As with most structured training programs to enhance performance, a reduction in resistance training volume is seen during competitive periods and an emphasis is placed on technical and tactical training. For that reason, it is important to know where priorities should be placed during times of reduced physical preparation training and if the sport itself allows for the maintenance of neuromuscular qualities.Objective: Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to examine changes in strength and jump testing over a competitive period of 10 weeks.Methods: 11 male NCAA Division I completed this investigation. Each participant was tested before and after the competitive fall season. Testing consisted of countermovement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull. Paired samples t-tests were used to determine if statistical differences were present between testing sessions.Results: Significant increases in jump height (p = 0.002) and RSIm (p = 0.013) were seen in the post competitive season jump testing. Force at each time epoch was significantly reduced from pre to post-testing (p < 0.001 at each time epoch). Conclusion:Performing countless repetitions of the golf swing during the competitive season provided a stimulus sufficient to maintain dynamic task performance. The results of this investigation point to the need for practitioners to take a complete examination of variables when analyzing performance testing. When taking into account the entirety of the test, reductions in force at task-relevant time epochs would lead to more precise programming to address needs.

Background: The vertical jump task is a critical component of success in volleyball. Each position on the court has its own physical demands and has differing levels of vertical jump task demands. Objective: Thus, the objective of this investigation was to compare vertical jump performance between the two positional groups using the countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ). Methods: Using an observational cross-sectional study design, nineteen NCAA Division I female volleyball athletes participated in this investigation. Participants first performed three CMJ trials followed by 3 SJ trials on a force platform. Jump height, peak and mean net propulsive forces, and time to take off were calculated for both the CMJ and SJ. Reactive strength index modified and propulsive duration were additionally calculated for the CMJ and average RFD for the SJ. Independent sample t-tests were performed comparing positional groups on each variable of interest with Hedges g effect sizes additionally calculated. Results: No statistically significant differences (p 0.05) were found between any of the variables of interest in the CMJ though moderate effect sizes were seen in jump height (g =0.78). No statistically significant differences were present in the SJ though moderate effect sizes were seen in RFD (g = 0.65), mean propulsive force (g = 0.79) and peak propulsive force (g = 0.66). Discussion: As the vertical jump task is a critical task for high-level performance in both positions, and the no differences seen between groups, training programs should be designed to improve jump performance with special attention to the individual athletes’ needs rather than the specifics of the playing position.

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PurposeThis paper proposes the use of a gauge function as a measure of technical efficiency. The measure of technical inefficiency from a gauge function is desirable as the estimation of a gauge function is not subject to the endogeneity problem under the behavioral assumption of profit maximization in the competitive market.Design/methodology/approachThe authors address three important properties of a gauge function, i.e. linear homogeneity, monotonicity and convexity in inputs and outputs, and show how such properties are utilized in its estimation. Then, the authors apply the estimation of a gauge function to US Blacksmiths in 1850 and 1880 to show that a failure to satisfy such properties may lead to an incorrect inference on the technical efficiency.FindingsThe authors find that the Blacksmiths in the 1850s were technically more efficient than the ones in the 1880s, indicating technical regress in Blacksmithing when the properties are satisfied.Originality/valueThis paper introduces a measure of technical inefficiency from a gauge function and shows how to estimate the gauge function parametrically for the measure. The authors show McFadden's gauge function and its properties, which differ from the properties of other distance functions. The authors emphasize linear homogeneity as well as monotonicity and convexity in inputs and outputs, which must be satisfied in the estimation of a gauge function.