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12 pages, 1412 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Class Year Differences in Anthropometric and Fitness Measures in Division I Field Hockey Athletes Pre and Post Season

by Kathleen A. Bieryla, Jeremy A. Cook and Ryan C. Snyder

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 8103; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11178103 - 31 Aug 2021

Viewed by 2639

The purpose of this study was to investigate the way in which anthropometric and fitness measures vary by class year before and after a Division I female field hockey competitive season. Anthropometric (mass and percent body fat) and fitness measures (vertical jump and [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the way in which anthropometric and fitness measures vary by class year before and after a Division I female field hockey competitive season. Anthropometric (mass and percent body fat) and fitness measures (vertical jump and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) distance) were collected on 16 athletes (mean ± SD: age = 19.5 ± 0.9 years) before and after a competitive season. Class year, based on the athlete’s year in college, was used to group athletes in the study. Body mass, vertical jump height, and Yo-Yo IR1 distance all increased pre to post season (p < 0.05). First-year athletes had a significantly lower body mass, vertical jump height and Yo-Yo IR1 distance compared to other class years across the testing period (p < 0.05). Post season levels for first-years were lower than both pre and post season levels for sophomore or junior athletes. Team mean vertical jump increased 8.9%, with all but two athletes improving. Team mean Yo-Yo IR1 distance increased 16.4%. Athlete training over the course of the study was designed to improve on field playing performance and training was not directly select to improve measures in the study; therefore, the potential success of integrating fitness, speed, and strength development into technical training sessions is indicated. Coaches should be aware that first-year athletes may not be at the same level of conditioning as sophomores and juniors. Coaches should work specifically with the first-year athletes during the season to monitor their fitness levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

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15 pages, 1502 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Unaware Clock Manipulation on Pacing Strategy and Performance in Recreational Athletes

by Augusto Terra, Dailson Paulucio, Marco Machado, David J. Bishop, Alexander J. Koch, Renato Alvarenga and Fernando A. M. S. Pompeu

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 8062; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11178062 - 31 Aug 2021

Viewed by 1637

Abstract

It is unclear how athletes regulate their performance prior and during exercise when deceptive methods are applied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test if time manipulation can influence pacing strategy and running performance. Ten recreationally active subjects were informed they [...] Read more.

It is unclear how athletes regulate their performance prior and during exercise when deceptive methods are applied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test if time manipulation can influence pacing strategy and running performance. Ten recreationally active subjects were informed they would complete four 60-min time trials only with time feedback. The first session was a familiarization trial (60-min), and in the following three sessions, the time feedback was modified: normal chronometer (NC—60 min.), 10% faster (Faster chronometer—FC—54 min.), and 10% slower (slower chronometer—SC—66 min.). Total distance was different between conditions, while average of total speed, Heart Rate, oxygen consumption, and Rate of Perceived Exertion were similar (p > 0.05). A slow start pacing strategy was adopted in all conditions and did not differ between conditions when averaged across the session; however, when analyzing the first and final 10 min of the session, differences were found between conditions. Finally, the observed time was an important determinant of the regulation of exercise intensity, because, although the pacing strategy adopted in all conditions was regulated according to previous exercise information, adjustments were made in the initial (NC) and final (FC) phases of the trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

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12 pages, 533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Pitch Size and Goalkeeper Participation on Physical Load Measures during Small-Sided Games in Sub-Elite Professional Soccer Players

by Fernando J. Santos, Carlos E. L. Verardi, Mayra Grava de Moraes, Dalton M. Pessôa Filho, Anderson G. Macedo, Teresa P. Figueiredo, Cátia C. Ferreira, Ricardo P. Borba and Mário C. Espada

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 8024; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11178024 - 30 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3439

Abstract

This study sought to examine the variations of internal and external load measures in soccer players when performing different types of 4 vs. 4 small-sided games (SSGs). Ten U-23 professional and sub-elite soccer players, eight outfield players (age: 20.1 ± 1.5 years old; [...] Read more.

This study sought to examine the variations of internal and external load measures in soccer players when performing different types of 4 vs. 4 small-sided games (SSGs). Ten U-23 professional and sub-elite soccer players, eight outfield players (age: 20.1 ± 1.5 years old; height: 1.83 ± 0.04 m; total body mass: 76.1 ± 3.6 kg) and two goalkeepers (GK) (age: 20.5 ± 2.1 years old; height: 1.91 ± 0.04 m; total body mass: 77.0 ± 1.4 kg) participated in the study. Five SSGs were performed with 3 min duration and 3 min rest interval. SSG1, SSG2 and SSG4 aimed for ball possession play, while in SSG3 and SSG5, two GK were added, defending regular-size goals. The pitch size changed from SSG1 (16 × 24 m) to SSG2 and SSG3 (both 20 × 30 m) and SSG4 and SSG5 (both 24 × 36 m). All players were monitored using WIMU Pro device during the tasks. Anova One-Way and the post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference were used for analysis of statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) and effect sizes were determined by calculating partial eta-squared. The framework was associated with relevant but steady state internal load fatigue and induce a considerable external load stimulus. GK participation in SSGs should be carefully considered as it seems to have a greater impact on physical load measures when compared to the pitch size manipulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

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19 pages, 1327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of One Additional Substitution on Player Load and Coaching Tactics in Elite Football

by Johannes Meyer and Stefanie Klatt

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7676; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167676 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3348

Abstract

Professional football players, coaches, and researchers have discussed additional substitutions in football to reduce player load for a while. However, the effects of additional substitutions on the game have not yet been investigated in detail. The aim of this paper is to determine [...] Read more.

Professional football players, coaches, and researchers have discussed additional substitutions in football to reduce player load for a while. However, the effects of additional substitutions on the game have not yet been investigated in detail. The aim of this paper is to determine whether an additional substitution in (1) extra time and (2) regular time would be beneficial and would lead to (a) greater tactical influence of coaches on the match, (b) load reduction during one match, and (c) load reduction during one season. The methodological approach adopted includes two studies, both of which involve data analysis of substitution times (Study 1: n = 3060; Study 2: n = 1153) as well as a survey of football coaches (Study 1: n = 37; Study 2: n = 25). For assessing the effect of an additional substitution in regular time and in extra time, the substitutions made in the Bundesliga, U19-Bundesliga West, DFB-Cup, and 2018 World Cup were evaluated. The findings of this research clearly indicate the potential of an additional substitution by enabling almost 50% of additional load reduction in regular time and 27% in extra time. However, in practice, the findings showed the limits of an additional substitution in extra time on long-term load reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

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11 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Training Load Measures and Next-Day Well-Being in Rugby Union Players

by Richard Taylor, Tony D. Myers, Dajo Sanders, Matthew Ellis and Ibrahim Akubat

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 5926; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11135926 - 25 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2419

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between different internal and external load measures and next day subjective wellbeing. With institutional ethics approval, ten academy rugby union players (Five forwards, and five backs) with a local National League One club [...] Read more.

The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between different internal and external load measures and next day subjective wellbeing. With institutional ethics approval, ten academy rugby union players (Five forwards, and five backs) with a local National League One club agreed to participate in the study (aged; 18.4 ± 1.0 years, height; 181.3 ± 5.9 cm, body mass 85.9 ± 13.0 kg, VO_2max 56.2 ± 6.8 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). Before the 6-week in-season data collection period, participants completed an incremental treadmill test to determine lactate thresholds at 2 mmol·L⁻¹ (LT) and 4 mmol·L⁻¹ and the heart rate blood lactate (HR-BLa) profile for individualized training impulse (iTRIMP) calculations. Internal training load was quantified using Banister’s TRIMP, Edward’s TRIMP, Lucia’s TRIMP, individualised TRIMP and session-RPE. External training load was reported using total distance, PlayerLoad^TM, high-speed distances (HSD) > 18 km∙h⁻¹ and >15 km∙h⁻¹, and individualized high-speed distance (iHSD) based on each player’s velocity at OBLA. On arrival and prior to all training sessions players completed a well-being questionnaire (WB). Bayesian linear mixed model analysis identified that a range of internal and external load measures explained between 30% and 37% of next-day total wellbeing and between 65% and 67% of next-day perceived stress. All other internal and external load measures demonstrated very weak to moderate relationships (R² = 0.08 to 0.39) with all other wellbeing components. Internal sRPE, iTRIMP and bTRIMP loads alongside external HSD loads provide coaches with the most practical measures to influence players’ perceived wellbeing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

17 pages, 1710 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Quantifying the Training and Match-Play External and Internal Load of Elite Gaelic Football Players

by Shane Malone, Kieran Collins, Allistair McRobert and Dominic Doran

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1756; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041756 - 16 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3712

Abstract

The current investigation quantified the training and match-play load of elite Gaelic football players across a two-season period using global positioning system technology (GPS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and sessional rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Total weekly workload variables were collected across [...] Read more.

The current investigation quantified the training and match-play load of elite Gaelic football players across a two-season period using global positioning system technology (GPS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and sessional rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Total weekly workload variables were collected across GPS, RPE, and sRPE across thirty-six elite Gaelic footballers (mean ± SD, age: 26 ± 5 years; height: 177 ± 8 cm; mass: 81 ± 7 kg) from one elite squad during a two-season observational period. External training load variables included: Total distance (m), High speed running (m; ≥ 17.1 km·h⁻¹), Sprint distance (m; 22 km·h⁻¹), Accelerations (n), Average metabolic power (W·kg⁻¹), High-power distance (m; ≥ 25 W·kg⁻¹). Internal load variables included: sRPE and RPE. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to understand the differences in loading patterns across phases, position, and week types when significant main effects were observed a Tukey’s post hoc test was applied and standardized effect sizes were calculated to understand the practical meaning of these differences. When total weekly loading across phases was considered total load was significantly greater in club 1 and provincial 1 with these phases showing the highest loading for players when compared to all other phases (p ≤ 0.001; ES: 2.95–7.22; very large). Furthermore, in-season 1 was greater for total loading when compared to in-season 2 and both championship phases (p ≤ 0.05; ES: 0.47–0.54; small). Total distance in training was greater during preseason 1 when compared to all other phases of the season (p ≤ 0.001; ES: 2.95–7.22; very large). During the in-season period, training based total distance was higher during provincial 1 when compared to other phases with similar trends across all measures (p ≤ 0.005). Finally, a positional profile for load measures was observed, with weekly context (match or non-match) having an impact on the internal and external loading players experienced across phases. The current data provide useful information for practitioners on the training periodization currently present within the elite Gaelic football training process. Specifically, the data provide positional profiles of loading across weekly and segmented phased of an elite Gaelic football season. These data can increase understanding as to the periods of increased and decreased loading across different phases of an elite Gaelic football season, while providing a framework for future analysis concerning Gaelic football periodization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

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12 pages, 1412 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Effect of Individual Rotations on the Physical and Physiological Performance in Elite Female Field Hockey Players

by Aideen McGuinness, Darren Kenna, Adam Grainger and Kieran Collins

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11031022 - 23 Jan 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3712

Abstract

To quantify the rotational demands of elite female field hockey with respect to position. Twenty-eight (n = 28) elite international field hockey players were recruited during the 2018–2020 seasons. Players were monitored with GPS technology and heart-rate monitors. Methods: Activity was categorised [...] Read more.

To quantify the rotational demands of elite female field hockey with respect to position. Twenty-eight (n = 28) elite international field hockey players were recruited during the 2018–2020 seasons. Players were monitored with GPS technology and heart-rate monitors. Methods: Activity was categorised into total distance (m), relative total distance (m·min⁻¹), high-speed distance (m; 16 km∙h⁻¹), relative high-speed distance (m·min⁻¹), max velocity (km·h⁻¹), and percentage maximal velocity (%Vmax). Physiological demands were assessed via heart rate measures (bpm and % HR_max) and time > 80% heart rate maximum. Results: A single rotation equated to 7 ± 0.8 min. Players covered a mean total distance of was 868 ± 132 m (125.7 ± 5.9 m·min⁻¹) with 140 ± 39 m at high-speed (21.7 ± 3.6 m·min⁻¹). A significant difference was reported for relative total (p ≤ 0.001), and high-speed (p ≤ 0.001), distance across positional. Forwards were reported to cover the most relative total and high-speed distance (d = 1.0) when compared to defenders and midfielders. Conclusion: The study provides normative data for rotational demands of elite female field hockey. Coaches should consider these demands when developing training drills to better optimise the positional physical and physiological demands of competitive match-play. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

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10 pages, 1080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gastrocnemius Activation throughout the Competitive Season in Athletes of Different Experience Levels

by Catarina M. Amaro, Maria António Castro, Luis Roseiro, Rui Mendes and Ana M. Amaro

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 984; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11030984 - 22 Jan 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1951

Abstract

Basketball is a team sport in which the players undergo rapid reactions, and running efforts are usually carried out in all directions. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the muscle activity response in different basketball movements, considering two types [...] Read more.

Basketball is a team sport in which the players undergo rapid reactions, and running efforts are usually carried out in all directions. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the muscle activity response in different basketball movements, considering two types of athletes with different levels of experience. Using a group of nine volunteers, female athletes from a senior basketball team, a data acquisition protocol was defined to identify the changes that occurred throughout the sports season. In this study, to assess the gastrocnemius muscle activity, intensity peak (%MC) and time to peak (TP) were evaluated for five typical basketball skills and movements involving running and jumping with and without the ball. Seven repetitions were executed for each movement, performed at two different time-points of the sports season: at the beginning of the teams’ competition, in November (T1), and at the season peak, in March (T2). TP presents greater values for T2 of the season when compared with T1. The results show that the level of experience of the athletes has a significant effect on the results of TP and %MC, particularly when comparing the two seasons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

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13 pages, 450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of Anthropometric and Performance Profiles between Elite and Sub-Elite Hurling Players

by John Keane, Shane Malone, Ciarán Keogh, Damien Young, Giuseppe Coratella and Kieran Collins

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11030954 - 21 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4328

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to identify the specific differences in anthropometric and performance profiles between elite and sub-elite hurling players with respect to position and level of play. One hundred and thirty-seven (n = 137) hurlers at the elite [...] Read more.

The aim of the current study was to identify the specific differences in anthropometric and performance profiles between elite and sub-elite hurling players with respect to position and level of play. One hundred and thirty-seven (n = 137) hurlers at the elite (n = 61) and sub-elite (n = 76) level completed a series of anthropometric [height, body mass, the sum of seven skinfolds, adipose tissue percentage estimates (%AT), fat-free mass estimations (FFM)) and performance ((countermovement jump height (CMJ), CMJ peak power (CMJ PP), CMJ relative peak power (CMJ RPP), acceleration (5, 10 and 20 m), and yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IRT1)) assessments during the “early in-season” phase of the competition. Data were categorized into positions at both levels (full-backs, half-backs, midfielders, half-forwards, full-forwards). Multiple two-way ANOVA’s were performed to determine the effect of two fixed factors (level and position) on several anthropometric and performance variables. Elite level players had a significantly lower sum of seven skinfolds across all positions compared to the sub-elite (η² = 0.441, large). At half-back, half-forward, and full-forward elite players had significantly lower %AT (η² = 0.087–0.167, small–medium) and greater FFM (η² = 0.040–0.065, small). Jump performance assessment showed elite players performed significantly better across all positions for CMJ (η² = 0.526, large), CMJ PP (η² = 0.385, large) and CMJ RPP (η² = 0.520, large). When Yo-Yo IRT1 was considered, elite players completed an increased distance than the sub-elite across all positions (η² = 0.526, large). The current data are the first to show differences in positional anthropometric and performance profiles between standards of play within hurling. Applied practitioners should consider these normative data when implementing training programs to maximize position-specific preparation for competition. Furthermore, these data could improve the considerations regarding the transitioning of players from the sub-elite to the elite level of play. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

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9 pages, 1112 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Running Performance Decrement in Elite Hurling

by Damien Young, Jim Kilty, Liam Hennessy and Giuseppe Coratella

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(22), 8191; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10228191 - 19 Nov 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2433

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 restrictions, hurling games have been played in four quarters instead of two halves. This study described the decrement in running performance between quarters in elite hurling. GPS (10 Hz) were used to collect data from 48 players over 20 games [...] Read more.

Since the COVID-19 restrictions, hurling games have been played in four quarters instead of two halves. This study described the decrement in running performance between quarters in elite hurling. GPS (10 Hz) were used to collect data from 48 players over 20 games during 2018–2020 season. Total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR), high-metabolic-load distance (HMLD), sprint-distance, and number of sprints (N-sprints) between quarters were assessed. Greater TD was covered in Q1 than Q3 (Cohen’s d = 0.26). HSR and HMLD was greater in Q1 than Q2 (d = 0.45 and d = 0.55, respectively), Q3 (d = 0.34 and d = 44, respectively) and Q4 (d = 0.38 and d = 0.48, respectively). Sprint-distance and N-sprints were similar (p > 0.05) across quarters. All positions experienced a drop-off in at least one quarter (d = 0.43–1.46) in all metrics except midfielders’ TD and full-forwards’ HSR and HMLD. Sprint-distance and N-sprints were similar (p > 0.05) in each quarter for all positions. Following Q1, players were able to maintain their running performance. The current results can aid the timing of substitutions especially in positions where temporal decrements were observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

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13 pages, 691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Influence of the Head Coach on Soccer Training Drills—An 8 Season Analysis

by Steve Barrett, Matthew C. Varley, Samuel P. Hills, Mark Russell, Matt Reeves, Adam Hearn and Christopher Towlson

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(22), 8149; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10228149 - 17 Nov 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4342

Abstract

Soccer players perform a variety of training drills to develop the physical, technical and tactical qualities required for match-play. The role of coaches in prescribing training suggests that players may not always meet physical targets set by conditioning staff. To quantify the physical [...] Read more.

Soccer players perform a variety of training drills to develop the physical, technical and tactical qualities required for match-play. The role of coaches in prescribing training suggests that players may not always meet physical targets set by conditioning staff. To quantify the physical outputs elicited by different training drill types, 183 professional soccer players were monitored over 8 seasons using Microelectromechanical Systems during normal training, yielding 65,825 drill observations [362 ± 341 observations·player⁻¹]. Linear mixed models assessed the influence of drill type, head coach and playing position on physical output. Drills lasted ~14 min, eliciting total distances and high speed running of ~1000 m and 40 m, respectively. Conditioning drills elicited substantially greater relative high-speed running [18.8 ± 27.2 m.min⁻¹] and Sprint [3.5 ± 9.4 m.min⁻¹] distances than all other drill types. The proportion of training drill types used and external outputs elicited per drill were affected by the head coach. Midfielders recorded the highest total distance [77.3 ± 36.1 m.min] and PlayerLoad^™ [8.29 ± 3.54] of any playing position, whilst the lowest outputs were recorded by goalkeepers. This study provides reference data for practitioners when seeking to manipulate training prescription to achieve physical output targets whilst also meeting the team’s technical and tactical objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

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25 pages, 2168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development and Evaluation of a Training Monitoring System for Amateur Rugby Union

by Alan Griffin, Ian C. Kenny, Thomas M. Comyns and Mark Lyons

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(21), 7816; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10217816 - 4 Nov 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3251

Abstract

A training monitoring system (TMS) should be both attainable and scientifically grounded; however, the optimal method of monitoring training is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an online TMS for amateur rugby union. The experimental [...] Read more.

A training monitoring system (TMS) should be both attainable and scientifically grounded; however, the optimal method of monitoring training is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an online TMS for amateur rugby union. The experimental approach to the problem consisted of five phases: (1) establishing the current training and training load (TL) monitoring practices of amateur rugby union teams, (2) designing and developing the TMS, (3) recruiting teams and subsequently introducing the TMS, (4) supporting the strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches using the TMS, and (5) evaluating the TMS. The findings of this study support the use of an online TMS as a useful and effective method of facilitating training prescription and design in an effort to reduce injury risk and enhance performance. The main barriers impeding player compliance are the lack of feedback on their data and evidence of its use in training design, coaching, and prescription. The effectiveness of the system is dependent on the extent to which the associated challenges are mitigated to ensure quality and consistent data. However, this study offers a method of monitoring training that can be effective while also establishing pitfalls to avoid for both practitioners and researchers alike. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

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10 pages, 1520 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Movement Demands of Training and Matches across a Full Competition Cycle in Elite Netball

by Edward R. Brooks, Amanda C. Benson, Aaron S. Fox and Lyndell M. Bruce

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(21), 7689; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10217689 - 30 Oct 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4912

Abstract

Elite netballers perform different training and match sessions across the annual competition cycle. A comprehensive exploration of the physical movement demands imposed on the athletes and the distribution of external workloads across these sessions are yet to be reported in the literature. This [...] Read more.

Elite netballers perform different training and match sessions across the annual competition cycle. A comprehensive exploration of the physical movement demands imposed on the athletes and the distribution of external workloads across these sessions are yet to be reported in the literature. This study aims to quantify the movement demands of elite netball across all session types (pre-season training, pre-season practice match, pre-season cup matches, in-season training, in-season practice matches, and competition matches). Knowledge of these demands will allow for more precise season planning and may assist with the management of athletes’ workloads. Twelve elite female netballers were monitored across a full competition cycle using a local positioning system (LPS) to collect spatiotemporal (i.e., distance, velocity, and acceleration measures) and accelerometer-derived measures (i.e., PlayerLoad measures). Metreage and PlayerLoad per minute for match-play sessions (practice and competition) were higher than for training sessions for all positional groups. Differences were present across session types, and within and between positional groups, which should be incorporated into full season planning (i.e., pre-season, in-season, and finals). Coaches and support staff should be cognisant of the potential influence of changing a player’s position, or altering session structure or duration, on the workload for the athlete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Monitoring of Player Performance within the Training Process across Team Sports)

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