Tendon overuse injuries, or tendinopathies, are a significant burden in elite sports, causing pain, reducing athletic performance, and sometimes curtailing careers.

Throwing is a fundamental athletic skill, critical in sports ranging from baseball and cricket to handball and American football. Developing and refining this complex motor skill requires countless repetitions and precise feedback. With the advent of Virtual Reality (VR) and virtual environments (VEs), there's growing interest in using these technologies to supplement traditional throwing practice.

In the relentless pursuit of athletic performance gains, elite sports organizations leave no stone unturned. From GPS tracking to advanced physiological monitoring, the quest for measurable indicators of success is constant. Anthropometry, including the assessment of somatotype (body shape and composition), has long been part of this equation. But how useful is this data in the modern era, and how can teams effectively leverage it for a genuine competitive edge?

The landscape of youth sports is increasingly defined by early and intense specialization, with young athletes often focusing on a single sport year-round in the pursuit of elite development. While proponents argue this is necessary for achieving high performance, a significant concern for sports organizations and performance staff is the associated rise in overuse injuries.

The challenge lies not just in accessing research, but in interpreting and applying sports science correctly within the unique context of an elite team. A recent article in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports on personalized nutrition highlights this very issue. While the pursuit of optimal nutrition for performance dates back centuries, the modern field grapples with significant hurdles.   

In the relentless pursuit of peak athletic performance, the mental game is as crucial as the physical. Concepts like mindfulness, resilience, and flow state are no longer fringe ideas but recognized components of elite sports success.

Frontiers in Sports and Active Living on "Sports training in virtual reality with a focus on visual perception" reveals, harnessing the potential of VR for visual perception training in elite settings requires navigating a developing research landscape with expert insight.

This is where dedicated sports science consulting becomes invaluable. PASS | Practical Application of Sport Science acts as your specialized research and translation partner. We navigate the research landscape for you, transforming findings like those in the cricket review into a competitive advantage.

The preseason period is a critical time for rugby players to prepare for the physical and physiological demands of the competitive season. A well-structured training program can significantly enhance performance, improve body composition, and optimize recovery. A recent study investigated the effects of a 12-week preseason training program on professional rugby union (RU) players, highlighting the importance of incorporating structured training interventions in elite sports.

Rugby is a demanding sport that requires a combination of strength, power, speed, and endurance. While team training is essential, recognizing the individual needs and strengths of each player is crucial for optimizing performance and achieving success on the field. Individualized training programs, tailored to the specific demands of a player's position, level of play, and physiological characteristics, can significantly enhance athletic development and minimize the risk of injuries.

Hamstring injuries are a common occurrence in many sports, often leading to significant time off the field and hindering athletic performance. However, research has identified several effective strategies for preventing hamstring injuries, empowering athletes and coaches with the knowledge and tools to minimize risk and promote long-term hamstring health.

Rugby is a physically demanding sport that places significant stress on the shoulder joint, making shoulder injuries a common concern for players. However, targeted strength training can significantly reduce the risk of shoulder injuries and improve performance on the field. A recent research study evaluated the effectiveness of specific strength exercises in preventing shoulder injuries among national rugby team players, highlighting the importance of incorporating these exercises into training programs.

Cricket is a sport renowned for its strategic complexity and dynamic nature, requiring players to make rapid and precise decisions under immense pressure. The ability to effectively analyze information, assess options, and execute the optimal response can significantly impact match outcomes. This analysis delves into the key factors influencing decision-making in professional cricket and proposes strategies for enhancement.

Pitching accuracy is a critical skill in baseball, determining a pitcher's effectiveness and ability to control the game. While factors such as velocity and movement are important, the consistency of the release angle plays a crucial role in achieving pinpoint accuracy. Recent research has shed light on the relationship between release angle variability and pitching accuracy, providing valuable insights for coaches and players.

Strength and balance are essential components of athletic performance, contributing to power, agility, and injury prevention. While traditional strength training methods often focus on stable surfaces, incorporating unstable surfaces can provide additional challenges and benefits. A recent study investigated the effects of combining kettlebell exercises with a Bosu ball, an unstable surface, on muscle activity and balance in young athletes.

Bat speed is a critical factor in hitting success in baseball, influencing both hitting power and distance. While traditional training methods focus on strength and swing mechanics, recent research suggests that the countermovement jump (CMJ) can be a valuable predictor of bat speed.

Strength and coordination are fundamental components of athletic performance. While strength training focuses on building muscle mass and force production, coordination training emphasizes the efficient and controlled execution of movements. Integrating these two aspects of training can lead to significant improvements in athletic performance and reduce the risk of injuries.

Plyometric training, a form of exercise that utilizes jumping and explosive movements, has gained popularity in various sports for its ability to enhance athletic performance. However, concerns about the potential risk of muscle damage, particularly in young athletes, have led to questions about the safety and effectiveness of plyometrics. A recent study investigated the impact of plyometric training on high school baseball players, providing valuable insights for coaches and athletes.

Cupping therapy, an ancient healing practice, has gained popularity in recent years among athletes seeking natural ways to enhance recovery and manage pain. This technique involves placing cups on the skin and creating suction, which is believed to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. While cupping therapy has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, scientific research is now shedding light on its potential benefits for athletes.

Jump height is a key performance indicator in many sports, and young athletes are constantly seeking ways to improve their jumping ability. While strength training and plyometrics are often emphasized, the role of stretching is sometimes overlooked. Research suggests that incorporating stretching exercises into a training program can significantly enhance jump height in young athletes.