Application of Gps Technology to Create Activity Profiles of Youth International Field Hockey Players in Competitive Match-Play

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to utilise global-positioning system (GPS) technology to understand the physical demands of youth international field hockey. Methods: Sixteen male field hockey players (age 17.1 ± 0.6 y, stature 165 ± 11 cm, body mass 63.3 ± 6.6 kg, estimated VO2max, 52.6 ± 5.3 ml/kg/min) were investigated while competing in 6 matches at the 2011 Boy’s Under-18 Asia Cup. Each player wore a GPS unit during competition to track his movement. These movements were classified as either low-speed activity (4.17 m/s). Positional differences were analysed using magnitude-based Cohen’s effect size with modified qualitative descriptors. Results: Forwards covered the most distance per minute across total distance, low-speed activity and high-speed activity in the 6 youth international field hockey matches. For high-speed activity there was a “Large” difference between the Defenders and Midfielders and a “Very Large” difference between the Defenders and Forwards. Conclusion: In youth international field hockey, Forwards cover the greatest amount of distance and carry out the most high-speed activity, while Defenders perform the least amount of high-speed activity. This suggests that these playing positions are sufficiently different to warrant specialised positional training.