---
title: "Counting scans, rebuilding hamstrings"
author: "Tactics Journal"
date: 2026-11-11T06:01:43-05:00
categories: ["Morning"]
url: https://tacticsjournal.com/morning/2026/11/11/
---

# Counting scans, rebuilding hamstrings

Good morning! Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory, this cross-sectional study surveyed 786 university engineering…

In today's email:

• Teachers who feel ready for AI report more innovative work in their teaching\
• Hamstring injuries may involve trunk and gluteal deficits even after recovery\
• Why measuring perception accelerates learning\
• Tony Nicalo on why measuring perception accelerates learning

---

## [Teachers who feel ready for AI report more innovative work in their teaching](https://tacticsjournal.com/2026/11/10/teachers-who-feel-ready-for-ai-report-more-innovative-work-in-their-teaching.md)

[Artificial intelligence readiness and innovative work behavior among university engineering teachers: parallel indirect effects of creative self-efficacy and technology integration self-efficacy](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1970351) study by Li, Yi, Jiang and Man:

> Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory and Conservation of Resources Theory, this cross-sectional study surveyed 786 university engineering teachers in Chongqing, China. We examined the association between AI readiness and innovative work behavior and tested parallel indirect effects through creative self-efficacy and technology integration self-efficacy.
>
> AI readiness was positively associated with innovative work behavior. The indirect paths through creative self-efficacy and technology integration self-efficacy were both significant. AI readiness remained significantly associated with innovative work behavior after both mediators were included, indicating partial mediation.
>
> [...] Universities can support quality education by linking AI training to course design, laboratory teaching, project development, and research tasks, while using guided practice and feedback to build teachers’ confidence.
>
> [...] AI readiness was positively associated with innovative work behavior among university engineering teachers in Chongqing. The indirect paths through creative self-efficacy and technology integration self-efficacy were both significant. AI readiness remained significantly associated with innovative work behavior after both mediators were included, indicating partial mediation.
>
> [...] AI readiness includes knowledge of AI principles, applications, trends, and ethical requirements (Wang X. et al., 2023). This knowledge may help engineering teachers judge where AI is useful, how it should be applied, and what risks require attention.

If you are not utilizing AI in your work as a coach you are do a disservice to the players in your team.

There are so many creative ways to use things like 3D graphics, small video games, TikTok style reels to show your team created only with a few simple prompts.

[Share](https://tacticsjournal.com/2026/11/10/teachers-who-feel-ready-for-ai-report-more-innovative-work-in-their-teaching.md) · [Comment](https://tacticsjournal.com/community/?post=5b2c13c02e0104597ebf205301766f0d)

---

## [Hamstring injuries may involve trunk and gluteal deficits even after recovery](https://tacticsjournal.com/2026/11/10/hamstring-injuries-may-involve-trunk-and-gluteal-deficits-even-after-recovery.md)

[British Journal of Sports Medicine](https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2026/11/10/the-msk-playbook-hamstring-strain-injuries/):

> [...] the Nordic hamstring exercise cut injury risk by 49% across 15 trials [...]
>
> [...] less than 70% of maximum EMG activity recorded during overground sprinting.
>
> It is not always the spike in the load that causes the hamstring injury. Reduction of match exposure in the 2 preceding matches has been identified as a significant injury risk factor, suggesting chronic under-preparation is equally dangerous.
>
> [...] Athletes who have had previous hamstring strains display significantly lower mean frequency of hamstring activation compared to the uninjured during jumping and landing tasks, with the activation deficit associated with higher landing forces and loading rates.
>
> This means the athlete lands harder and loads the joint more despite subjectively feeling recovered (14).
>
> Weak trunk and gluteal support: footballers who went on to injure their hamstrings showed lower gluteus maximus, erector spinae and oblique activity during swing. The opposite iliopsoas can add more than 25mm of stretch to the biceps femoris long head, while gluteal and oblique contraction reduces it (7).
>
> [...] The Askling H-test earns its own line. It is a ballistic active straight-leg raise that exposes the insecurity an athlete can still feel after strength, range and palpation look clear.
>
> [...] athletes reported marked insecurity on the injured leg despite a normal common clinical examination; the authors also reported that 95% of athletes in their clinical use of the test felt insecurity before final clearance (23).
>
> [...] However its evidence base is limited to two studies led by its own developer, so findings need further validation (41).

Hamstring injury risk isn't just about hamstring strength. Trunk and gluteal activation during sprinting may matter, while altered muscle activation and landing mechanics can persist after symptoms resolve.

Original research: [Prospective study of gluteal and trunk activation in footballers](https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546516687750).

[Share](https://tacticsjournal.com/2026/11/10/hamstring-injuries-may-involve-trunk-and-gluteal-deficits-even-after-recovery.md) · [Comment](https://tacticsjournal.com/community/?post=331c93e6e96e994aeb0a9582a2ecea85)

---

## [Why measuring perception accelerates learning](https://tacticsjournal.com/2026/11/10/why-measuring-perception-accelerates-learning.md)

[Author of The Weasel Way and presenter of United Soccer Coaches' Reading the Game series Tony Nicalo](https://youtu.be/fEiHXJbBgds?si=BG8W3MIUtH_ymL6I):

> In perceptual training, measurement does more than become something that is managed. It accelerates learning.
>
> When a player knows you'll count their scanning, they scan more. Measurement creates attention, and what players attend to is what gets stored.
>
> The instrument becomes part of the training.

I wish coaches taught me how to scan when I was a kid.

> It's exactly how we implemented it with a World Cup-winning coach and his team.
>
> For them, we also built a library of pause-and-quiz videos. We measure the speed and accuracy of the players' responses to rate their reading ability.
>
> But this is what they measure on the pitch, in training and matches.

This would be a great app idea local to a club, if it doesn’t exist already.

[Share](https://tacticsjournal.com/2026/11/10/why-measuring-perception-accelerates-learning.md) · [Comment](https://tacticsjournal.com/community/?post=39a6fbaaa1333180dcb295163ee9b7d7)

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**POLL**

Should you tell players you are counting their scanning during training sessions?

- [Yes, always tell them](https://tacticsjournal.com/api/poll/2026-11-11?vote=0)
- [Only some of the time](https://tacticsjournal.com/api/poll/2026-11-11?vote=1)
- [No, measure it quietly](https://tacticsjournal.com/api/poll/2026-11-11?vote=2)

Tap a choice to vote. The result is shown on the page.

---

## [Tony Nicalo on why measuring perception accelerates learning](https://tacticsjournal.com/2026/11/10/tony-nicalo-on-why-measuring-perception-accelerates-learning.md)

[Author of The Weasel Way and presenter of United Soccer Coaches' Reading the Game series Tony Nicalo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEiHXJbBgds&t=15s):

> In perceptual training, measurement does more than become something that is managed. It accelerates learning.
>
> When a player knows you'll count their scanning, they scan more. Measurement creates attention, and what players attend to is what gets stored.
>
> The instrument becomes part of the training.

I wish coaches taught me how to scan when I was a kid.

[Nicalo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEiHXJbBgds&t=53s):

> It's exactly how we implemented it with a World Cup-winning coach and his team.
>
> For them, we also built a library of pause-and-quiz videos. We measure the speed and accuracy of the players' responses to rate their reading ability.
>
> But this is what they measure on the pitch, in training and matches.

This would be a great app idea local to a club, if it doesn’t exist already.

[Share](https://tacticsjournal.com/2026/11/10/tony-nicalo-on-why-measuring-perception-accelerates-learning.md) · [Comment](https://tacticsjournal.com/community/?post=c2f4e679bfbcf849d4f16a9bf8dcb585)

---

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---

**NEWS**

- [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/10/mauricio-pochettino-interested-manchester-united-usmnt-release-clause): Mauricio Pochettino interested in leaving USMNT job for Manchester United — Coach’s contract has release clause of about $10m
- [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/10/pierre-sage-crystal-palace-premier-league-lens): Crystal Palace could avoid significant compensation if Pierre Sage rejoins Lens — Sage’s exit from Premier League club still not confirmed
- [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2026/nov/10/carrick-on-the-brink-and-madrid-on-the-charge-under-mourinho-football-weekly): Carrick on the brink and Madrid on the charge under Mourinho: Football Weekly – podcast — On the podcast today: it’s a European pod so of course we must start with … Michael Carrick.

---

**RECOMMENDED READING**

*Everything published yesterday by the writers I follow*

- [Atlético Madrid double-teamed Lamine Yamal but went one-on-one against Barcelona's other wide players](https://building-up.com/2026-27eurofootball/261111) — Atlético Madrid&#39;s build-up has a different look to it.
- [Real Madrid uses DNA from saliva samples to set each player's carbohydrate and iron needs](https://africasoccer.com/real-madrid-doctor-calls-for-player-welfare-to-come-before-footballs-packed-calendar) — He also stressed the importance of tailoring nutrition to each player’s requirements.
- [Former Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez called his father in tears asking to be taken out of La Masia](https://africasoccer.com/pedro-reveals-tearful-la-masia-struggle-and-why-he-chose-retirement) — There are things people do not see.
- [Daring Fireball](https://garymarcus.substack.com/p/just-say-no-to-anthropics-ipo?r=3k69a0): Gary Marcus: ‘Just Say No to Anthropic’s IPO’ — I continue to believe that there is no moat in AI models.
- [Zamalek will let investors manage its football company only while they meet written performance targets](https://africasoccer.com/zamalek-deny-former-stars-were-barred-from-football-company-meeting) — The investment objective, Zamalek added, was to build a strong team and develop the football structure over the long term, rather than simply trade players.
- [Daring Fireball](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/electronicamaterials/altar-ii/): Altar II Keyboard on Kickstarter — Electronic Materials Office is the brainchild of Andrew Emerson.
- [Sprinters' caffeine gains over 60 metres did not track their gains in jumps or block force](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0361864) — The higher dose produced additional cumulative sprint benefits at 30 and 60 m, but not conclusively at 10 m after crossover adjustment.
- [People with more lactic acid on their palms had less flaky skin on their hands](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0362451)
- [A four-session participatory course improved some topics far more than others](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0362603)
- [Palmeiras goalkeeper Carlos Miguel covers 21% of the goal while standing still](https://ge.globo.com/futebol/times/palmeiras/noticia/2026/11/10/paredao-carlos-miguel-do-palmeiras-ocupa-21percent-do-espaco-do-gol-mesmo-parado.ghtml) — The goalkeeper relies on his size as a weapon against shots from the penalty spot.
- [Zamalek keeps eight areas under club control that no investor voting majority can change](https://africasoccer.com/zamalek-rule-out-sale-of-football-company-and-set-eight-safeguards-for-investors) — The club said it wanted an investor focused on building a strong team and developing the football structure over the long term, rather than simply trading players.
- [Serie A's fixture list has to work around rugby, tennis and other events in its host cities](https://www.ilnapolista.it/2026/11/linterista-butti-sul-calendario-serie-a-pilotato-si-creano-bufale-dal-nulla-sindrome-tipica) — There&#39;s a problem we always have to remember when we analyse a fixture list.
- [Ed Zitron's Where's Your Ed At](https://www.wheresyoured.at/jensens-bizarre-adventure/): Jensen's Bizarre Adventure — If you liked this piece, you should subscribe to my premium newsletter, and you can subscribe on the following links: $70 a year , $18 a quarter , or $7 a month .
- [Massimiliano Allegri gave his struggling Napoli squad five and a half days off in mid-season](https://www.voetbalkrant.com/nieuws/2026-11-10/napoli-beleeft-historische-crisis-massimiliano-allegri-neemt-wel-heel-opvallende-beslissing) — Napoli collected just fifteen points from eleven matches.
- [Daring Fireball](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-11-09/nvidia-intervened-in-us-probe-of-megaspeed-chip-smuggling): Bloomberg: ‘Nvidia Intervened in U.S. Probe of Megaspeed Chip Smuggling’ — Despite that stance, in the months after Teter’s initial call with Kessler, Nvidia gave BIS an incomplete account of its business with Megaspeed.
- [Daring Fireball](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vydmUCGQnyI): Regarding Graveyards and Indispensable Men — Steve Jobs to 60 Minutes in 2003: “Great things in business are never done by one person.
- [Daring Fireball](https://www.wired.com/story/i-spent-30-minutes-with-apples-ceo-now-i-know-why-john-ternus-got-the-job/): Steven Levy on John Ternus — I first met Ternus in 2015, when I spent a day with him at Apple’s Input Design Lab, a testing facility in Cupertino.
- [Judo and taekwondo coaches start athletes on weight-cutting at around 12.7 years old](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2026.1980500) — Found that most coaches and trainers in judo and taekwondo encouraged pre-competition weight reductions.
- [Robert Lewandowski found an eight-game MLS goal drought got easier to play through as it went on](https://weszlo.com/robert-lewandowski-o-dlugiej-passie-bez-gola-w-mls-zaskakujace-slowa) — I had no pressure at all.
- [Seth's Blog](https://seths.blog/2026/11/in-search-of-a-bargain/): In search of a bargain — The ebook of The Knot is on sale today for less than $5 in the US.
- [Daring Fireball](https://ourcal.com/?utm_source=daringfireball&utm_medium=sponsorship&utm_content=post-thankyou): OurCal — My thanks to OurCal for sponsoring last week at DF.
- [Daring Fireball](https://pxlnv.com/linklog/safari-global-privacy-control/): Safari 27.3 Adds Support for Global Privacy Control — There are a whole bunch of features and fixes coming to Safari with Apple’s OS 27.3 update.
- [Daring Fireball](https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/2026/11/jensen-huang-chinese-spy/689357/?gift=aQyUJR7AIw1mJWdQ6Ed6yPI8n1FlV88MR9f9IZruvFA&): ‘A Scandal at the Center of the Economy’ — Elbert Hubbard: “The graveyards are full of people the world could not do without.”
- [Daring Fireball](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/11/09/business/economy/nvidia-megaspeed-investigation-huang.html?unlocked_article_code=1.PVE.GxBL.iBpBoc8Y4tnb): U.S. Commerce Dept. Inquiry Into Megaspeed Was Halted After Nvidia Name-Dropped Trump Appointee — “Nice job you have there.
- [In DFB indoor children's football, winners move up a pitch and losers move down after each round](https://www.fussballtraining.de/jugendtraining/der-neue-kinderfussball-halle-spielformate-und-uebungen/35219) — Several small pitches allow several teams to play each other at the same time.
- [Two years of injuries left former Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa feeling his life was on hold](https://africasoccer.com/zakhele-lepasa-says-two-year-injury-battle-left-his-life-on-hold) — For the better part of two years, I have been battling injuries in my football career.
- [Former Poland international Dominik Furman twice failed the FIFA football agent exam](https://weszlo.com/nietypowe-zajecie-dominika-furmana-pierwotnie-mialo-byc-inaczej) — The first time I got 12 points, the second time 13.
- [Jose Mourinho contacts Real Madrid forward Endrick every day to ask about his personal life, not football](https://africasoccer.com/endrick-vows-to-give-everything-to-real-madrid-amid-uncertainty-over-january-future) — I have a lot of confidence in Mourinho [...] He contacts me every day, not to talk about football, but to ask how my personal life is going.
- [Confidence, more than reduced mental load, links students' view of AI tools to their engagement](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1978175) — An empirical study was conducted among undergraduate students majoring in e-commerce who participated in systems development-related courses.
- [David Squires | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/picture/2026/nov/10/david-squires-on-you-can-mufc-everything-manchester-united): David Squires on … You Can MUFC Everything — Illustration: David Squires/The Guardian

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