LAUSR

The aim of the current investigation was to quantify the physical and physiological demands of elite international female field hockey across the quarters of match-play. Twenty-seven elite International female field hockey outfield players (23 ± 3 years; 162.6 ± 13.0 cm; 66.0 ± 6.0 kg) participated in the current observational study during the 2016-2017 season. Participants were monitored with GPS technology and HR monitors. Players were categorised based on three different playing positions. Activity was categorized into total distance (m), relative total distance (RTD), low, moderate and high intensity distance (m), max velocity (km⋅h), and percentage maximal velocity (%). Physiological demands were quantified via players HRPeak which was classified based on the player's individual HRmax determined via a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test. Players spent on average 38 ± 8 min in match play. The total distance covered was 4847 ± 583 m (127.6 ± 15.6 m·min). Defenders covered a greater total distance across all three positions (p = ≤ 0.05). The midfielders covered a greater moderate intensity distance (p ≤0.001) while the forwards covered more high-intensity distance (p ≤0.001). The HRpeak of the players was 198 ± 4 b·min with a mean exercise intensity of 95 ± 1 % HRmax. The time spent > 70 % HRmax decreased significantly across the quarters (p = 0.01, η2 = 0.03). Defenders were found to spend more time >85 % HRmax when compared to other positions (p ≤0.001, η = 0.28). The current study provides normative data that coaches should consider when developing training drills to better optimize the positional physical and physiological activity profiles that best replicate match-play.