Abstract
PurposeThis study examined the effects of tournament load on neuromuscular function, perceived wellness and coach ratings of performance across two 6-day netball tournaments.MethodsThirty-nine female youth netballers (age = 14.6 ± 0.5 years, stature = 165.9 ± 4.7 cm, body mass = 56.5 ± 7.2 kg) were categorised as HIGH (10–11 matches, n = 20) or LOW (6 matches, n = 19) tournament load. Match load, jump height, perceived wellness and coach ratings of performance were monitored daily.ResultsHIGH tournament load resulted in greater reductions in jump height on match-day 4 (–8.3%, ± 5.6%) when compared to LOW. HIGH tournament load resulted in greater reductions in perceived soreness (–0.9, ± 1.1 AU) and overall wellness (–2.6, ± 2.3 AU) on match-day 3, and a greater reduction in perceived sleep (–0.9, ± 1.1 AU) on match-day 4. HIGH tournament load was negatively associated with sleep quality and coach ratings of performance (effect size correlation = -0.34 to -0.47) when compared to LOW.ConclusionOur results indicate that a higher tournament load resulted in greater increases in neuromuscular fatigue, reduced perceived wellness, and lower ratings of performance. Practitioners should consider pre-tournament preparation and monitoring strategies to minimise the physiological disturbances during an intensified tournament.
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