PlayerLoadTM Research Articles

Average and peak external demands according to opposition quality and opposition pace across a full season in semi-professional, male basketball players

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the average external intensity and peak external demands experienced by basketball players between games facing opposition teams of different qualities and playing paces. External load variables were monitored in 11 semi-professional, male basketball players across 26 official games during a full in-season. Inertial movement units were used to measure average Player Load™ per minute (PL·min−1) across entire games and peak PL across any 30-s, 1-min, and 3-min epoch during games. Linear mixed models and Cohen’s d effect sizes were used to compare variables between games facing opposition teams clustered as low, medium or high quality (based on final season ranking) and playing pace (based on average number of possessions per game throughout the season). Significantly lower average PL·min−1 were apparent when playing high (p = 0.02) and medium-quality opponents (p < 0.05) compared to low-quality opponents, with non-significant (p > 0.05), trivial differences in peak PL between opponents of different qualities. Likewise, non-significant (p > 0.05) trivial – small differences were observed in average PL·min−1 and peak PL between opponents with different average playing paces. Playing higher-ranking opponents may reduce the average physical demands; however, opponent pace appears to exert minimal impact on average and peak external game demands.

Quarterly fluctuations in external and internal loads among professional basketball players.

This study aims to explore the variations in external and internal loads on a quarter-by-quarter basis among professional Chinese basketball players. It emphasizes the crucial impact of these variations on optimizing athletic performance and match strategies. An observational longitudinal study design was employed, involving sixteen male players from the National Basketball League during the 2024 season in China. Data collection was facilitated through the use of Catapult S7 devices for measuring external loads and session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE) for assessing internal loads. Linear mixed-effects models were utilized for the statistical analysis to identify differences in workload intensities across game quarters based on player positions. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between external and internal load throughout the game. The analysis uncovered significant positional differences in workload intensities across game quarters. Guards were found to have a higher PlayerLoad™ (PL) per minute in the first quarter, while centers demonstrated an increase in high-intensity accelerations and jumps in the fourth quarter. Furthermore, a significant moderate correlation between sRPE and PL was observed across all game quarters, indicating a link between physical exertion and athletes' perceptions of effort. The study offers new insights into the dynamic physical demands faced by basketball players and the importance of using both objective and subjective measures for a comprehensive assessment of athlete performance and wellbeing. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of physical exertion and athlete perception, providing a foundation for future research and practical applications in the field of basketball science.

Differences in external load among indoor and beach volleyball players during elite matches.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine relationships of external load variables between beach and indoor volleyball amongst individual positions on the team. The movements of eight beach and fourteen indoor female volleyball players were recorded during elite playoff matches; in total, 2,336 three-dimensional trajectories were analyzed. Time-outs and intervals between rallies or sets were excluded from active play time. In both beach and indoor volleyball, 80% of rallies lasted up to 10 s, and players covered 4.5 to 10 m of court during 60% of rally play. Differences in dependent variables of external load were found between independent variables of sports and player positions (p < 0.05). The distance covered in beach volleyball rallies and Player Load™ parameters was significantly higher by up to 23%. The unstable court surface with sand in beach volleyball elevated explosive Player Load™ (accelerations in all three orthogonal planes of motion higher than 3.5 m/s3) in beach volleyball players compared to those of players on stable flooring in indoor. While beach volleyball blocker and defender positions showed no significant difference in parameters between each other, they differed in all parameters when compared to player positions in indoor volleyball. Indoor blocker and libero reached higher loads than setter, outside and opposite positions in various parameters. Factors that influence external load include the larger relative court areas covered by each player in beach volleyball, complexity of players' roles, and game strategy. This data adds to the knowledge of elite match demands in female volleyball. Specified agility-drill distances and times are essential for training optimization and must be supported by scientific observation. Researchers, coaches, and conditioning specialists should find this helpful for achieving a higher degree of training regulation.

Same Training for Everyone? Effects of Playing Positions on Physical Demands During Official Matches in Women’s Handball

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the differences between playing positions on physical demands during official matches in women’s handball. Twenty-two semi-professional female players (4 wings, 14 backs and 4 pivots) from the Spanish 2nd Division were monitored across 13 official home matches. Total distance covered (TDC), high-speed running distance (HSR), high-intensity breaking distance (HIBD), accelerations (ACC), decelerations (DEC) and PlayerLoad™ (PL) were collected in absolute and relative values (normalized by playing time) using a local positioning system (WIMU PRO™, Realtrack Systems S.L., Almería, Spain). Playing positions differences were determined by variance analysis one-way ANOVA with partial Etasquared (ηp2) or epsilon-squared (ε²) and Cohen’s effect size (ES). Wings covered more TDC (3414.5±1710.1 m), HSR (492.7±280.0 m) and HIBD (171.2±104.7 m) compared to backs and pivots (p&lt;0.05; moderate-large effects). Wings also registered more total number of ACC (750.5±362.2) and PL (85.0±7.8 a.u.) compared to backs and pivots (p&lt;0.05; moderate-large effects), whereas backs performed more ACC/min (19.9±1.1 n·min−1) than wings (18.9±1.4 n·min−1) and pivots (18.4±3.9 n·min−1) (p&lt;0.05; moderate effects). In conclusion, physical demands differ between playing positions during official female competitions and these differences should be considered by practitioners to better prescribe and periodize training load and to design more individualized training programs.

An Investigation of Surface EMG Shorts-Derived Training Load during Treadmill Running.

The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to determine the sensitivity of the sEMG shorts-derived training load (sEMG-TL) during different running speeds; and (2) to investigate the relationship between the oxygen consumption, heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), accelerometry-based PlayerLoadTM (PL), and sEMG-TL during a running maximum oxygen uptake (V˙O2max) test. The study investigated ten healthy participants. On day one, participants performed a three-speed treadmill test at 8, 10, and 12 km·h-1 for 2 min at each speed. On day two, participants performed a V˙O2max test. Analysis of variance found significant differences in sEMG-TL at all three speeds (p < 0.05). A significantly weak positive relationship between sEMG-TL and %V˙O2max (r = 0.31, p < 0.05) was established, while significantly strong relationships for 8 out of 10 participants at the individual level (r = 0.72-0.97, p < 0.05) were found. Meanwhile, the accelerometry PL was not significantly related to %V˙O2max (p > 0.05) and only demonstrated significant correlations in 3 out of 10 participants at the individual level. Therefore, the sEMG shorts-derived training load was sensitive in detecting a work rate difference of at least 2 km·h-1. sEMG-TL may be an acceptable metric for the measurement of internal loads and could potentially be used as a surrogate for oxygen consumption.

Peak physical demands of elite women's soccer: Assessing playing position and post-goal locomotor patterns

It has recently been identified that the assessment of peak periods of activity better considers the stochastic nature of match-play and the influence that contextual factors have on these peak periods. Limited research exists attempting to link the tactical and physical aspects of performance, especially in female players. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess post-goal locomotor patterns and positional differences on peak match demands in elite female soccer players. Using 10 Hz global positioning system units, a total of 133 player match observations were recorded from 14 matches played by an elite Scottish women's professional soccer team. The total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (&gt;18 km/h) (HSRD) and PlayerLoad™ (PL) were assessed for 1, 3 and 5-minute peak periods using a rolling epoch approach. Playing position and post-goal activity were used as modulating factors. Linear mixed models established a main effect for playing position for the HSRD at peak 1-minute ( p&lt;.001), 3-minute ( p &lt; .001) and 5-minute ( p &lt; .001) epochs. There were also main effects for the playing position for TD at peak 1-minute ( p= .001) and PL at peak-3minute ( p = .002). Team-level data showed a main effect for condition (score vs. concede) for 3-minute TD data and main effects for time (pre vs. post) for 1,3 and 5-minute epochs for PL data. The average and peak values were shown to differ across playing positions for all variables. Likewise, potentially indicative of tactical adjustments significant differences were observed at both a team and player level following scoring or conceding a goal.

External peak demands are not affected by playing venue (home vs away) during official male basketball games

ABSTRACT Aim To quantify and compare the external peak demands (PDs) encountered according to team’s venue (home vs. away) in under-18 years (U18), male basketball players. Methods 12 basketball players had external load variables monitored across 16 official games using inertial movement units (IMUs). PDs were calculated across 1-min and 5-min time windows for PlayerLoad™ (PL). Linear mixed models for repeated measures were used to compare PDs for PL according to playing venue (home vs. away). Results Regarding 1- and 5-min time windows, no significant differences (p > 0.05, small effect size) were apparent between playing venues. Conclusions External PDs remain consistent (small effects) regardless of playing venue in U18, male basketball players. Accordingly, playing venue may not be a key determinant of external PD attained during official games.

Time to change direction in training load monitoring in elite football? The application of MEMS accelerometers for the evaluation of movement requirements

ABSTRACT In elite football, the emphasis is placed on monitoring the output from the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) component of a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) device; however, this does not comprehensively overview the total demands due to the intermittent multidirectional nature. The aim of the study was to investigate the application of accelerometer data provided by MEMS, to evaluate movement requirements in elite football. A two-staged research approach, involving an effectiveness and efficacy stage, was deployed. The effectiveness stage examined two MEMS-accelerometer variables (PlayerLoadTM (PL) and PlayerLoadTM per meter (PL.m−1)) for four years and four months. Ninety-nine English Premier League outfield football players’ participated. In the efficacy stage, 26 elite outfield football players completed three different training modalities (running, possession and dribbling) and a range of MEMS-accelerometer variables were analysed. In the effectiveness stage, the mean difference in PL for all training activities other than Set Pieces were similar to Matches (−283 to −246au). Model coefficients for PL.m−1 were smallest in Team Shape (−0.00114au), Attacking (0.00025au) and Games (0.00196au), and largest for Possession (0.03356AU), Defending (0.03182au) and Skills Games (0.03106au) compared to Matches. The findings suggest that PL.m−1 but not PL may be effective at describing differences in movement requirements. In the efficacy stage, PL.m−1 and inertial movement analysis (IMA) efforts were the only variables that had greater mean differences in the smaller conditions, confirming PL.m−1’s suitability in evaluating movement requirements of different training activities and pitch dimensions. The findings suggest such a variable offers value in a monitoring strategy in football.

Measurement properties of external training load variables during standardised games in soccer: Implications for training and monitoring strategies.

The aim of this study was to assess the measurement properties of external training load measures across three formats of standardised training games. Eighty-eight players from two English professional soccer clubs participated in the study spanning three consecutive seasons. External training load data was collected from three types of standardised game format drills (11v11, 10v10, 7v7+6) using Global Positioning Systems. For each external training load metric in each game format, the following measurement properties were calculated; coefficient of variation (CV%) to determine between- and within-subject reliability, intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) to determine test-retest reliability, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to determine sensitivity. Total distance (TD) and PlayerLoad™ (PL) demonstrated good sensitivity (TD SNR = 1.6–4.6; PL SNR = 1.2–4.3) on a group level. However, a wide variety of within-subject reliability was demonstrated for these variables (TD CV% = 1.7–36.3%; PL CV% = 4.3–39.5%) and corresponding intensity measures calculated per minute. The percentage contribution of individual planes to PL showed the lowest between-subject CV% (CV% = 2–7%), although sensitivity varied across formats (SNR = 0.3–1.4). High speed running demonstrated poor reliability across all three formats of SSG (CV% = 51–103%, ICC = 0.03–0.53). Given the measurement properties of external training load measures observed in this study, specifically the within-subject variation, reliability across trials of standardised training games should be calculated on an individual level. This will allow practitioners to detect worthwhile changes across trials of standardised game format drills. Such information is important for the appropriate implementation of training and monitoring strategies in soccer.

Are acute player workloads associated with in-game performance in basketball?

To investigate associations between acute workload and in-game performance in basketball. Eight semi-professional, male basketball players were monitored during all training sessions (N = 28) and games (N = 18) across the season. External workload was determined using absolute (arbitrary units[AU]) and relative (AU·min-1) PlayerLoadTM (PL), and absolute (count) and relative (count·min-1) low-intensity, medium-intensity, high-intensity, and total Inertial Movement Analysis (IMA) events (accelerations, decelerations, changes-of-direction, and jumps). Internal workload was determined using absolute and relative Summated-Heart-Rate-Zones workload, session-rating of perceived exertion, rating of perceived exertion, and time (min) spent working > 90% of maximal heart rate. In-game performance was indicated by the player efficiency statistic. Repeated measures correlations were used to determine associations between acute workload variables (across the previous 7 days) and player efficiency. Relative PL (r = 0.13, small) and high-intensity IMA events (r = 0.13, small) possessed the strongest associations with player efficiency of the investigated workload variables (P > 0.05). All other associations were trivial in magnitude (P > 0.05). Given the trivial-small associations between all external and internal workload variables and player efficiency, basketball practitioners should not rely solely on monitoring acute workloads to determine performance potential in players.

Assessing the External Load Associated With High-Intensity Activities Recorded During Official Basketball Games.

Load monitoring in basketball is fundamental to develop training programs, maximizing performance while reducing injury risk. However, information regarding the load associated with specific activity patterns during competition is limited. This study aimed at assessing the external load associated with high-intensity activities recorded during official basketball games, with respect to different (1) activity patterns, (2) playing positions, and (3) activities performed with or without ball. Eleven male basketball players (six backcourt, five frontcourt, age: 20.5 ± 1.1 years, stature: 191.5 ± 8.7 cm, body mass: 86.5 ± 11.3 kg; experience: 8.5 ± 2.4 years) competing in the Lithuanian third division were recruited for this study. Three in-season games were assessed via time-motion analysis and microsensors. Specifically, the high-intensity activities including sprints, high-intensity specific movements (HSM) and jumps were identified and subsequently the external load [PlayerLoad™ (PL) and PlayerLoad™/min (PL/min)] of each activity was determined. Linear mixed models were used to examine differences in PL, PL/min and mean duration between activity pattern, playing positions and activities performed with or without ball. Results revealed PL was lower in jumps compared to sprints [p < 0.001, effect size (ES) = 0.68] and HSMs (p < 0.001, ES = 0.58), while PL/min was greater in sprints compared to jumps (p = 0.023, ES = 0.22). Jumps displayed shorter duration compared to sprints (p < 0.001, ES = 1.10) and HSMs (p < 0.001, ES = 0.81), with HSMs lasting longer than sprints (p = 0.002, ES = 0.17). Jumps duration was longer in backcourt than frontcourt players (p < 0.001, ES = 0.33). When considering activity patterns combined, PL (p < 0.001, ES = 0.28) and duration (p < 0.001, ES = 0.43) were greater without ball. Regarding HSMs, PL/min was higher with ball (p = 0.036, ES = 0.14), while duration was longer without ball (p < 0.001, ES = 0.34). The current findings suggest that external load differences in high-intensity activities exist among activity patterns and between activities performed with and without ball, while no differences were found between playing positions. Practitioners should consider these differences when designing training sessions.

Comparing Weekly Training and Game Demands According to Playing Position in a Semiprofessional Basketball Team.

To compare weekly training and game demands according to playing position in basketball players. A longitudinal, observational study was adopted. Semiprofessional, male basketball players categorized as backcourt (guards; n = 4) and frontcourt players (forwards/centers; n = 4) had their weekly workloads monitored across an entire season. External workload was determined using microsensors and included PlayerLoad™ (PL) and inertial movement analysis variables. Internal workload was determined using heart rate to calculate absolute and relative summated-heart-rate-zones workload and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) to calculate session-RPE workload. Comparisons between weekly training and game demands were made using linear mixed models and effect sizes in each positional group. In backcourt players, higher relative PL (P = .04, very large) and relative summated-heart-rate-zones workload (P = .007, very large) were evident during training, while greater session-RPE workload (P = .001, very large) was apparent during games. In frontcourt players, greater PL (P < .001, very large), relative PL (P = .019, very large), peak PL intensities (P < .001, moderate), high-intensity inertial movement analysis events (P = .002, very large), total inertial movement analysis events (P < .001, very large), summated-heart-rate-zones workload (P < .001, very large), RPE (P < .001, very large), and session-RPE workload (P < .001, very large) were evident during games. Backcourt players experienced similar demands between training and games across several variables, with higher average workload intensities during training. Frontcourt players experienced greater demands across all variables during games than training. These findings emphasize the need for position-specific preparation strategies leading into games in basketball teams.

Intersession reliability of GPS-based and accelerometer-based physical variables in small-sided games with and without the offside rule

This study aimed to analyze the intersession reliability of global positioning system (GPS-based) distances and accelerometer-based (acceleration) variables in small-sided soccer games (SSG) with and without the offside rule, as well as compare variables between the tasks. Twenty-four high-level U-17 soccer athletes played 3 versus 3 (plus goalkeepers) SSG in two formats (with and without the offside rule). SSG were performed on eight consecutive weeks (4 weeks for each group), twice a week. The physical demands were recorded using a GPS with an embedded triaxial accelerometer. GPS-based variables (total distance, average speed, and distances covered at different speeds) and accelerometer-based variables (Player Load™, root mean square of the acceleration recorded in each movement axis, and the root mean square of resultant acceleration) were calculated. Results showed that the inclusion of the offside rule reduced the total distance covered (large effect) and the distances covered at moderate speed zones (7–12.9 km/h – moderate effect; 13–17.9 km/h – large effect). In both SSG formats, GPS-based variables presented good to excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients – ICC &gt; 0.62) and accelerometer-based variables presented excellent reliability (ICC values &gt; 0.89). Based on the results of this study, the offside rule decreases the physical demand of 3 versus 3 SSG and the physical demands required in these SSG present high intersession reliability.

Lower-Limb Muscle Excitation, Peak Torque, and External Load Responses to a 120-Minute Treadmill-Based Soccer-Specific Simulation

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate thigh musculature excitation and torque generation in response to soccer-specific exercise incorporating an extra-time (ET) period. Methods: Twelve semiprofessional soccer players performed 120-min treadmill-based soccer-specific exercise. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals for the rectus femoris (EMGRF) and biceps femoris (EMGBF) were measured as the mean response across a pre-determined 10-second sprint bout during each 15-min block of exercise. Peak eccentric torque of the knee flexors (eccKF) and concentric torque of the knee extensors (conKE) were recorded across angular velocities of 60, 180, and 270 deg∙s−1 immediately pre- and post-exercise. Tri-axial PlayerLoad™ (PL-T) was monitored throughout exercise and defined across vertical (PL-V), anterior-posterior (PL-AP), and medial-lateral (PL-ML) planes of motion. Results: A reduction in normalized EMGRF amplitude was evident at 105‒120 min, versus 0‒15 min (−12.5%; p = .037), 15‒30 min (−12.5%; p = .047), and 45‒60 min (−14%; p = .030). Peak torque of the eccKF was significantly reduced from pre- to post-exercise at 60 (−7.7%; p = .018), 180 (−10.5%; p = .042), and 270 deg∙s−1 (−7.5%; p = .034). A main effect for time was identified for PL-T (p < .010), PL-V (p = .033), and PL-AP (p < .010). Conclusions: These findings suggest that muscle excitation of the rectus femoris is reduced during ET, accompanied with a deficit in the torque generation of the knee flexors following 120 min of soccer-specific activity. Practitioners should adequately condition players for the additional ET period by incorporating exercises into training schedules that develop fatigue-resistant eccentric hamstring strength to minimize injury risk.

A League-Wide Evaluation of Factors Influencing Match Activity Profile in Elite Australian Football.

Introduction: Accurate interpretation of activity profile data requires an understanding of the variables influencing player movement during matches.Methods: Over 65,000 stints (player rotations) from all 207 matches of the 2018 Australian Football League (AFL) season were evaluated. The relative activity profile including total distance per minute (TD), high-speed running distance per minute (HSR) and Player LoadTM per minute (PL) was determined for each stint and analysed against a range of match-related, player-related and environment-related predictor variables using multivariate linear mixed modelling. Effect size statistics along with the uncertainty in the estimates (95% confidence interval) were used to interpret the findings.Results: The smallest important effects on TD, HSR, and PL were calculated as 1.5%, 5.5%, and 2.4%, respectively. Stint duration had small to moderate negative effects on TD (−6%), PL (−7.7%), and HSR (−13%), while recovery duration between stints had a small positive effect on HSR (+7%). There were moderate reductions in TD (−8%), HSR (−23%), and PL (−9.6%) in the last quarter compared to the first quarter of matches, while similar reductions existed in subsequent stints compared to the first stint in each quarter. Moderate to large differences of up to 9% in TD, 48% in HSR and 12% in PL existed between positions. The TD of less experienced players was slightly higher than their more experienced counterparts (2–3%). A 5% increase in body mass was associated with a small reduction in HSR (−5.5%). There were small reductions in TD (−2%), HSR (−10%), and PL (−3%) during the Finals Series compared to the Premiership Season. Moderate levels of rainfall during matches and higher apparent temperatures had small negative effects on TD (−2%) and HSR (−6 and −9%). The number of days break between matches, score margin, match outcome, ground hardness, ground size, and traveling for the current or the previous match had trivial effects on the activity profile.Conclusion: Player position and stage of the match (quarter) had the largest effects on match activity profile while stint duration, recovery duration, stint timing, professional experience, body mass, stage of the season, and weather conditions also had substantial effects.

Losing Sleep Over It: Sleep in Basketball Players Affected by Game But Not Training Workloads.

To examine the impact of workload volume during training sessions and games on subsequent sleep duration and sleep quality in basketball players. Seven semiprofessional male basketball players were monitored across preseason and in-season phases to determine training session and game workloads, sleep duration, and sleep quality. Training and game data were collected via accelerometers, heart-rate monitors, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and reported as PlayerLoad™ (PL), summated heart-rate zones, and session RPE (sRPE). Sleep duration and sleep quality were measured using wrist-worn activity monitors in conjunction with self-report sleep diaries. For daily training sessions and games, all workload data were independently sorted into tertiles representing low, medium, and high workload volumes. Sleep measures following low, medium, and high workloads and control nights (no training/games) were compared using linear mixed models. Sleep onset time was significantly later following medium and high PL and sRPE game workloads compared with control nights (P < .05). Sleep onset time was significantly later following low, medium, and high summated heart-rate-zones game workloads, compared with control nights (P < .05). Time in bed and sleep duration were significantly shorter following high PL and sRPE game workloads compared with control nights (P < .05). Following low, medium, and high training workloads, sleep duration and quality were similar to control nights (P > .05). Following high PL and sRPE game workloads, basketball practitioners should consider strategies that facilitate longer time in bed, such as napping and/or adjusting travel or training schedules the following day.

Profiling Of High-intensity Events In Elite Chinese Female Field Hockey Matches

Physical performance in field hockey (here on in referred to as hockey) is determined by many different factors. Recently, the development of small wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) has provided new possibilities to profile the physical demands in different team sports, especially in the high intensity events (HIEs) aspect of competition and training. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to profile the position-specific HIEs in elite female hockey matches with the use of IMUs. METHODS: Sixteen matches analyzing 22 elite Chinese female hockey players (height: 168.5±4.6 cm, body mass: 62.4±5.3 kg) were record by using IMUs (OptimEye S5, Catapult Sports, Australia) during the 2016-2017 Chinese national competition season. Players were categorized in three different playing positions: strikers, midfielders and defenders. Mean speed (MS), PlayerLoadTM (PL), accelerations (Acc), decelerations (Dec), changes of direction (CoD) and the sum of later three, HIEs, were extracted from raw-data files using the manufacturer’s software (OpenField, version 1.14.0). All Acc, Dec, CoD and HIEs >2.5 m/s2 were analyzed. Data were reported as mean±SD. Multiple paired t-test was used to compare data between different positions. Significance was set at P≤0.05. RESULTS: The mean on-field time for individual players was 48.8±15.8 min and the mean PL and MS when combining all playing positions were 9.4±1.3 PL/min and 108.6±12.3 m/min respectively. The mean HIEs, Acc, Dec and CoD combined for all players were 1.1±0.3 HIEs/min, 0.2±0.1 Acc/min, 0.2±0.1 Dec/min and 0.7±0.2 CoD/min respectively. Defenders showed significantly lower PL and MS (8.7±1.2 PL/min, 100.7±11.9 m/min) than strikers (9.7±1.4 PL/min, 114.2±10.6 m/min) and midfielders (9.8±1.0 PL/min, 111.9±9.2 m/min) (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The mean playing time reported in the present study was similar to data from international hockey matches (48.8 ± 15.8 vs. 44.7±11.0 min), yet PL and MS from the present study was lower than that of elite international players (9.4±1.3 vs. 11.2±2.1 PL/min; 108.6±12.3 vs. 113.3±13.5 m/min). Competition level (national vs. international) is the most likely reason for these differences. Further research should focus on the HIEs’ performance of elite international level hockey players. Supported by CSC (No. 2018083110192).

Influence of team success, fixture congestion and playing position on physical performance of elite youth soccer players during an international tournament

The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of team success, fixture congestion and playing position on physical performance of elite youth soccer players during an international tournament. Physical match data was collected from 22 matches for U17 soccer players (n = 112) across 12 clubs during the play-off stage of the 2015-2016 Future Talents Cup International tournament. Match data was collected using a GPS device for physical performance measures across different positions, level of team success and during match congestion (MD1, MD 2 and MD3). The top ranked teams produced significantly higher total and low speed running distances compared to bottom ranked teams ( p < .05). Players covered significantly more total distance and PlayerLoad TM on MD1 compared to MD2 and MD3 ( p < .05). High speed distance output remained unaffected during this period of match congestion. Central defenders were found to have the lowest output across physical performance variables compared to all other positions ( p < .05). Wide players (WD and WM) produced the greatest outputs at higher speed distances compared to other positions ( p < .05). Therefore, the present study revealed that teams who had higher levels of success produced greater physical outputs compared to those of lower rankings. Match congestion resulted in a reduction in total and lower speed distances covered. Finally, differences in physical demands across playing positions was evident. Coaches should be aware of the implications of fatigue during periods of fixture congestion and the individual positional requirements for youth soccer players.

The peak player load™ of state-level netball matches

ObjectivesTo investigate the peak accelerometer-derived intensity of state-level netball matches and compare differences between positional groupings. Findings will provide guidance for sport science professionals on how to best replicate the most intense passages of play in training settings. DesignLongitudinal (one season). MethodTwenty-eight netball athletes across three teams from the same club wore an accelerometer (S5 Optimeye, Catapult sports) for all matches, in one season. Raw acceleration data were downloaded and converted into a vector magnitude (Player Load™) we then quantified the peak intensity over 30-s and one to ten-minute time periods. Positional groupings were created based on the number of thirds on a netball court that a particular position can enter, as this was deemed more appropriate for the current study than the traditional combinations based on tactical requirements. A linear mixed-model with fixed and random effects was utilised along with magnitude-based inferences to determine meaningful differences with 90 % confidence limits (CL). ResultsAcross all time periods post 30-s, only one comparison was not meaningfully different i.e. three-thirds v two-thirds at the one-minute timepoint (effect size: 0.27, CL −0.05 to 0.60). ConclusionsFindings justify that netball athletes, depending on positional group defined by this study, should train at different intensities dependent on a specified duration. Conditioning professionals and coaches should design training drills that best replicate the peak intensity of match play. This may improve an athlete’s physical performance capacity during highly exertive periods of competition, which regularly occur at critical moments in play.

Internal and External Demands in Basketball Referees during the U-16 European Women's Championship.

(1) Background: The use of advanced technology to study the energy demands of sport participants during actual sport competition is an important current research direction. The purpose of this study was to identify the physiological, internal, and external demands placed on basketball referees using ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, in relation to the period of the game. (2) Methods: The sample was comprised of nine international referees, and the data collection took place during the Women’s EuroBasket Sub-16 championship. Internal and external load were assessed through the inertial device WIMU PROTM, using UWB technology in order to quantify the effort exerted by each referee. The internal load was examined in relation to each individual’s heart rate (HR). The external load included the kinematic variables accelerations (Acc), decelerations (Dec), Acc/min, Dec/min, distance covered, steps, maximum speed (Vmax), average speed (Vavg), and speed zones, as well as the neuromuscular variables impacts (Imp), PlayerLoadTM (PLTM), PLTM/min, Metabolic Power (PMet), and PMet/min. (3) Results: The results exposed that referees work around 62% HRmax and spend more than 80% of the match at intensities between 0–12 km/h. The first period was the period in which the greatest work demand was experienced in relation to these neuromuscular outcomes (11.92 PL; 3.61 Met; 277 Impacts). The results revealed a diminishment of internal and external demands on the referees over the course of the game. (4) Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of monitoring and quantifying the workload of basketball officials, because doing so would allow for the establishment of individualized performance profiles that could be designed with the purpose of benefiting referee performance during games. The use of inertial devices allows for the objective quantification of referee workload under competitive circumstances.