of thin

outh when compared to those from other weight statuses.iven these findings, no specific health-related fitness inter-entions are indicated for thin Australian youth.

oi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.242

42

assing and goal scoring characteristics in the Australian-League

. Johnson ∗, A. Murphy

University of Technology, Sydney

Introduction: The global development of football and itsncreasing level of professionalism has lead to a greateremand for detailed information regarding all aspects oferformance. Nonetheless, very little is known regardinguccessful strategies and tactics in Australian Football. Theajor aim of the current study was to determine if shorter

assing sequences (four or less passes) are a more effectiveethod of scoring goals than longer passing sequences (more

han five passes).Methodology: Data regarding the number of passes per

ossession were collected on all regular season matches dur-ng the 2007–2008 A-League Association Football (soccer)ompetition. Eighty four matches were coded by Sportsdataty Ltd ©using a computerised video analysis system, Theootball Analyst (Analyzer - SDSF 70654 V4.01.510).

Results: A total 49662 possessions were analysed, result-

ng in 220 goals. A higher proportion of goals are scored fromonger passing sequences producing an average of 13 goalser 1000 possessions compared to 6 goals per 1000 posses-ions from shorter passing sequences. Notably, 46% of team

ottw

cine in Sport 12 (2010) e1–e232

ossessions were zero length passing possessions. This per-entage is considerably higher than the figure reported inxisting literature (approximately 25%).

Conclusions: The current study found that longer passingequences are a more efficient way of scoring goals comparedo shorter passing sequences in elite Australian football. Theigher percentage of zero length possessions could be a resultf different football styles, a lower perceived value of retain-ng possession of the ball and/or a lower skill level of players,esulting in an inability to control the ball and maintain pos-ession. This information can be utilised by coaches andlayers to identify the most successful tactics and strategiesor creating goal scoring opportunities during the 2007–2008-League season and compare the A-League competition tother national and international competitions. These resultslso highlight a requirement for A-league coaches to developraining programs designed to increase the number of passeser possession and reduce the number of zero length passingossessions.

oi:10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.243

EFSHAUGE LECTURE

43

otational analysis: Establishing stable performance pro-les in A-League football

. Johnson, A. Murphy ∗, R. Bower

University of Technology, Sydney

Introduction: To ensure the reliability and validity of infor-ation generated via notational analysis it is important to

stablish stable performance profiles; otherwise any state-ents regarding the performance may not be valid. Previous

otational analysis studies have employed relatively smallample sizes presenting an inherent danger of producingesults that are unrepresentative of the way the team typicallylays. The aim of this study was to investigate the numberf matches required to be examined (sample size) prior tostablishing a stable performance profile for three importanterformance indicators in Australian football. Methodology:he performance indicators examined in this study included

he number of shots at goal, goals scored and passes peream per match. This data were collected on all regulareason matches during the 2007 - 2008 A-League Asso-iation Football (soccer) competition. Eighty four matchesere coded by Sportsdata Pty Ltd ©using a computerisedideo analysis system, The Football Analyst (Analyzer -DSF 70654 V4.01.510). The establishment of the stablerofiles was determined by examining the cumulative means

f each variable over consecutive matches for each team inhe competition. The first point (number of matches) wherehe cumulative mean consistently lay within set limits of erroras recorded as the establishment of a stable profile for that