Physical Performance Characteristics in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Champion Female Lacrosse Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine performance differences between starters and nonstarters and between different playing positions in collegiate female lacrosse athletes. Twenty-two subjects playing on a two-time defending National Champion National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III female lacrosse team volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects were examined during the preseason period and participated in a total of 5 testing sessions, separated by at least 72 hours. Subjects were tested on their 1 repetition maximum (1RM) (bench press and squat), vertical jump, Wingate anaerobic power test (WAnT), 30-second sprint using a nonmotorized treadmill, maximal aerobic capacity, 40-yd sprint, T-drill, and pro-agility test. No significant differences were observed between starters and nonstarters in any performance variable. Anthropometric analysis revealed that attackers were 15.7% (p < 0.05) heavier than midfielders. A significant difference (10.3%) between defenders and midfielders was seen in 1RM squat, while no other strength differences were noted. Attackers were more powerful in the WAnT (both peak and mean power) than both defenders (19.6 and 13.4%, respectively) and midfielders (21.2 and 13.4%, respectively). No significant differences were noted between the groups in any speed or agility measure. Although physical performance characteristics were not different between starters and nonstarters, results indicate that attackers are heavier and more powerful than the other positions and midfielders appear to be weaker in lower-body strength relative to the other positions in lacrosse.