High-intensity Efforts Research Articles

The Effects of Flywheel Training with a Portable Device on Physical Performance in Soccer Players

Soccer is a team sport in which players expend high-intensity intermittent efforts that require the production of sprints, accelerations, decelerations, changes of direction, and jumps. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of training with portable and low-cost flywheel devices, using multi-directional exercises over 8 weeks, on the performance of linear sprint, curve sprint, and change of direction in senior soccer players. Thirty-three players participated in the research, divided into a control group and an experimental group. The latter group performed the training protocol in addition to the technical–tactical soccer training. Before and after the application of the training protocol, the linear and curve sprint and change of direction (V-cut) were evaluated. At the end of the training program, significant improvements (p < 0.05) were found in change of direction and in curve sprint with respect to the control group. The results suggested that resistance training with flywheel devices with low training volumes improves performance in change of direction and in curve sprint, which are key performance variables in soccer. Therefore, this type of training could be added to technical–tactical soccer training to enhance the variables that are essential to reach high-performance metrics in soccer.

Temperature-Related Variations in Physical Performance During Elite Soccer Matches

The aim of this study was to examine the differences in match running performance (MRP) according to the ambient temperature during UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches. Data were collected using an optical tracking system from all teams (n = 32) in all UCL matches (n = 125) during the 2022/23 season, and classified according to the ambient temperature at which matches were played: <5 °C, 6–10 °C, 11–20 °C, and >21 °C. The results revealed the following: (i) less total distance was covered in matches played at ≥21 °C compared to the matches played at 6–10 °C (d = 0.58), (ii) less high-speed running and high-intensity running were covered in matches played at ≥21 °C compared to the matches played at 11–20 °C (d = 0.54 and 0.43, respectively), 6–10 °C (d = 0.89 and 0.8, respectively), and ≤5 °C (d = 0.62 and 0.57, respectively), and (iii) less sprinting was covered in matches played at ≥21 °C compared to the matches played at 6–10 °C (d = 0.22). These findings indicated the significant differences in MRP when UCL matches were played at different ambient temperatures, with notable reductions in overall and high-intensity efforts in warmer conditions.

Influence of Body Composition and Muscle Power Performance on Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick Test in Taekwondo Athletes

The Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKTmult) is used to investigate which characteristics are necessary for, contribute to, or limit the ability to repeat high-intensity intermittent efforts in taekwondo. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between anthropometric and body composition characteristics, muscle power performance, and sport-specific anaerobic performance. Nineteen black belt taekwondo athletes (mean ± SD age: 17.2 ± 2.4 years) volunteered to participate. Anthropometric and body composition characteristics (i.e., body height (BH), body mass (BM), fat mass (FM), body fat (BF%), and muscle mass (MM)) and physical performance (squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) tests, and FSKTmult) were assessed. Data were analyzed with correlation coefficients and simple linear regression. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The total number of kicks in FSKTmult (FSKTtotal) was significantly and positively correlated with MM (r = 0.521, R2 = 0.27, p < 0.05) and negatively with BF% (r = −0.499, R2 = 0.25, p < 0.05). The FSKTtotal was significantly and positively correlated with SJ (r = 0.520, R2 = 0.27, p < 0.05) and CMJ (r = 0.508, R2 = 0.26, p < 0.05) performance. Body composition optimization, with appropriate physical training and dietary planning, is relevant in taekwondo as the improvement in the ability to repeat high-intensity intermittent efforts depends on MM, and its worsening on BF%. Lower limb muscle power positively influences the ability to repeat high-intensity intermittent efforts. Therefore, training programs should emphasize ballistic and plyometric exercises.

Exponential Functions Permit Estimation of Anaerobic Work Capacity and Critical Power from Less than 2 Min All-Out Test

The Critical Power Model (CPM) is key for assessing athletes’ aerobic and anaerobic energy systems but typically involves lengthy, exhausting protocols. The 3 min all-out test (3MT) simplifies CPM assessment, yet its duration remains demanding. Exponential decay models, specifically mono- and bi-exponential functions, offer a more efficient alternative by accurately capturing the nonlinear energy dynamics in high-intensity efforts. This study explores shortening the 3MT using these functions to reduce athlete strain while preserving the accuracy of critical power (CP) and work capacity (W′) estimates. Seventy-six competitive cyclists and triathletes completed a 3MT on a cycle ergometer, with CP and W′ calculated at shorter intervals. Results showed that a 90 s test using the bi-exponential model yielded CP and W′ values similar to those of the full 3MT. Meanwhile, the mono-exponential model required at least 135 s. Bland–Altman and linear regression analyses confirmed that a 120 s test with the mono-exponential model reliably estimated CP and W′ with minimal physical strain. These findings support a shortened, less-demanding 3MT as a valid alternative for CPM assessment.

No Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Following a Single Set of Plyometric or Flywheel Exercises in National Team Rugby Players

Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a key objective following regular warm-up routines, especially in sports that rely heavily on sprinting speed and power. Rugby is a team sport characterized by a range of repeated high-intensity efforts, irrespective of positional roles or match demands. In this study, we examined and compared the effects of two different conditioning activities (CAs) on the power- and speed-related abilities of National Team rugby players. Thirteen male rugby union players sequentially performed countermovement jump (CMJ), 30 m sprint, and change-of-direction (COD) tests (pre-testing session) 5 min before executing either one set of six repetitions of 45 cm drop jumps or one set of six repetitions of flywheel eccentric-overload squats. In addition to the sport-specific tests, the muscle mechanical properties of the athletes were also assessed through the use of tensiomyography (TMG). At post-testing sessions conducted 5 and 10 min after the PAPE protocols, no significant changes were observed in any of the assessed variables, either in positions as backs or forwards. However, some meaningful variations were detected at the individual level when using the “true-changes” analysis. Despite some positive individual changes, it can be concluded that these specific protocols did not elicit the expected responses typically observed in other team-sport athletes. Practitioners are encouraged to implement more comprehensive (but not exhaustive) and tailored PAPE interventions prior to training sessions and competitions.

Intensity Matters: Effect of Different Work-Matched Efforts on Subsequent Performance in Cyclists.

To assess the effect of 2 work-matched efforts of different intensities on subsequent performance in well-trained cyclists. The present study followed a randomized controlled crossover design. Twelve competitive junior cyclists volunteered to participate (age, 17 [1]y; maximum oxygen uptake, 71.0 [4.7]mL·kg-1·min-1). The power-duration relationship was assessed through 2-minute, 5-minute, and 12-minute field tests under fresh conditions (control). On subsequent days and following a randomized order, participants repeated the aforementioned tests after 2 training sessions matched for mechanical work (∼15kJ/kg) of different intensities (ie,a moderate-intensity continuous-training [60%-70% of critical power; CP] session or a session including high-intensity intervals [3-min repetition bouts at 110%-120% of the CP interspersed by 3-min rest periods]). A significantly lower power output was found in the 2-minute test after the high-intensity training session compared not only with the control condition (-8%, P < .001) but also with the moderate-intensity continuous-training session (-7%, P = .003), with no significant differences between the latter conditions. No significant differences between conditions were found for the remaining tests. As a consequence, the high-intensity training session resulted in significantly lower W' values compared to both the control condition (-27%, P = .001) and the moderate-intensity continuous-training session (-26%, P = .012), with no differences between the 2 latter conditions and with no differences for CP. A session including high-intensity intermittent efforts induces a greater fatigue, particularly in short-duration efforts and W', than a work-matched continuous-training session of moderate intensity.

Analysis of the impact of different intensities and time periods on the physical and technical performance of professional soccer players

Soccer match simulations provide valuable information on player performance and training methods but how intensity during a game affects a player's physical/technical performance has yet to be explored. The objective of the study was to analyse the impact of variable intensity intervals during the first block of the Copenhagen Soccer Test. A repeated measures study was designed to compare three intensity levels, three time periods and their effects on sprint speed, perceived effort, goal shooting accuracy, dribbling, and long pass accuracy in professional soccer players. The comparison analysis between different phases showed a significant decrease in sprint speed (p &lt; 0.001) and an increase in perceived effort (p &lt; 0.001), however, the technical variables did not change (p &gt; 0.05). When comparing the data based on intensity, significant decreases were observed in all variables (p &lt; 0.001). The combined analysis of the results indicates that the speed decreases and the rate of perceived exertion increases as the simulation progresses. Meanwhile, the accuracy of goal kicks, dribbling, and long passes are negatively affected by high-intensity efforts, but demonstrate recovery over the course of the simulation. The increase in intensity affects the speed more than the accuracy of shots on goal, dribbling and passing. Keywords: Performance, Soccer, Intensity, Physical performance, Technical performance.

Analysis of the physical fitness and determinants of performance of beach handball athletes

IntroductionBeach handball, an emerging team sport derived from indoor handball, is characterized by high-intensity efforts. This study aimed to analyze the physical fitness profiles of elite beach handball players of both sexes and identify the characteristics that determine anaerobic power performance among these athletes. Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 25 elite beach handball players. Anaerobic power, sprint performance, and change-of-direction ability were assessed. ResultsThere were no significant differences between men and women in anaerobic power and change-of-direction ability. Men showed better performance in the 15-meter sprint test (p = 004). A moderately strong positive correlation was found between anaerobic power and age. BMI did not significantly correlate with power performance. ConclusionsAge is an important determinant of anaerobic power, whereas body mass index does not play a significant role, especially among males.

Enhancing Youth Cricket Performance: Insights From Field-Based Assessments of Strength, Endurance, and Agility

Background The physical demands of cricket, particularly in youth players, encompass critical components of strength, endurance, and agility, which are essential for optimal performance and maintaining competitive success. Strength, endurance, and agility are vital in enhancing youth cricketers' overall physical fitness and performance levels, directly influencing their ability to sustain high-intensity efforts, execute precise movements, and recover effectively during matches and training sessions. Aims: This research aimed to evaluate the field-based performance levels of young cricketers in Belagavi through innovative assessments: the wall squat, 2km time trial, and Run-a-three tests, highlighting their importance in enhancing player fitness and performance.Methods: A cohort of 100 young cricketers (aged 18-24) with a minimum of 2 years experience underwent comprehensive assessments using the wall squat, 2km time trial, and Run-a-three tests across various cricket grounds in Belagavi. Statistical analyses provided insights into their fitness levels across different player categories (batsmen, bowlers, all-rounders, and wicketkeepers).Results: Significant variations in fitness levels were observed among player categories, with wall squat endurance being the most notable area for improvement, as the mean performance was 51.54 ± 20.79 seconds. The average 2km trial was completed in 10.03 ± 1.42 minutes, while the Run-a-three drill averaged 11.86 ± 1.33 seconds. These findings highlight the critical need for targeted fitness interventions to enhance lower body endurance across all roles.Conclusion: This study underscores the imperative for tailored fitness regimens to address deficiencies in strength, endurance, and agility among young cricketers in Belagavi. These targeted interventions can enhance their competitive readiness and support long-term athletic development. Future research should explore the specific impact of these fitness interventions on performance metrics and injury prevention, providing further insights into optimizing youth cricket training programs.

Cardiac parasympathetic reactivation after a high-intensity intermittent effort in water polo players: impact of swimming endurance performance status

Cardiac parasympathetic reactivation after a high-intensity intermittent effort in water polo players: impact of swimming endurance performance status

Características Cineantropométricas en Jugadores Profesionales de Rugby Sevens

Introduction: Rugby sevens or 7s is a team sport, descended from rugby 15s or rugby union. It is considered a sport of high intensity and intermittent effort, where positions are very well defined but there is small between-athletes variability of physical characteristics. Objective: The goal of the study was to analyze the anthropometric characteristics, body composition, somatotype and proportionality in players of the Spanish rugby sevens team. Material and methods: Anthropometric variables were evaluated in 16 players in order to obtain information regarding body composition, somatotype and proportionality following the standard techniques proposed by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Results: The data obtained regarding height and weight, muscle percentage (45.05 ± 5.02), bone (16.25 ± 1.72) and fat percentage (7.98 ± 1.32) are comparable to the obtained information of rugby union players who play in the three quarters position. Participants were predominantly classified as balanced mesomorphs, which are characterized by increased skeletal muscle development. Discussion: Body composition as well as somatotype values are similar to other studies results according to elite athletes in intermittent sports that do not require high fat percentages. Conclusion: Despite being tall and with large body mass athletes, their high muscle percentage can provide this type of athlete greater power and speed, necessary to support the high demands of competition in this sport.

High-Intensity GPS-Derived Parameters in Semi-Professional Soccer: Home vs. Away Roles of the Team and Their Relationship with the Match's Final Score.

High-intensity activities are related to success in football. We looked at whether high-intensity activity differed between home and away matches and its impact on the final score. Thirty football players (20.3 ± 0.8 years) were recruited from a Spanish semi-professional team. Footballers wore a GPS device to monitor high-intensity parameters from competition matches. The final score of every match was also recorded. Playing at home showed greater total distance (TD) > 24 km/h, >27 km/h, >85% Vmax, and the number of sprints > 24 km/h (all p < 0.05) than playing away. Positive correlations were also found between the match score and high-speed running (HSR) distance covered by the team per minute (r = 0.401), TD > 21 km/h (r = 0.417), TD > 24 km/h (r = 0.343), number of sprints > 24 km/h (r = 0.337), and HSR per minute (r = 0.459) (all p < 0.05). The results suggest that playing at home is associated with greater high-intensity effort than playing away. Moreover, the volume of high-intensity effort influences the final score.

High-Intensity Running During International Male Field Hockey Involves Frequent Changes of Direction and Repeated Accelerations but Seldom Reaches Sprint Velocities.

Goods, PS, Appleby, B, Scott, BR, Peeling, P, and Galna, B. High-intensity running during international male field hockey involves frequent changes of direction and repeated accelerations but seldom reaches sprint velocities. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1933-1940, 2024-The aim of this investigation was to quantify the characteristics of high-intensity running in international male field hockey. Player movement data were collected through wearable player tracking devices across 3 tournaments (17 matches) from 27 members of the Australian male field hockey team (totaling 266 player matches). Active duration (minute), high-intensity efforts (>2.5 m·s -2 for >1 second), repeated high-intensity efforts (≥3 efforts with ≤45-second recovery between efforts), and sprints (>7 m·s -1 ) were extracted and aggregated for each player match. The duration, distance, mean and peak speed, mean change of direction and straightness for each high-intensity effort, and peak deceleration at the conclusion of each effort were calculated. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate the mean for each outcome (fixed effect), with random intercepts modeled for player and match. On average, players completed 42.2 high-intensity efforts and 2.1 sprints per match. High-intensity efforts were short (3.61 seconds, 12.9 m), failed to reach high velocities (average peak velocity: 4.8 m·s -1 ), and involved frequent changes of direction (56% of efforts were not straight). There were 4.7 bouts of repeated high-intensity efforts per player, per match (comprising 3.8 efforts, with 3.53 seconds per effort separated by 16.2-second recovery). Last, we also found that 29% of high-intensity efforts involved a high-speed deceleration (>3.5 m·s -2 ), and these occurred frequently when in conjunction with a >45° (86%) or >90° (89%) change of direction. We recommend practitioners focus on developing players' ability to repeatedly accelerate, decelerate, and change direction over short distances and adopt testing and monitoring programs that assess these qualities.

Influence of the carbon fiber plate curvature of advanced footwear technology on the running energetic cost and 3000-m performance

This study aimed to explore the effect of two similar commercialized advanced footwear technology models differing mainly in their plate geometry (i.e., low and high curvature plate) on the running energetic cost in both non-fatigued and fatigued states. It also sought to determine their impacts on 3000-m performance. Twelve highly trained male athletes performed four 5-min trials (two advanced technology models, two trials). In each experimental session, athletes completed a 3000-m trial which was followed by a 5-min trial to test the running energetic cost when fatigued. Athletes exhibited a lower running energetic cost when wearing the low curvature plate in a non-fatigued state (P = 0.034; − 1.13 [− 1.92 to − 0.11] %), which persisted with better performance in the 3000-m trial (P = 0.017; − 0.42 [− 0.74 to − 0.09] %). However, in a fatigued state, non-significant differences were reported (P = 0.207). The low curvature plate seems to be more effective than the high curvature plate when running at low intensity in a fresh state as well as in a maximal high-intensity effort. However, non-significant differences between plate geometries were observed when fatigue was increased.

The pre-season variation in physical performance of an elite level female cricket squad

Cricket is as an endurance sport comprising intermittent bursts of speed and power. The introduction of new formats of varying duration and intensity means the physical demands of cricket can vary. Regardless of format, it is agreed that the high-intensity efforts involved in elite level cricket require high levels of lower-body strength and power, and upper-body strength and rotational power (Herridge et al., 2020, J Strength Cond Res, 34, 2285-2293). Previous research has demonstrated that physical qualities can vary throughout seasonal periods (Herridge et al., 2020; Carr et al., 2017, Int J Sports Phys Perf, 12, 50-55) due to training effects. Based on this small body of research, physical performance in common performance tests seem to plateau or decrease across a season, whereas performance tends to increase in the off- and pre-season. This suggests that the off- and pre-season are key phases whereby practitioners can positively influence physical qualities of cricketers. However, despite the growth of the female format, the only studies to have explored the variations in physical qualities have been focused on male cricket. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the pre-seasonal variation in the physical performance of female cricket players. 10 elite level female cricketers (age = 23 ± 4 years, stature = 166 ± 7 cm, mass = 71 ± 7 kg) performed a testing battery at 3 points during the pre-season (October – Time point (TP) 1, December – TP 2, February – TP 3). Three trials of bilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ), unilateral CMJ (UCMJ), squat jump (SJ), 10/5 repeated jump test (RJT), Nordic hamstring test (NHT), and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP). Data were analysed via a repeated measure ANOVA with post-hoc analysis where appropriate. Improvements (P &lt; 0.005) were evident in peak CMJ and mean jump height, right UCMJ peak jump height, and peak and mean force in the left and right leg in the NHT. Non-significant improvements were seen in several other metrics across time points. The ES for differences in physical tests between T1 and T2 ranged from ES = −0.09 to 0.61, T1 and T3 ranged from ES = −0.05 to 1.04, and T2 and T3 ranged from ES = −0.03 to 0.83. The results of this study showed select strength-power metrics in elite female cricketers significantly changed across time points during the pre-season, suggesting desirable adaptations to strength-based training phases.

Comparison of time-motion, heart rate responses, and training load measurement in Brazilian jiu-jitsu heavyweight and lightweight fighters: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT This study compares technical-tactical and physiological parameters between lightweight and heavyweight male Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) fighters. We included 11 adult BJJ fighters (lightweight: age = 28 ± 7 years; body mass = 73 ± 2 kg; height = 1.72 ± 0.7 m; body mass index = 25 ± 2 kg/m2; heavyweight: age = 27 ± 3 years; body mass = 95 ± 6 kg; height = 1.87 ± 0.6 m; body mass index = 27 ± 2 kg/m2). Six participants were considered lightweight (71 to 77 kg) and five heavyweight divisions (88 to 101 kg). Initially, sample characteristics and a graded exercise test determined the physiological parameters. A simulated competition (10 minutes maximum) assessed technical-tactical characteristics, Heart Rate (HR), Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), TRaining IMPulse based on HR, session-RPE, and time at HR intensity zones (Z1, Z2, and Z3). A comparison test revealed that heavyweight athletes exhibited a higher height, body mass, total time in low-intensity efforts per block, number of standing combat blocks, and less time in high-intensity efforts per block and lower VO2MAX than lightweight (p < 0.05). The HR showed a nonlinear increase throughout each minute of the fights, with the heavyweight division demonstrating predominantly higher HR values. All fighters accumulated more time in training zone 3. The physiological and temporal differences between divisions suggest that BJJ training must be designed specifically for lightweight or heavyweight divisions.

Profiling the acceleration and deceleration components in elite futsal players

ABSTRACT This retrospective observational study explores the acceleration and deceleration demands of elite male futsal players (age: 28.8 ± 2.4 years, weight: 73.7 ± 6.2 kg, height: 175.9 ± 5.9 cm) in official matches. Utilising a local positioning system, tracking data from twelve matches involving two elite teams with nineteen players was analysed. Physical demands were assessed at various thresholds, considering standing and rolling efforts based on initial and final velocities. The most prevalent efforts were rolling accelerations (32.4%) and decelerations (31.3%), along with standing accelerations (18.7%) and decelerations (17.6%). A majority of efforts occurred within small distances (less than 10 metres), representing 27.9% to 71.1% of cases. Intensity comparisons revealed that larger distances consistently had significantly higher velocities (d = 0.67 to d = 5.91). High-intensity efforts over large distances were notably shorter than their low-intensity counterparts, both in standing (d = 1.75 to d = 1.98) and rolling (d = 0.64 to d = 0.82) effort types. In essence, elite futsal players predominantly engage in rolling accelerations and decelerations within short distances, exhibiting average speeds below 3 m·s−2. This insight into the nuanced dynamics of player movements provides valuable information for optimising training regimens and enhancing performance in elite futsal competitions.

Comparison of Australian Football League Women's athletes match day energy and nutrient intake to recommendations.

This cross-sectional observational study quantified Australian Football League Women's athletes' match volume, and compared match-day dietary intakes against recommendations. Self-report, direct observation, and fluid measurements determined dietary intake (n = 17, 25 ± 4.5 years, 22.8 ± 1.8 kg/m2) on five home match days (early or late starting). Global positioning system software captured match volume. Linear mixed effects models evaluated differences in early versus late match volume and nutrient intakes. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Athletes covered 6712 ± 622 m during matches, with similar numbers of very high-intensity running efforts over equal distances in early and late matches (early vs. late efforts [no.]: 8.5 ± 4.9 vs. 9.5 ± 5.5; distance [m]: 203 ± 127 vs. 212 ± 113). Across all match days, 71% (n = 12) of athletes met their predicted daily energy requirements. However, 82% (n = 14) failed to meet minimum daily carbohydrate recommendations; intake was lower on early compared with late match days (4.7 g/day vs. 5.4 g/kg/day, p = 0.027). On average, no athletes met carbohydrate recommendations in the 2 h prior to a match and only 24% (n = 4) met recommendations during matches. All athletes met post-match carbohydrate and protein requirements. Athletes cover large distances during games with frequent bursts of high-intensity running. However, they do not adjust their intake to meet the energy demands of competition, with inadequate fuelling prior to and during matches. These findings emphasise the need for greater athlete education and dietary support to maximise strategic fuelling to optimise athletic performance.

Effects of Different Weekly Set Volumes on Strength and Perceptual Responses in Athletes.

This study investigated the effects of different resistance training (RT) volumes quantified by weekly sets at high intensity (load and effort) on dynamic strength adaptations and psychophysiological responses in trained individuals. Twenty-four athletes were randomly allocated to three groups that performed three (3 S, n=8), six (6 S, n=8), and nine (9 S, n=8) weekly sets, respectively, three times a week on the barbell back squat and bench press during an 8-week period. While all groups showcased strength gains (p<0.05), post hoc comparisons revealed that 6 S and 9 S elicited greater strength adaptations than 3 S in barbell back squat (p=0.027 and p=0.004, respectively) and bench press (p=0.001 and p=0.044, respectively). There were no differences between 6 S and 9 S conditions for back squat (p=0.999) and bench press (p=0.378). Although a time effect was observed for Session-RPE (p=0.014) and Total Quality Recovery scale (p=0.020), psychophysiological responses were similar among groups. Our findings suggest that performing six and nine weekly sets at high intensities led to greater strength gains compared to three weekly sets in strength-trained individuals, despite similar psychophysiological responses.

NEAR MAXIMAL VELOCITY SPRINTS ARE RARE, BUT HIGH-INTENSITY ACCELERATIONS OCCUR FREQUENTLY DURING INTERNATIONAL MALE FIELD HOCKEY

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS In team sport, high-intensity running is generally used to describe velocities associated with maximal aerobic speed, with sprints defined by near maximal velocities, which are considered important to team sport performance. However, recent team sport investigations have revealed that near maximal velocities are seldom attained, but high-intensity accelerations occur frequently and may better represent the most demanding aspects of team sport match play. Field hockey research in this area is lacking, and therefore, we aimed to explore the frequency of high-intensity accelerations in elite field hockey, and how often these accelerations resulted in the attainment of sprint velocities. METHODS Movement data were collected during 2023 across 3 tournaments (17 matches) from 27 members of the Australian male field hockey team (totalling 266 player matches). Duration, high-intensity accelerations (&amp;gt;2.5m.s-2 for &amp;gt;1s), sprints (&amp;gt;7m.s-1), and repeated high-intensity efforts (≥3 accelerations or sprints with ≤45s recovery between efforts) were extracted. Mixed effects models were used to estimate the mean for each outcome (fixed effect), with random intercepts modelled for player and match. RESULTS Players were active for 51min and completed 42 high-intensity accelerations per match, which lasted for 3.6s, covered 12.9m, and reached a peak velocity of 4.8m.s-1. Only 6.4% of high-intensity accelerations resulted in the attainment of sprint velocity (2.5 per match), and these efforts lasted for 6.1s, covered 35.6m, and reached a peak velocity of 7.5m.s-1. Players completed 4.5 bouts of repeated high-intensity accelerations per match, which comprised 3.7 efforts per bout, interspersed with 16.4s of recovery; however, no repeated-sprint bouts were observed. CONCLUSION High-intensity accelerations occur frequently in field hockey; however, these rarely result in the attainment of sprint velocities. Practitioners should consider monitoring high-intensity accelerations to ensure players are being adequately prepared for competition demands.