A COMPARISON OF PEAK WORK RATES DURING SUPER SHOT AND NON-SUPER SHOT PERIODS IN PROFESSIONAL NETBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

BACKGROUND Since its introduction, the super shot has been a critical period of play in the Australian domestic netball competition. Depending on their shot selection strategy, teams can increase their odds of outscoring oppositions during super shot periods. As a result, players are likely to complete more attacking and defensive actions, possibly increasing their workload. The purpose of this study was to quantify workload and make comparisons between i) super shot and non-supershot periods and ii) different player positions. METHODS Raw acceleration data (VX sport Log units Visuellex New Zealand) from 11 players across 14 matches was collected and used to calculate PlayerLoadTM. Quarters were split into three five-minute periods and player position for each period was reported. Data was only included if a player competed for a full five-minute period (n=1110). A rolling average was applied over 60 seconds to compare peak PlayerLoadTM values between periods and positions. A linear mixed effects model was used to determine the effect of the period and position on peak 60s PlayerLoadTM. Random intercepts were included for player and game, quarter was included as a random effect within game. RESULTS During super shot periods, peak values were significantly lower for GS compared to regular periods (model coefficient = 0.8, 95%CI = 0.02 to 1.59, P = 0.04). During super shot periods, GD and GK positions showed slightly higher peak values compared to regular periods, with model coefficients of -0.05 (95%CI = -1.20 to 0.327) and -0.21 (95%CI = -1.00 to 0.57) respectively. On the other hand, GA, WA, WD, and C positions exhibited lower peak values for super shot periods compared to regular periods. Results indicate that there are differences in peak workloads between positions during super shot periods. CONCLUSION Workload demands may be different between positions during super shot periods, this has implications for player conditioning.