INTRODUCTION: The change in the format of international field hockey matches has led to a scarcity of research concerning match load for female field hockey players across quarters of match-play. The main aim of this study was to examine whether there are positional- and between-quarter differences in match load for international female field hockey players. METHODS: Twenty-three international female field hockey players were equipped with Global Positioning Systems and heart rate monitors while competing over nine international matches. Players were categorised according to playing position, namely forwards, midfielders and defenders. RESULTS: Players covered a mean relative distance, relative player load, and distance covered in the form of low-, moderate-, and high intensity activities of 107.5 m/min, 10.3 AU/min, 41.6%, 47.9%, and 9.9%, respectively. Defenders achieved significantly (p = 0.05) lower relative player load and covered the least distance in the form of high-intensity activities. Forwards and midfielders achieved the greatest relative load. Players spent a majority of match-play engaged at >85% of their maximal heart rate. Reductions in relative load were observed from quarters 1-4 across all positions. No significant between-quarter differences in internal load were observed. CONCLUSION: The present findings provide a unique description of the work-rate profile of international female field hockey players, especially with regards to positional- and between-quarter match load. Findings highlight the need for coaches and conditioning coaches to implement conditioning programs that address the positional work-rate profile of players by closely replicating match activities. Therefore, training drills for Forwards and Midfielders should consist of repeated high intensity activities over shorter distances, incorporated with multiple accelerations, decelerations, and changes in direction, which closely replicate relative distance and relative player load observed during match-play. Although differences in external match load were observed from quarters 1-4, greater distances covered in the form of high intensity activities during quarter 4 compared to quarter 1 suggest that pacing strategies could be present. Findings highlight the importance of a well-developed aerobic- and anaerobic capacity to sustain bouts of high intensity activities as match-play progresses. No significant differences were observed for internal load between positional groups throughout match-play. This could be an indication that although the amount and intensity of work decrease as the match progresses, the physiological effect remains relatively stable. Findings on relative load from the current study allow coaches and conditioning coaches to prescribe conditioning programs specific to intensity zones of match-play.
© Copyright 2022 27th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Sevilla, 30. Aug - 2. Sep 2022. Julkaistu Tekijä Faculty of Sport Science - Universidad Pablo de Olavide. Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään. / Kääntänyt https://www.DeepL.com/Translator