Lower Ranked Teams Research Articles

EFEITO DOS DETERMINANTES DE DESEMPENHO NA DIFERENÇA FINAL DE GOLS DA NHL

ABSTRACT Introduction: In ice hockey games, the team's performance is influenced by many contextual factors, and understanding playing styles allows to reveal how key performance indicators vary under different situations. Objective: This research aims to explore the playing styles of elite ice-hockey teams and to identify key performance aspects under different final goal difference situations. Methods: This article analyzed compared the match performance of 31 National Hockey League teams during 1271 matches considering their playing styles and final goal difference. Results: The principal component analysis obtained 8 performance components describing the technical-tactical styles of the teams. The subsequent analysis found that there was significant difference between three match outcomes in unfavorable state, major penalties, puck possession maintaining ability, shot defending ability, aggressive performance (p<0.001; = 0.007-0.273). Conclusions: Higher-ranked teams winning the unbalanced games showed better performance in shot defending ability and aggressive performance. Lower-ranked teams losing in unbalanced games kept less possession of the puck and were more likely to be shorthanded (p<0.05, ES=0.131-1.410). The study demonstrates how playing styles can be used to contextualize key determinants from ice hockey games. Level of evidence I; Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment.

Differences in playing style and technical performance according to the team ranking in the Spanish football LaLiga. A thirteen seasons study.

This study aimed to explore the differences in playing style and technical performance according to the ranking level in Spanish football teams. The sample comprised 38 professional teams that competed in LaLiga from 2008/09 to 2020/21, with a total of 4940 matches. The teams were grouped by their final ranking position: Champion (1st); Champions League (2nd-4th); Europa League (5th-6th); middle teams (7th-17th); and relegated teams (18th-20th). Linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of the team ranking on variables related to playing style and technical performance. The F2 statistic was calculated as effect size (ES). Regarding the style of play, the Champion teams initiated offensive sequences from a more advanced field position than the remaining ranking groups with a descending effect as the ranking position decreased (p < 0.001; ES = medium). The sequence duration and passes per sequence showed a decreasing effect across ranking groups (both p < 0.001; ES = small). In contrast, the direct speed showed an increasing effect as the ranking position decreased (p < 0.001; ES = small). A decreasing effect was observed in the number of sequences ending in the final third as the ranking position decreased (p < 0.001; ES = large) while no effect was found for the sequences ending in a shot. There was a reduction effect in ball possession, passing accuracy, through balls and crosses as the teams' ranking decreased (all p < 0.001; ES = small-to-large). In summary, higher-ranked teams had an advanced starting position, longer offensive sequences, slower progression speed, more ball possession, higher passing accuracy, and more crosses and through balls than lower-ranked teams. Football coaches should consider that adopting a playing style focused on regaining the ball possession in advanced field zones and using long passing sequences can be an effective tactical strategy to improve the teams' ranking during the season.

The "Worst-Case Scenario": Recovery Between Repeated High-Intensity Efforts in Rugby League Match-Play.

Repeated high-intensity effort (RHIE) activity is known to be a critical component of high-intensity, intermittent team sports. Despite the importance of this quality, there are few studies comparing the RHIE activity of higher- and lower-ranked teams competing in the same competition. This study characterized the distribution of recovery times between RHIE in Top 4 and Bottom 4 semi-elite rugby league players. Players from Top 4 teams will engage in a greater frequency of RHIE bouts than Bottom 4 teams, with shorter recovery periods between consecutive efforts. Cohort study. A total of 104 semi-elite rugby league players from 11 teams wore global positioning system units during 28 Queensland Cup rugby league matches. Recovery between efforts was classified as <10, 11 to 20, 21 to 30, 31 to 60, and 61 to 120 seconds. The majority of RHIE bouts were performed with ≤10 seconds recovery between efforts for both Top 4 and Bottom 4 teams. Top 4 teams performed a greater proportion of RHIE bouts with ≤10 seconds recovery between efforts than Bottom 4 teams (effect size [ES], 0.27 ± 0.19), while only trivial differences (ES, 0.17 ± 0.20) were found between Top 4 and Bottom 4 teams for the proportion of RHIE with 61 to 120 seconds recovery between efforts. Wide-running forwards from Top 4 teams performed a greater proportion of RHIE bouts with ≤10 seconds recovery between efforts (ES, 0.59 ± 0.40) and a smaller proportion of RHIE bouts with 61 to 120 seconds recovery between efforts (ES, 0.62 ± 0.38) than wide-running forwards from Bottom 4 teams. Rugby league players perform proportionally more RHIE bouts with ≤10 seconds recovery between efforts than any other recovery duration. In addition, Top 4 teams are more likely to complete a greater proportion of short (≤10 seconds) recovery RHIE bouts than Bottom 4 teams. These findings demonstrate the demanding nature of RHIE activity in rugby league. To be successful, teams should train for these demanding passages of play.

Rendimiento ofensivo espacial de los mundiales de balonmano de 2017 y 2019. Diferencias en función de la clasificación

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the spatial performance indexes of laterality and depth as a function of the final classification of the teams that competed in the men's (Germany-Denmark 2019) and women's (Germany 2017) senior handball world championships, considering for this aim the total number of throws made as a function of the finishing zones. A documentary study was carried out based on the total number of throws made in 192 men's and 154 women's participations of 48 national teams belonging to 33 countries, which participated in the previous World Cups. The data were collected by the IHF. The results showed that the lower ranked teams in both World Cups compared to the champions finished a greater number of times both from the side lanes of the field and from shallow offensive areas. This information will be useful for coaches in improving their training design and for players in their decision making.

Impact of Match Type and Match Halves on Referees' Physical Performance and Decision-Making Distance in Chinese Football Super League.

The purpose of this study was to explore how Chinese Football Super League (CSL) referees’ physical performance and decision-making distance varied according to match type and match halves. Data from 107 matches played by top-4 ranked and bottom-4 ranked teams during 2018–2019 CSL seasons were collected. Level of matches was classified into three groups: (a) upper-ranked (top-4) teams against top-4 teams, (b) top-4 teams against lower-ranked teams (bottom-4), and (c) bottom-4 teams against bottom-4 teams. Two-way ANOVA and Scheirer-Ray-Hare test were used to examine the statistical differences of referees’ physical and spatial related distance variables among different match levels and halves. The Euclidean distance to the ball at the following three variables were statistically different among three match types: clearance (p = 0.03, = 0.03), running with the ball (p = 0.01, = 0.04), and shot off target (p = 0.04, = 0.03). In addition, referees’ distance to the ball at three events were statistically different between both match halves: pass (p < 0.001, r = 0.69), reception (p < 0.001, r = 0.76), and running with the ball (p < 0.001, r = 0.77). The total running distance was statistically different between both match halves (p = 0.001, d = 0.05). The findings indicated that although CSL referees showed little difference in physical performance when officiating matches of three competitive levels and two halves, distinct rhythms of competitions determined that they needed to adjust running strategies to maintain proper distance to the ball. This study implied that the CSL referees’ match performance was affected by the teams’ style of play and match status.

Analysis of Fallacies in Below-Average Chinese Debaters’ Speech From Judges’ Oral Feedback

This study aims to explore and analyze the common characteristics of fallacies made by below-average Chinese debaters and identify the criteria used by judges in evaluating those fallacies that determine the ranking of debaters. The 20 pieces of oral feedback from judges on the total fallacies made by five teams of below-average debaters from one tournament of the FLTRP CUP debate competition were selected. A direct link to the cause of faulty reasoning in the group of lower ranked teams was found between relevance-related and structural-related fallacies. Additional contributory fallacies which prevented debaters from winning if not necessarily losing were those related to acceptability and refutation, finally, the most prevalent fallacy was found to be that related to sufficiency which occurred in varying degrees and at different levels of the team.

The influence of opposition quality on team performance indicators in elite Gaelic football

ABSTRACT The aim of the current study was to assess if opposition quality influences the technical performance of lower-ranked Gaelic football teams. Over a three-year period (2016–2018), nine teams from Tier 3 were assessed on their technical performance levels over 50 matches. Teams were split into three groups according to team rating determined objectively using the Elo Ratings System for Gaelic football (Tier 1 (n = 14) (>1500 points, highest ranking), Tier 2 (n = 17) (1200–1499 points) and Tier 3 (n = 19) (<1200 points)). Teams in Tier 3 are of the same ranking as the “lower ranked teams”. A series of 1-Way ANOVA’s examined differences in technical performance comparing the lower ranked teams to all 3 tiers, where both significance and effect size were considered. There was a non-significant difference found when comparing the lower ranked teams with all three tiers for all variables (all P > 0.05). For both successful hand-passes (ƞ2 = 0.140) and long kick-outs lost (ƞ2 = 0.213), all tiers had a large effect. Between tiers, long kick-outs lost (d = 1.77) was the only large effect noted and occurred when the lower ranked teams played Tier 1 teams. The current study gives an insight to coaches of what parameters in the game are influenced by the opposition.

Time–Motion Analysis by Playing Positions of Male Handball Players during the European Championship 2020

The aim of this study was to analyze time–motion characteristics of elite male handball players during the last European Championship 2020. A total of 414 players from 24 national teams were analyzed during 65 matches using a local positioning system (LPS) for the first time in a European Championship. Players (n = 1865) covered significantly (p < 0.001; ES = 0.48) more total distance in offense (1217.48 ± 699.33 m) and in all locomotion categories (p < 0.001) than in defense (900.96 ± 538.95 m), with a similar average total time on court (13.40 ± 8.19 min in offense and 13.27 ± 8.59 min; p > 0.05). The running pace was significantly higher in offense 96.53 ± 22.57 m/min than in defense 82.72 ± 43.28 m/min (p < 0.001; ES = 0.47). By playing positions, the Left Wing players covered significantly (p < 0.001) higher distances (2547.14 ± 1309.52) and showed longer playing time (32.08 ± 17.01). Center Back was the playing position that showed the highest global running pace (98.34 m/min). Players with higher running pace in offense (p < 0.001) were Left Backs (105.95 ± 25.20) and the Center Backs in defense (95.76 ± 48.90). There were no significant differences between winners and losers or between top ranked and lower ranked teams in terms of time played, distance covered, and running pace. Specific physical conditioning is necessary to maximize performance and minimize fatigue when performing in long tournaments.

Influence of opponent ranking on the physical demands encountered during Ultimate Frisbee match-play

ABSTRACT There is a lack of evidence regarding the match demands encountered in elite Ultimate Frisbee (UF) overall and dependent upon opponent ranking. These data may be useful to elite UF coaches to implement optimal training loads and recovery strategies. Therefore, this study quantified the physical demands of elite UF match-play and analysed differences in demands according to opponent ranking. Twelve UF players from the same national team participated in the study. An observational design was used to compare the physical demands encountered by players between opponents carrying different rankings (1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th) during four official matches in a 5-team competition. No significant differences (p > 0.05) in sprinting and repeated-sprinting activity were evident across UF matches between opponents. In contrast, a higher (moderate-large) quantity and greater intensities of body impacts were observed in UF matches played against higher-ranked (1st) compared to lower-ranked teams (3rd, 4th, and 5th). Additionally, greater (moderate-large) PL and metabolic power were observed in matches played against higher-ranked (1st) compared to lower-ranked teams (3rd and 4th). These findings suggest coaches may need to reduce the training loads in the next days after the matches played against higher-ranked opponents compared to when facing lower-ranked opponents.

Differences in Maturity, Morphological, and Fitness Attributes Between the Better- and Lower-Ranked Male and Female U-14 Portuguese Elite Regional Basketball Teams.

Ramos, S, Volossovitch, A, Ferreira, AP, Barrigas, C, Fragoso, I, and Massuça, L. Differences in maturity, morphological and fitness attributes between the better- and lower-ranked male and female U-14 Portuguese elite regional basketball teams. J Strength Cond Res 34(3): 878-887, 2020-During a national championship, the anthropometric, physiological, and maturation attributes of 13-14-year-old players of regional selection basketball teams and their association with team's final classification were analyzed. Body parameters (body mass, height, skinfolds, and lengths) were measured and physiological capacities assessed by sprint (20 m), agility, jump, and upper-body strength tests. Chronological age, maturity offset (years from age at peak height velocity; YAPHV), and predicted age at peak height velocity were calculated. In both sexes, no significant differences were found for maturity. Anthropometric and physiological analysis indicated that male players from finalist's teams were significantly faster, were more agile, threw the medicine ball longer, and showed lower percentages of body fat than players from lower-ranked teams. Further, semifinalists were faster than lower-ranked players. In the same sense, female players from semifinalist teams demonstrated to be significantly faster, more agile, and threw the medicine ball longer than female players from lower-ranked teams. In addition, discriminant analysis showed that speed (in boys) and the combination of speed and upper limb strength (in girls) could successfully discriminate players with different performances in a championship. In conclusion, speed and upper limb strength appear to be the physical attributes associated with better team performance in youth basketball. Coaches should be aware of the relationship between the improvement of these physical attributes and the teaching-learning process of the basketball game.

Epidemiology of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Italian First Division Soccer Players.

The burden of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in professional soccer players is particularly relevant as it represents a potentially career-threatening injury. Our hypotheses were that (1) injury incidence rate would be similar to that reported in the literature, (2) we would identify a uniform distribution of the injuries along the season, and (3) injury incidence rate would be similar in high-ranked and lower ranked teams, based on final placement in the league. Descriptive epidemiological study. Level 4. Professional male soccer players participating in the Serie A championship league in 7 consecutive seasons (2011-2012 to 2017-2018) were screened to identify ACL injuries through the online football archive transfermarkt.com . Exposure in matches and training were calculated. There were 84 ACL injuries found (mean player age, 25.3 ± 4.2 years). Overall, 25% of ACL injuries were reruptures (15%) or contralateral injuries (10%). ACL incidence rate was 0.4215 per 1000 hours of play during Serie A matches, 0.0305 per 1000 hours of training (rate ratio [RR], 13.8; 95% CI, 8.4-22.7; P < 0.0001), and 0.0618 per 1000 hours of total play. Injury distribution had a bimodal peak, with the highest number of events in October and March. Alternatively, training injuries peaked in June and July. A significantly higher incidence rate was found for the teams ranked from 1st to 4th place compared with those ranked 5th to 20th (0.1256 vs 0.0559 per 1000 hours of play; RR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.6; P = 0.0003). A similar finding was found for injury incidence proportion (3.76% vs 1.64%; P = 0.0003). The overall incidence rate of ACL injuries in Italian Serie A was 0.062 per 1000 hours, with a 14-fold risk in matches compared with training. Relevantly, 25% were second injuries. Most injuries occurred in October and March, and an almost 2-fold incidence rate and incidence proportion were noted in those teams ranked in the first 4 positions of the championship league. Knowing the precise epidemiology of ACL injury in one of the most competitive professional football championship leagues could help delineate fields of research aimed to investigate its risk factors.

Characterising game styles in the English Premier League using the “moments of play” framework

ABSTRACTThe aim of the current study was to identify different playing styles within 2015–16 English Premier League season. Game-related variables were allocated to the “moments of play” framework, and multidimensional game styles were investigated using cluster analysis and related to finishing position. Totally, 96 game-related variables were allocated into one of five discrete “moments of play”; set pieces (SP), established offence (EO), transition to offence (TO), transition to defence (TD) and established defence (ED). Moments of play variables were z-score transformed. The game-specific mean z-score for the five moments was used as K-means cluster analysis inputs. Relationships between game style clusters and finishing position were investigated using chi-square analysis. Three game style clusters were identified: (1) moderately favouring ED and prevalent among lower-ranked teams (n = 270 games); (2) dominant in TO and TD (n = 241) and represented by the top team, (3) strong in EO and SP and characterised by higher ranked teams (games n = 249). Success for the top-ranked team was associated with the dominance in transition moments. Higher ranked teams demonstrate control of EO and SP, whereas lower ranked teams clustered for poor performance in all moments except ED. Game style varies across teams, however, it also aggregates relative to finishing position.

Influence of Team's Rank on Soccer Referees' External and Internal Match Loads During Official Matches.

Castillo, D, Castagna, C, Cámara, J, Iturricastillo, A, and Yanci, J. Influence of team's rank on soccer referees' external and internal match loads during official matches. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1715-1722, 2018-The aim was to examine the external and the internal match loads (ML) of field referees (FRs) attending teams of different ranking during championship matches. Twenty FR who officiated in 30 official soccer matches (30 observations) participated in our study. The criteria for allocating the soccer referees' ML results were based on the teams' final league positions as follows: matches performed by Top 10 teams (TOP10), matches performed by bottom 10 teams (BOT10), and matches played among TOP10 and BOT10 teams (MIXED). External (match activities, accelerations [Acc], and decelerations [Dec]) and internal MLs (Edwards' heart rate [HR]-derived training impulse [TRIMPEDW], HRmean expressed as a percentage of HRpeak [%HRpeak], and differentiated rating of perceived exertion [dRPE]) were recorded. The main results showed that FR, who officiated TOP10 matches, covered more distance at a low walking speed (<3.6 km·h) and performed a higher percentage of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations than those FR who officiated lower ranked teams' matches. Moreover, FR who officiated MIXED matches registered lower values of TRIMPEDW MLs and %HRpeak and declared higher respiratory (sRPEres ML) and muscular (sRPEmus ML) perceived MLs during the second half. Considering those FR who officiate matches between teams of a higher competitive level will need to produce higher match responses, especially regarding the percentage of distance covered at high intensity, accelerations, and decelerations; physical trainers of soccer referees at a high competitive level should implement these high-intensity short-term actions in specific training regimes.

Key team physical and technical performance indicators indicative of team quality in the soccer Chinese super league

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to identify the key physical and technical performance variables related to team quality in the Chinese Super League (CSL). Teams’ performance variables were collected from 240 matches and analysed via analysis of variance between end-of-season-ranked groups and multinomial logistic regression. Significant physical performance differences between groups were identified for sprinting (top-ranked group vs. upper-middle-ranked group) and total distance covered without possession (upper and upper-middle-ranked groups and lower-ranked group). For technical performance, teams in the top-ranked group exhibited a significantly greater amount of possession in opponent’s half, number of entry passes in the final 1/3 of the field and the Penalty Area, and 50–50 challenges than lower-ranked teams. Finally, time of possession increased the probability of a win compared with a draw. The current study identified key performance indicators that differentiated end-season team quality within the CSL.

Activity Profiles and Positional Differences of Handball Players During the World Championships in Qatar 2015.

Handball is an Olympic sport played indoors by 6 court players and 1 goalkeeper with rolling substitutions. Limited data exist on elite players competing in a world championship, and virtually no information exists on the evolution of time-motion performance over the course of a long tournament. To analyze time-motion characteristics of elite male handball players of the last world championships, played in Qatar in 2015. 384 handball players from 24 national teams. The athletes were analyzed during 88 matches using a tracking camera system and bespoke software (Prozone Handball v. 1.2, Prozone, Leeds, UK). The average time on court (N = 2505) during the world championships for all players was 36:48 ± 20:27 min. Goalkeepers and left and right wings were on court most of the playing time (GK 43.00 ± 25:59 min; LW 42:02 ± 21:07 min; RW 43:44 ± 21:37 min). The total distance covered during each game (2607.5 ± 1438.4 m) consisted mostly of walking and jogging. The cumulative distance covered during the tournament was 16,313 ± 9423.3 m. Players performed 857.2 ± 445.7 activity changes with a recovery time of 124.3 ± 143 s. The average running pace was 78.2 ± 10.8 m/min. There was no significant difference between high-ranked and lower-ranked teams in terms of distance covered in different locomotion categories. Specific physical conditioning is necessary to maximize performance of handball players and minimize the occurrence of fatigue when performing in long tournaments.

Identifying keys to win in the Chinese professional soccer league

Quantifying correlations between soccer match statistics and match results is an effective way to identify key performance indicators of soccer competitions. In the current study, generalized linear modelling was employed to identify relationships between 21 performance-related variables and the match outcome (win, draw, loss). Data of all the 480 matches of the 2014 and 2015 season in the Chinese Football Association Super League were collected and analyzed. The cumulative logistic regression was run in the modelling taking the value of each performance-related variable as an independent variable to predict the logarithm of the odds of winning. Relationships were evaluated with magnitude-based inferences and were expressed as effects of a two-standard-deviation increase in the value of each variable on the change in the probability of a team winning a match. Modelling was performed in four match contexts of team and opposition end-of-season rank (classified as upper and lower ranked teams). Shot on Target (positive), Shot Accuracy (positive), Cross Accuracy (trivial), Tackle (trivial) and Yellow Card (trivial) were the five variables that showed consistent effects in all four match contexts, other effects varied depending on the strength of team and opposition. Quantified relationships can provide useful information to coaches and performance analysts in practice of different match scenarios.

The UEFA Champions League: maintaining the status quo?

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the competitive balance of the UEFA Champions League group stages. There are numerous financial and commercial benefits to clubs that participate in this competition. The current paper examines whether the seeding system operated by UEFA is hindering some lower ranked teams from qualification and, thus, the associated benefits.Design/methodology/approach– Data were collected for all UEFA Champions League group stages between1999/2000 and 2013/2014. Data analysis techniques included Herfindahl-Hirschman Index to examine competitive balance and one-way ANOVAs to examine the impact of the current seeding system on club performance.Findings– The findings suggest that there are flaws in the ranking and seeding system used by UEFA, as results show that the competition is competitively imbalanced at the group stage. Additionally, clubs that are continually placed in the highest seeding pot historically tend to accumulate more points and finish in a higher position in the group, thereby giving them a better opportunity to progress further in the competition.Research limitations/implications– The study has implications for both the clubs competing in the Champions League, who will be affected by the seeding system, and UEFA themselves when considering the sporting integrity of their flagship competition.Originality/value– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper of its kind to examine competitive balance in this competition, and the paper contributes new knowledge that extends the research undertaken in the field previously.

The physical demands of Super League rugby: Experiences of a newly promoted franchise

The physical match demands for a newly promoted European Super League (ESL) squad were analysed over a full season using global positioning systems. Players were classified into four positional groups: outside backs (OB), pivots (PIV), middle unit forwards (MUF) and wide running forwards (WRF). MUF covered less total distance (4318 ± 570 m) than WRF (6408 ± 629 m), PIV (6549 ± 853) and OB (7246 ± 333 m) (P < 0.05) and less sprint distance (185 ± 58 m) than WRF (296 ± 82 m), PIV (306 ± 108) and OB (421 ± 89 m; P < 0.05), likely attributable to less playing time by MUF (47.8 ± 6.6 min) compared with WRF (77.0 ± 9.0 min), PIV (72.8 ± 10.6 min) and OB (86.7 ± 3.4 min; P < 0.05). Metres per minute were greater for MUF (90.8 ± 2.2 m.min–1) compared with OB (83.6 ± 2.8 m.min–1) and WRF (83.4 ± 2.4 m.min–1; P = 0.001) although not different from PIV (90.2 ± 3.3 m.min–1; P > 0.05). WRF (36 ± 5) and MUF (35 ± 6) were involved in more collisions than OB (20 ± 3) and PIV (23 ± 3; P < 0.05). The high-speed running and collision demands observed here were greater than that previously reported in the ESL, which may reflect increased demands placed on the lower ranked teams. The present data may be used to inform coaches if training provides the physical stimulus to adequately prepare their players for competition which may be especially pertinent for newly promoted franchises.

Contextual effects on activity profiles of domestic field hockey during competition and training

Game context is widely accepted to influence performance but most data available is ‘categorical’ and addresses performance rather than activity. This study assessed direct effects of opposition and team ranking in field hockey to establish influences on activity. One hundred and eight (n=108) female field hockey players (age 16–39years) participated, giving 186 competition and 48 training analyses. Team average distance (mean±SD) observed in a mid-ranked team during competition ranged from 5949±611 to 7719±257m demonstrating an opposition rank effect (Pearson’s r=.71; adjusted R2=.42). However, multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated a stronger relationship in lower ranked teams (Pearson’s r=.99; adjusted R2=.97 through 3–9). In contrast, no team rank effect was observed during randomly monitored competition where team average distance ranged from 5177±444 to 7316±241m (Pearson’s r=.15 and adjusted R2=.12). In training, however, a team rank effect was observed in distance-related performance indicators where team average distance during small-sided games ranged from 5877±188 to 3551±193m drill (per 70min) with Pearson’s r=.95 and adjusted R2=.87. The presence of contextual effects has significant practical implications for team sports where the training load assumed from competition may be overestimated.

Influence of the Opposing Team on the Physical Demands of Elite Rugby League Match Play

This study investigated the influence of playing standard, and winning and losing on the physical demands of elite rugby league match play. Twenty-two elite rugby league players participated in this study. Global positioning system data were collected during 16 rugby league matches. Players covered significantly greater (p ≤ 0.05) absolute and relative distance at high speeds when playing against Bottom 4 teams than when competing against Top 4 teams. The total distance per minute of match play and relative distance at low speeds were greater when matches were won. In addition, a greater absolute and relative number of maximal accelerations and repeated high-intensity effort bouts were performed when players were competing in winning teams than in losing teams. The mean and maximum number of efforts in a repeated high-intensity effort bout was also higher in winning teams, although the recovery between efforts was shorter in losing teams. Moderate (7-17 points) and large (≥18 points) winning margins were associated with greater relative distances covered and distances covered at low speeds than small winning margins. No meaningful differences were found in the physical demands between small, moderate, and large losing margins. The results of this study demonstrate that the physical demands of rugby league are greater when winning than losing, and when competing against lower ranked teams. Furthermore, larger winning margins are associated with greater physical demands than small and moderate winning margins, with these physical demands, in turn, greater than losing margins of any magnitude. These findings suggest that the competitive advantage of successful elite rugby league teams is closely linked to their ability to maintain a higher playing intensity than their less successful counterparts.