THE WORK-RATE OF ELITE HURLING MATCH-PLAY

This study describes the global work-rate of elite hurling match-play and the influence which positional difference has on workrate is considered. The movement of ninety-four players was recorded using global positioning system, sampling at 4 Hz in a total of 12 games. Data were classified according to the positional line on the field and period of the match. The total and high-speed distance of match-play was 7,617 +/- 1,219 m (95% confidence interval [CI], 7,367-7,866) and 1,134 +/- 358 m (95% CI, 1,060-1,206), respectively. The maximum speed attained was 29.8 +/- 2.3 km.h(-1) with a mean speed of 6.1 +/- 1 km.h(-1). The second {271 +/- 107 m (p = 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.25)}, third (278 +/- 118 m [p = 0.001; ES = 0.21]), and fourth quarter (255 +/- 108 m [p = 0.001; ES = 0.31]) high-speed running distance differed significantly from that of the first quarter (330 +/- 120 m). There was a significant difference in total (p = 0.001; ES = 0.01-0.85), high-speed running (p = 0.001; ES = 0.21-0.76), and sprint (p = 0.013; ES = 0.01-0.39) distance across the positions, with midfielders undertaking the highest volume of work, followed by the half-forward and half-back lines and finally the full-forward and full-back lines. A decrease in high-speed running distance seems to occur through out the game and in particular at the latter stages of each half. Distinct positional work profiles are evident. The present finding provide a context on which training which replicates the work-rate of match-play may be formulated, thus helping to improve the physical preparation of elite players.