Abstract
This study evaluated changes in performance indicators within winning and losing elite Gaelic football teams. Seven game statistics and 83 technical and tactical variables were measured during 24 games. Game statistics showed a significant decrease in ball in play time and increase in stoppage time between the first and second halves and between the first and fourth quarters. Significant differences between the first and second halves were evident in 10 variables (3 positive: 7 negative) in winning teams compared to 16 variables (4 positive: 12 negative) in losing teams. When the fourth quarter was compared to the first, significant differences were also found in 8 variables (negative) in winners and 23 variables (11 positive: 12 negative) in losers. Although certain technical and tactical variables improved in winners during halves and in losers during halves and quarters, when overall performance is evaluated across both match periods, decrements were more pronounced in both winners (15 vs. 3) and losers (24 vs. 15). Both winners and losers experienced significant reductions in the frequency of team possession in the fourth quarter. Losers also demonstrated significant declines in total time in both team and individual player possession from the first to the second half and in passing (hand and kick) profiles across both halves and quarters. There was a significant increase in the percentage of successful free kick passes by winners in the second half and an increase in successful free kick passes and kick outs in losers in the fourth quarter. Both winners and losers reported significant reductions in turnover variables across halves and quarters. Defensive efficiency declined significantly in winners across match periods, which coincided with the significant increase in attacking efficiency of losers in the second half and fourth quarter. The attacking frequency declined significantly in winners in the second half and the fourth quarter and attacks originating in defense were also significantly lower in both winners and losers in the second half. Although both positive and negative differences were observed in the temporal changes exhibited by winners and losers across the match periods examined, the findings demonstrate that winners did not experience the same extant of technical and tactical performance decrement as losers, which partly explains the match outcomes associated with these games. In conclusion, knowledge of these temporal changes can be used to inform current preparation practices to enhance technical and tactical components and optimize match performance strategies.
Highlights
Gaelic football is one of the native team sports played in Ireland
As there was no difference in the number of free kicks conceded or dead ball restarts executed across match periods, it is likely that the increase in additional time is related in part to the rise in the number of substitutions made by both winners and losers and the relative increase in black cards issued in the second half of games
This study has highlighted temporal changes in technical and tactical variables across specific match periods that contribute to the performance of winners and losers and influence match outcome in elite Gaelic football competitions
Summary
Gaelic football is one of the native team sports played in Ireland. The popularity of this amateur sport is demonstrated by significant participation, volunteering, and attendance figures [1]. Gaelic football attracts considerable television viewing audiences and media profile. Elite level competition is organized on an inter-county basis with the American Journal of Sports Science 2019; 7(4): 199-207. National Football League (NFL) preceding the All-Ireland Championship (AIC). Matches are played between two teams of 15 players (14 outfield players and a goalkeeper) on a rectangular pitch over two 35 min periods plus stoppage time. Once possession of the ball is gained, players can retain possession by passing with either hand or foot and scores are achieved by kicking or hand fisting the ball over the bar between the posts (1 point) or by kicking the ball below the crossbar for a goal (3 points)
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