This paper describes the support using match videos that was provided for the Japanese national badminton team in preparation for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. In order to help coaches and players effectively strategize for their matches, we provided them with match videos and match analysis data. The purpose of the match analysis was categorized as follows: (1) to define the play tendencies of opponents, and (2) to evaluate the performances of Japanese players for further training. Additionally, match videos were provided to the coaches and players through video streaming technology so that they could easily access them anytime. We suggest that these support assisted the coaches and players in preparing for their matches, especially in the decision-making process of formulating strategies.

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Three different weapons (swords) are used in the sport of fencing. Target area and rules depend on the type of the weapons. The purpose of this study was to identify the morphological and physical fitness characteristics of elite fencers with different fencing weapon styles. Seven male foil fencers (age, 23.4 ± 3.4 years), 7 male epee fencers (22.1 ± 3.1 years), and 7 male sabre fencers (24.1 ± 3.0 years), all belonging to the Japan national team, participated in the present study. To characterize the results of the morphological measurements and physical fitness tests obtained from the fencers, a T-score table established based on the results obtained from Japanese elite athletes of various competitive events was created. The circumference and muscle cross-sectional area measurements demonstrated that the foil and sabre fencers had greater thigh muscles (quadriceps femoris, hamstrings, and adductor muscles) in their front (dominant) leg than in their rear (non-dominant) leg. As compared with the foil and sabre fencers, the epee fencers had smaller thigh muscles on their front leg and less asymmetry between the front and rear legs. This study identified the characteristics in Japanese elite fencers with different weapon styles, which could be attributed to differences in movement patterns during competitions between the styles.

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In 2006, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) changed the scoring system in badminton to a 21 points × 3 games rally-point scoring system, intending to shorten the duration of matches. However, as the match duration in recent international tournaments is once again increasing, BWF is considering making further changes to the scoring system. In this paper, we examine the changes in match duration in international tournaments since the new scoring system was implemented in 2006. This analysis was performed by comparing the duration of matches from twelve Superseries tournaments during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games qualification period and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games qualification period. As a result, it was found that the durations of the matches for the Superseries tournaments during the latter period had significantly increased from the former period. A further analysis was conducted to compare match characteristics between the Japan Open Superseries in 2007 and 2015, held during the Beijing and Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games qualification periods, respectively. It was shown that rally time in men’s and women’s singles events and rest time in all events were significantly longer in Japan Open 2015 as compared to 2007. Therefore, it is suggested that the increase in rest time as well as rally time were associated with longer duration of matches in Superseries tournaments during the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games qualification period.

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The aim of this study was to determine the effects of on shore Sprint Interval Training (SIT) using a rowing ergometer on anaerobic and aerobic capacity, and sail pumping performance on water in a male windsurfing Olympian (age: 32 years, competition years: 23, results at Rio Olympic Games in 2016: 15th). Training was in two phases, the first comprising nine sessions over 11 days (three training days alternating with one rest day), and one training session (repeated sets of five maximal effort rowing with 4 min recovery between each set). The second training phase comprised six sessions over 11 days (one training day alternating with one rest day), and two sessions each comprising repeated sets of eight (each set: 20 s maximal efforts rowing and 10 s rest) with a 15 min rest between sessions. Performance tests were implemented three times prior to training, the interval between immediately after completion of all training and before the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 2016, and on return to Japan after this event. The main findings after the training period were that the mean output power in the 1 min all-out rowing test increased (P < 0.01), and the peak output power tended to increase. In the incremental stage test, the polygonal curve of heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentrations (BLa) during submaximal exercise shifted to the right, the intensity of onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) tended to increase, and maximal exercise intensity tended to increase. However, maximal aerobic capacity (maximal oxygen consumption and maximal heart rate) did not change. The 2000 m rowing time and mean output power tended to improve. HR decreased during the sail pumping test (P < 0.01). In summary, SIT using a rowing ergometer in a windsurfing Olympian improved anaerobic capacity, submaximal aerobic capacity, and maximal aerobic performance. These improvements were reflected in indirect improvement in sail pumping performance (reduced cardiorespiratory load) in light wind conditions on water.

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