Position-specific Training Research Articles

Comparative Study of Speed and Agility Across Different Playing Positions

The purpose of the present study is to find out the correlation between Physical variables and different playing positions in football. The objective of this study is to examine and compare the speed and agility of district-level football players across different playing positions: defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Speed and agility are critical physical attributes that contribute significantly to a football player's performance, and understanding their variation across positions can provide valuable insights into position-specific training and talent identification. A sample of 90 players from Bhopal district-level teams was selected for the study, and their speed and agility were assessed through standardized tests such as the 50-meter sprint test for speed and the Shuttle Run Agility Test for agility. The results reveal significant differences in both speed and agility between playing positions. Forwards demonstrated the highest average speed, which is essential for offensive runs and goal-scoring opportunities, while midfielders exhibited superior agility, reflecting their need to navigate tight spaces and switch directions frequently during the game. Defenders displayed moderate levels of both attributes, balancing the need for speed in counterattacks and agility in defensive maneuvers. The findings suggest that position-specific physical training could enhance the performance of football players, and coaches should consider these differences when developing conditioning programs. This comparative analysis highlights the importance of tailoring speed and agility training to the specific positional requirements, which could lead to better overall team performance.

The Influence of Playing Position on Physical, Physiological, and Technical Demands in Adult Male Soccer Matches: A Systematic Scoping Review with Evidence Gap Map.

There has been an increase in studies examining the demands of soccer relative to each playing position in recent years. Understanding the physical, physiological, and technical demands on soccer players according to their positional role during competitive matches is necessary to understand match requirements and develop position-specific training practices. Thereby, there is a clear need to synthesize the information on the different profiles of each playing position. This review aimed to organize the literature investigating physical, physiological, and technical demands according to playing positions and provide a framework to identify gaps and suggestions for future studies. A systematic search was conducted in October 2023 using four electronic databases: Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed and Scopus. The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR extension for Scoping Reviews. The studies were included if the sample comprised adult male soccer players categorized from Tier 3 to Tier 5 (i.e., highly trained/national level, elite/international level, or world class) and compared the physical, physiological, or technical parameters across playing positions. A total of 178 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The number of teams, players, and matches analyzed per study varied considerably. Although a range of classifications were reported across studies, 59% of studies classified players as central defenders, full-backs, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and forwards. The findings suggests that central and external midfielders, and external defenders cover greater total and high-speed distance than forwards or central defenders. Sprint distance was higher in external midfielders versus all other positions. Defenders and central midfielders perform more passes than external midfielders and forwards. Heart rate was the most commonly reported physiological variable across playing positions. When expressed as a percentage of maximal heart rate, midfielders presented higher mean values than all other playing positions. This scoping review demonstrates that there are differences in the demands on players across playing positions in soccer. Training practices in soccer should be based on the specific requirements of each positional role to ensure players can fulfill their tactical responsibilities during the game.

Anthropometric characteristics and Somatotypes in Elite Pro Kabaddi League Players

Introduction: Kabaddi players exhibit diverse body compositions that vary by playing position. Understanding these traits provides valuable insights into their physical profiles and performance potential. The study aimed to examine the anthropometric characteristics and somatotypes of elite professional Indian Kabaddi players and to evaluate the differences in anthropometric traits between defenders and raiders. Method: Twenty male elite Kabaddi players (raiders n = 9, and defenders n = 11) part of the Haryana Steelers pre-season squad during Season-10, participated in the study. Anthropometric measurements included body mass, stature, 8 skinfold sites, 3 girths, and 2 breadths. Somatotypes, body fat percentage, fat mass, and lean body mass were calculated for each participant. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the basic functional status of the athletes. Independent samples t test was used to test for significant differences between raiders and defenders. Results: Significant differences were found between raiders and defenders across seven out of thirty-six variables. Raiders had higher mean values for height [t (18) = 2.71, p = 0.01], leg length [t (18) = 2.20, p = 0.04], height-weight ratio [t (18) = 2.79, p = 0.01], and ectomorph component [t (18) = 2.50, p = 0.02]. In contrast, defenders had significantly higher values for supraspinale skinfolds [t (18) = -2.17, p = 0.04], arm span to height ratio [t (18) = -2.53, p = 0.02], and mesomorph component [t (18) = -2.33, p = 0.03]. The 95% confidence intervals for these differences showed substantial variability across the examined parameters. Conclusion: The study reveals anthropometric and somatotype differences between raiders and defenders in elite Indian Kabaddi players, emphasizing the need for position-specific training programs. These findings provide valuable insights into the physical attributes associated with each position, aiding coaches in optimizing player development and positional assignment while emphasizing the importance of individual variability in training programs.

Impact of Anthropometric Characteristics on Football Performance by Playing Position

The purpose of the present study is to find out the correlation between anthropometric variables and different playing positions in football. The objective of this study is to examine and compare the different body measurements of district-level football players across different playing positions: defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Body measurements are critical anthropometric attributes that contribute significantly to a football player's performance, and understanding their variation across positions can provide valuable insights into position-specific training and talent identification. A sample of 90 players from Bhopal district-level teams was selected for the study, and their body measurements were assessed through standardized anthropometric kit. The findings suggest that position-specific anthropometric variable could enhance the performance of football players, and coaches should consider these differences when developing conditioning programs. The study highlights the importance of specific anthropometric characteristics in determining positional effectiveness on the football field. These findings suggest that coaches and scouts should incorporate anthropometric data into player recruitment and development strategies, allowing for position-specific training that enhances individual and team performance. Tailoring physical conditioning based on these characteristics could further optimize athletic output and overall gameplay.

Subjective and Objective Monitoring Markers: Are They Related to Game Performance Indicators in Elite Female Volleyball Players?

This cohort study aimed to investigate the relationship between subjective (wellness and internal training load [ITL]) and objective (neuromuscular fatigue) monitoring markers and performance aspects (reception quality [RQ] and attack efficiency [AE]) in professional female volleyball players. The study was conducted over an 8-week period during the final mesocycle of the competitive phase. A total of 24 training sessions and 10 matches were included in the analysis. Subjective measures of wellness and ITL were assessed, and neuromuscular fatigue was evaluated using countermovement-jump (CMJ) height. RQ and AE were determined based on game statistics. The study found a positive relationship between wellness and RQ, particularly affecting outside hitters and liberos. ITL showed a positive association with AE, primarily impacting outside hitters, opposite hitters, and middle blockers. Additionally, ITL demonstrated a negative correlation with RQ, mainly affecting outside hitters and liberos. CMJ performance was associated with AE, where a decrease in CMJ height was linked to reduced AE. The findings highlight the importance of considering players' wellness scores in training and match strategies for different positions. Careful management of training loads, considering both physical and technical demands, is crucial for optimizing performance outcomes. Monitoring neuromuscular fatigue, as indicated by CMJ performance, is particularly relevant for outside hitters, opposite hitters, and middle blockers involved in attack actions. Coaches, trainers, and sports practitioners can use these insights to develop position-specific training protocols and implement effective strategies for maintaining or improving performance metrics under various stressors.

Relationship Between Physical Fitness Variables and Bowling, Batting & All-Round Performance in State-Level Cricket Players

The purpose of the present study is to find out the correlation between Physical variables and different players in Cricket. The objective of this study is to examine and compare the speed and agility of state-level cricket players across different players: Bowlers, All-rounders, and Batsmen. Speed and agility are critical physical attributes that contribute significantly to a Cricket player's performance, and understanding their variation across positions can provide valuable insights into position-specific training and talent identification. A sample of 75 players from M.P. State-level teams was selected for the study, and their speed and agility were assessed through standardized tests such as the 50-meter sprint test for speed and the Shuttle Run Agility Test for agility. The results reveal significant differences in both speed and agility between playing positions. Batsmen demonstrated the highest average speed, which is essential for running between the wickets and run-scoring opportunities, while Bowlers exhibited superior agility, reflecting their need to navigate tight spaces and switch directions frequently during the game. All-rounders displayed moderate levels of both attributes, balancing the need for speed in Bowling & Batting and agility in fielding maneuvers. The findings suggest that position-specific physical training could enhance the performance of cricket players, and coaches should consider these differences when developing conditioning programs. This comparative analysis highlights the importance of tailoring speed and agility training to the specific positional requirements, which could lead to better overall team performance.

The physical demands of the match according to playing positions in a South African Premier Soccer League team.

Evidence indicates that international soccer players cover a total distance of between eight and 14 km in a match. Approximately 80 - 90% of this distance constitutes low-intensity actions, and about 10 - 20% is high-intensity. These data are influenced by playing position, formation, league standard, and national differences in different countries. To quantify the physical demands of competitive matches on the different playing positions in a South African Premier Soccer League team. A descriptive study design included 21 players on the same team. Data were collected over 23 official matches during the 2019/2020 season using PlayerTek GPS devices (10Hz). The data collected included total distance covered, high-intensity running distance, power plays, top-end speed, and distance per minute. Statistical differences were evident only in the high-intensity running distance and power plays. The centre-forwards (p<0.001), attacking central midfielders (p=0.006), and full-backs (p=0.01) covered the most high-intensity running distance (p<0.001) than centre-backs. The attacking central midfielders and centre-forwards recorded more power plays than the centre-backs. Total distance (p=0.01), power plays (p=0.004) and distance per minute (p=0.001) were lower in the second half than in the first half of the match. Centre-forwards performed more high-intensity actions, whereas the centre-backs sprinted less than all the other positions. These data provide insight into the positional differences that exist and could help coaches to prescribe position-specific training programmes.

Jump and sprint force velocity profile of young soccer players differ according to playing position

ABSTRACT Our study aimed to compare explosive performance and underlying mechanical determinants explored through F-V profiles in jumping and sprinting among young soccer players based on their playing position. Ninety elite soccer players were categorized into the following positions: goalkeepers, central defenders, wide defenders, central midfielders, wide midfielders, and forwards. Two testing sessions were conducted to measure the 30-metre sprint time (T30) using an over-ground sprint test and jump height (Hmax) through the SJ test. Results demonstrated performance variations among positions. In sprinting, forwards showed greater T30 (4.5 ± 0.14 s) compared to other positions, with goalkeepers exhibiting the lowest T30 (4.86 ± 0.18 s). Forwards also displayed higher maximal theoretical velocity (8.8 ± 0.4 m.s−1) and power output (Pmax) (19.4 ± 2.6 W.kg−1) than other positions, while goalkeepers had the lowest Pmax (16.5 ± 2 W.kg−1). In jumping, forwards (33.2 ± 3.9 cm) and wide-midfielders (33.6 ± 3.8 cm) achieved higher Hmax compared to goalkeepers (29.2 ± 5 cm) and central-midfielders (29.2 ± 3.8 cm). Wide-midfielders (28.5 ± 4.8 W.kg−1) and forwards (27.1 ± 4.3 W.kg−1) surpassed goalkeepers (23 ± 2.8 W.kg−1) and central-midfielders (25.1 ± 3.8 W.kg−1) in Pmax. Our findings reveal substantial position-related disparities in F-V profiles among elite young soccer players, in sprinting and jumping emphasizing the need for position-specific training programmes to optimize player development and on-field performance from an early age.

Replicating Maximum Periods of Play in Australian Football Matches Through Position-Specific Drills.

Wing, C, Hart, NH, Ma'ayah, F, and Nosaka, K. Replicating maximum periods of play in Australian football matches through position-specific drills. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1628-1633, 2023-This study evaluated whether a position-specific drill replicates the running intensities of maximum ball in play (BiP) phases in competitive matches of Australian football (AF). Match data were collected on 32 AF players across 3 seasons (2019, 2020, 2021), with training session data collected from the same players across the 2021 season. Three position-specific training drills were created for defense, offense, and combination (defense and offense combined). Running intensities were compared between maximum BiP periods (e.g., periods with the highest metric per minute) from competitive matches and position-specific training drills, as well as between the 3 position-specific training drills using linear mixed models. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Measures of distance (offense: 44.4 m·minute -1 , defense: 83.5 m·minute -1 , combination: 50.4 m·minute -1 ), high-speed running (offense: 76.7 m·minute -1 , defense: 134.6 m·minute -1 , combination: 89.6 m·minute -1 ), very high-speed running (offense: 26.7 m·minute -1 , defense: 56.2 m·minute -1 , combination: 55.0 m·minute -1 ), and high-intensity efforts (offense: 2.3 efforts·minute -1 , defense: 3.0 efforts·minute -1 , combination: 2.8 efforts·minute -1 ), relative to time were greater ( p < 0.001) in all 3 position-specific training drills compared with BiP phases. All measured metrics were significantly ( p < 0.001) greater in the defense drill compared with the offense drill, whereas distance, high-speed running, PlayerLoad, and accelerations were significantly ( p < 0.001) greater when compared with the combination drill. These demonstrate that position-specific training drills that we created replicated or exceeded the running intensities recorded during matches based on maximum BiP periods. Position-specific training drills seem to be an attractive addition to AF players training regimens because it concurrently provides training for physical and technical actions (e.g., handballs).

Positional and temporal differences in peak match running demands of elite football

Temporal changes in the total running demands of professional football competition have been well documented, with absolute running demands decreasing in the second half. However, it is unclear whether the peak match running demands demonstrate a similar decline. A total of 508 GPS files were collected from 44 players, across 68 matches of the Australian A-League. GPS files were split into the 1st and 2nd half, with the peak running demands of each half quantified across 10 moving average durations (1-10 min) for three measures of running performance (total distance, high-speed distance [> 19.8 km · h-1] and average acceleration). Players were categorised based on positional groups: attacking midfielder (AM), central defender (CD), defensive midfielder (DM), striker (STR), wide defender (WD) and winger (WNG). Linear mixed models and effect sizes were used to identify differences between positional groups and halves. Peak running demands were lower in the second half for STR across all three reported metrics (ES = 0.60-0.84), with peak average acceleration lower in the second half for DM, WD and WNG (ES = 0.60-0.70). Irrespective of match half, AM covered greater peak total distances than CD, STR, WD and WIN (ES = 0.60-2.08). Peak high-speed distances were greater across both halves for WIN than CD, DM and STR (ES = 0.78-1.61). Finally, STR had lower peak average acceleration than all positional groups across both halves (ES = 0.60-1.12). These results may help evaluate implemented strategies that attempt to mitigate reductions in second half running performance and inform position specific training practices.

Physical and anthropometric profile of Tunisian elite football players according to their playing position: A longitudinal study

Background: In elite youth soccer, the extent to which anthropometric and physical fitness parameters vary according to playing positions remains unclear. Identifying and quantifying these differences is crucial for informing targeted training interventions. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the evolution anthropometric and physical profiles in Tunisian elite youth soccer players during one season, and to analyze differences between players according to their playing position. Methods: Sixty-two subjects (15.3±0.2 years, 69.4±6.4 kg, 176.9±4.8 cm) playing for the top four professional football clubs in Tunisia took part in the study. They were divided into five groups according to their playing position: goalkeepers (n=10), fullbacks (n=14), central defenders (n=11), midfielders (n=15) and forwards (n=12). Various anthropometric measurements, fitness tests assessing aerobic and anaerobic performance were performed at two times (T): T1 (3 weeks after the beginning of the preparation period), and T2 (end of the competitive period). Results: Football players across all positions exhibited significant anthropometric growth, particularly in height, with increases from small to moderate (p &lt; 0.001; effect size (ES) = 0.30 to 0.57). Weight changes were non-significant (p = 0.01 to 0.14; ES = 0.01 to 0.14), while fat mass reductions across positions were slightly more pronounced (p = 0.05 to 0.25; ES = 0.09 to 0.25). Performance metrics revealed substantial improvements, particularly in the 5-Jump Test, where forwards excelled (p &lt; 0.001; ES = 1.07), and in sprinting events, where consistent progress was noted across all positions (p &lt; 0.001; ES = 0.16 to 0.33). The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test exhibited significant enhancements, again with forwards achieving the greatest gains (p &lt; 0.001; ES = 3.01). Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for position-specific training in youth football, highlighting how physical and anthropometric characteristics vary by playing position. The results suggest that tailored training can enhance performance and development in young players, reinforcing the importance of customized approaches for different positions in elite youth soccer. This approach not only improves player performance but also aids in effective talent identification and injury prevention of youth soccer players.

Hungarian male water polo players’ body composition can predict specific playing positions and highlight different nutritional needs for optimal sports performance

BackgroundWater polo is unique among aquatic—and generally other—sports as it includes cyclic elements typical in swimming and acyclic elements occurring mainly in ball games. Moreover, water polo demands high level of technical and tactical skills. Players need an optimal nutritional and physical condition to achieve high athletic performance, which is to a great extend influenced by nutritional habits. We aim to highlight possible shortfalls in players’ nutritional intake in relation to positions played within the team.MethodsIn the present study, we determined the anthropometric and body composition characteristics, dietary habits and laboratory parameters of elite adult male water polo players (n = 19) before the start of the championship and at the end of the regular season, which meant a 4-month intervention period. Analyses of body composition characteristics and nutritional habits were performed using bioimpedance analyzer InBody 770 and a 3-day nutrition diary, respectively. Paired-sample t-test were used to determine the differences between the variables measured before and after the championship. Correlations between the anthropometric and body composition characteristics and different serum parameters were analyzed using linear correlation calculation. K-mean cluster analysis was performed using the anthropometric and body composition characteristics of the athletes.ResultsBased on anthropometric and body composition characteristics, players can be divided into two significantly different clusters that shows an association with specific playing positions. Cluster I included goalkeepers and wing players, while defenders, centers, and shooters belonged to Cluster II. We observed significant differences in the physical composition and slight but not significant differences in nutritional habits of the clusters. Cluster I players were 5 cm shorter on average, while their mean body weight, skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass data were lower by 19 kg, 7 kg, and 7 kg, respectively. We studied the correlation between initial anthropometric and body composition parameters and the changes in laboratory parameters before and after the regular season. As a result, we detected numerous significant differences between the two clusters, such as the changes in glucose and magnesium levels, which showed a strong correlation with several body composition parameters in cluster II, but did not in cluster I.ConclusionsCluster differences between anthropometric and body compositional characteristics, and the changes in laboratory parameters can help to develop position-specific training and nutritional recommendations in the future. Therefore, the results may be applicable in sport sciences for elite athletes and sports coaches.

Hand-Eye Coordination and its Relationship with Anthropometric characteristics of Professional Football Players based on their Playing Position

Football is the most popular sport characterized by high and low intensity movements with repeated physical contact. Anthropometric characteristics, coordination motor skills, and functional movement abilities are part of important determinants of success in a football game. This study investigated the relationship between hand-eye coordination and anthropometric characteristics of professional football players based on their playing position. A correlational research design was utilised for this study. The population for this study comprised of 29 professional football players who are members of a professional football club in Nigeria. The participants comprised of 12 forwards, 6 midfielders, 4 goalkeepers and 7 defenders. The weight, height, waist circumference, and hip circumference measurements were obtained using standardised procedures. The body mass index and waist to hip ratio scores of the participants were calculated. The alternate hand wall toss test was used to determine the hand-eye coordination of the participants. Pearson’s product moment correlation and linear regression were used to analyse the results. The level of significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. A significant negative strong correlation was observed between waist to hip ratio and coordination among midfielders (r = -0.841, p = 0.036). There was no significant correlation between waist to hip ratio and coordination among forwards, defenders, and goalkeepers. In addition, there was no significant correlation between body mass index and coordination as well as waist circumference and coordination among football players in all the playing positions. Waist to hip ratio is an important anthropometric measure that can affect the coordination of midfielders in a football team. This should be considered by the coaches and football regulatory bodies before players are assigned to playing positions in the game of football. Position-specific training programmes should be encouraged to enhance football players' performance.

Effect of Position Specific Physiotherapy Training on performance of Indian football players: A Randomized Control Trial

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effect of Position-Specific Physiotherapy Training on Agility, Speed endurance, and Balance in Indian Football Players. Around 70 football players were approached of which 48 gave consent to participate, and further 30 players sufficing inclusion criteria were recruited. They were divided into three groups, Forwards (Group A, n = 10), Defenders (Group B, n = 10), and Control (Group C, n = 10), according to their On-field Position. These participants underwent Position Specific Physiotherapy Training for 4 weeks. Significant improvement was noted in the Agility of Group A (p ≤ 0.001) and Group B (p ≤ 0.001) as compared to Group C (p = 0.071). Speed Endurance improved for Group A (p ≤0.001) and Group B (p ≤ 0.001) as compared to Group C (p = 0.111). Fatigue Index of Group A (p ≤ 0.001) and Group B (p ≤ 0.001) improved significantly as compared to Group C (p = 0.383). The Balance of Group A (p = 0.0063) and Group B (p = 0.0019) improved significantly as compared to Group C (p = 0.0632). Position-Specific Physiotherapy Training was found to be effective in improving Agility, Speed endurance, and Balance ability of the Indian Football Players.

Positional Differences in the Most Demanding Scenarios of External Load Variables in Elite Futsal Matches.

The aims of this study were to analyze the peak physical demands in elite futsal by quantifying the most demanding scenarios of match play and to identify the differences between playing positions (defenders, wingers, and pivots) and the seasonal trend for five different rolling average time windows (30, 60, 120, 180, and 300 s). The most demanding scenarios of external load from distance, speed, acceleration, and deceleration variables were obtained from 14 elite futsal players using a local positioning system during 15 official matches in the premier Spanish Futsal League (2018–2019 season). The results showed an extremely large effect of the time window for all dependent variables in all positional groups. Another important finding of this study was that, in regard to the seasonal trend, only defenders reported clear moderate-large positive trends for high-speed running (>18 km⋅h–1) efforts, high-acceleration efforts, and high-deceleration efforts. Finally, moderate-large individual differences in player means for all dependent variables and clear differences between games for most dependent variables were found, suggesting how likely contextual factors may exert an influence on how “demanding” the most demanding scenarios are. The findings of this study provide coaches and strength and conditioning coaches further knowledge of the peak physical demands in elite futsal competition. This valuable information may lead to a more precise position-specific training prescription.

Kinematic Analysis of the Postural Demands in Professional Soccer Match Play Using Inertial Measurement Units.

The development of wearable sensors has allowed the analysis of trunk kinematics in match play, which is necessary for a better understanding of the postural demands of the players. The aims of this study were to analyze the postural demands of professional soccer players by playing position. A longitudinal study for 13 consecutive microcycles, which included one match per microcycle, was conducted. Wearable sensors with inertial measurement units were used to collect the percentage (%) of playing time spent and G-forces experienced in different trunk inclinations and the inclination required for different speeds thresholds. The inclination zone had a significant effect on the time percentage spent on each zone (p < 0.001, partial eta-squared (ηp2 = 0.85) and the G-forces experienced by the players (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.24). Additionally, a significant effect of the speed variable on the trunk inclination zones was found, since trunk flexion increased with greater speeds (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.73), except for midfielders. The players spent most of the time in trunk flexion between 20° and 40°; the greatest G-forces were observed in trunk extension zones between 0° and 30°, and a linear relationship between trunk inclination and speed was found. This study presents a new approach for the analysis of players’ performance. Given the large volumes of trunk flexion and the interaction of playing position, coaches are recommended to incorporate position-specific training drills aimed to properly prepare the players for the perception-action demands (i.e., visual exploration and decision-making) of the match, as well as trunk strength exercises and other compensatory strategies before and after the match.

Effect of Playing Position, Match Half, and Match Day on the Trunk Inclination, G-Forces, and Locomotor Efficiency Experienced by Elite Soccer Players in Match Play.

The rapid growth of wearable sensors has allowed the analysis of trunk kinematics during the match, which is necessary for having a better understanding of the postural demands of soccer players. However, some contextual variables may have an impact on the physical demands of the players. This study aimed to analyze the effect of three contextual variables (playing position, match half, and match day) on the sagittal trunk inclination, G-forces, and locomotor efficiency experienced by soccer players in match play. Then, wearable sensors were used to collect the trunk kinematics during 13 matches. Firstly, positional differences were found on the trunk inclination (p = 0.01) and the G-forces experienced by the players (p < 0.001). For example, the greatest and lowest trunk inclination was found for FW (~34.01°) and FB (~28.85°) while the greatest and lowest G-forces were found for WMF (1.16 G) and CD (1.12 G), respectively. However, there were no positional differences in the locomotor efficiency (p = 0.10). Secondly, the match half had a significant effect on the trunk inclination (p = 0.01) and the G-forces experienced by the players (p < 0.001) with significantly lower values observed during the second half. No differences between halves were found on the locomotor efficiency for any playing position (p = 0.41). Finally, no significant effect of match day on any variable was observed. This investigation is one of the first steps towards enhancing the understanding of trunk kinematics from elite soccer players. The positional differences found on the trunk inclination and G-forces imply that the development of position-specific training drills considering the postural demands is necessary to prepare the players not only for the physical demands but also for successful performance in the field of regard. The resistance to fatigue needs to be trained given the differences between halves.

Establishing Running Intensities of Elite Field Hockey Players During Competitive Match-Play

Field hockey requires players to perform at varying intensities throughout a competitive match, involving high-speed running combined with tactical skills in order to outscore the opposition. A greater understanding of specific running demands imposed by competitive match-play may aid coaches in appropriate prescription of training and adequate recovery programmes. Purpose: to determine peak duration- and position-specific running intensities during field hockey competition, using a rolling average method. Methods: twenty one elite male field hockey players were analysed through 15Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) technology across a 16 match competitive season. Peak values for relative distance (m·min-1) and high-speed distance (m·min-1) were calculated, placed in a velocity-time curve and analysed using a rolling average method across ten different durations (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 min) for each playing position. Results: Forwards and midfielders covered significantly (p &lt; 0.05) more relative distance than defenders for averages 1 to 6, with the forwards covering the greatest maximum relative distance and high-speed relative distance. There was a substantial decrease in relative distance and high-speed distance as the length of the rolling average increased, presenting small to moderate differences between durations 4 to 10 min, with the magnitude of differences between lengths decreasing as the rolling average length increased. Conclusion: These findings suggest that match-play running demands are significantly more intense than previously reported for all positions. As forwards exhibited a greater running intensity throughout, position specific training drills should replicate the most demanding phases of field hockey competition.

Match loads of university rugby union players between the 2016 and 2018 Varsity Cup competitions.

Rugby union is a popular and continuously growing sport globally. With the advance of technology, practices have been implemented to quantify the match running demands of rugby union players. The aim of this study was to analyse the match loads of rugby union players between the 2016 and 2018 Varsity Cup competitions. The sample consisted of 562 match observations of male university rugby union players competing in the Varsity Cup tournaments. The backline players ran significantly longer total distances (5105 m; p = 0.001; ES = 0.49); have greater high-speed running (496 m; p = 0.001; ES = 1.03), very high-speed running (260 m; p = 0.001; ES = 1.50) and sprint distances (117 m; p = 0.001; ES = 1.32) than forward players. Backline players also accumulated a high number of metres per minute (238 ± 94; p = 0.001; ES = 0.46), total Player Load (488 ± 203; p = 0.001; ES = 0.31), RHIE (9 ± 8; p = 0.001; ES = 0.75) and number of accelerations (4 ± 5; p = 0.001; ES = 0.49). These findings may assist coaches to develop player position specific training programmes to meet the physical demands of rugby.

Physical Demands of Amateur Domestic and Representative Netball in One Season in New Zealand Assessed Using Heart Rate and Movement Analysis.

King, DA, Cummins, C, Hume, PA, and Clark, TN. Physical demands of amateur domestic and representative netball in one season in New Zealand assessed using heart rate and movement analysis. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 2062-2070, 2020-The purpose of this descriptive cohort study was to describe physical demands of netball for positions and between playing levels using microtechnology. Data were collected from 34 female netball players across 3 teams at different levels (over 19 years representative [O19], under 19 years representative [U19], and open-age amateur club domestic) for 20 games using heart rate and microtechnology data. Total distance, maximal velocity, PlayerLoad ([PL] accumulated accelerometer-derived load), and individual PL vectors (PL forward [PLF], PL sideward [PLS] and PL vertical [PLV]) were examined. Analysis by playing level and netball position were conducted. The O19 players recorded a higher mean distance (3,365.7 ± 1,875.1 m) per match than U19 (p = 0.0095) players. The O19 players recorded a higher PL (p = 0.0003), PLF (p = 0.004), PLS (p = 0.0039), and PLV (p = 0.0352) than the domestic players. Domestic players recorded a higher maximal velocity than O19 players (p = 0.0003; d = 0.32) throughout the study. Domestic players recorded a higher average maximal heart rate (202.2 ± 28.2 b·min) than O19 (p < 0.0001) and U19 (p = 0.0002) players. Given the high physical demands of netball, individual player- and position-specific training programs are required to develop players for the specific demands of competition while also reducing the impact of excessive physical exertion to facilitate safer engagement within netball. The identification of the differing physical and physiological profiles of individual positional groups throughout match-play highlights the importance of integrating microtechnology into the routine monitoring of intermittent court-based sports, such as netball.