The influence of playing standard on the positional running performance profiles during hurling match-play

Purpose The current study compared specific positional and temporal running performance profiles of elite and sub-elite hurling players during competitive match-play. Methods Running performance data were obtained during match-play using GPS technology (GPEXE lt 18 Hz, Exelio, srl, Udine, Italy) from 53 elite and 81 sub-elite hurlers resulting in 524 total data sets (elite n = 200; sub-elite n = 324). Running performance data consisted of total distance [TD], high-speed running [HSR], sprint distance, accelerations [n], maximal speed [km·h − 1 ], relative total distance (RTD), relative high-speed running (RHSR), relative sprint distance (RSD), and relative accelerations. All data were analysed across level and positions. Additionally, HSR and RHSR were analysed across halves of play. Multiple two-way ANOVAs determined the effect of two fixed factors (level and position) on each of the running performance variables. Furthermore, two three-way ANOVAs determined the effect of level, position and halves on HSR and RHSR. Results Elite level players covered a greater relative TD (η2 = 0.037; small) and relative HSR (η2 = 0.023; small) across positional lines of half-back (η2 = 0.008, small), midfield (η2 = 0.025, small) and half-forward (η2 = 0.009, small) when compared to their sub-elite counterparts. Temporal decrements in relative HSR of 11.3% at elite level and 5.7% at sub-elite level were observed across halves of match-play. Specifically, across the positional lines of half-back (13.1 v 2.7%), midfield (9.7 v 9.1%) and half-forward (11.9 v 6.1%) elite level players were observed to have a higher decrement in relative HSR when compared to sub-elite players. Conclusion The current data are the first to show differences in positional running performance between standards of play within hurling. These normative data provide additional considerations for hurling coaches with respect to transitioning players from sub-elite to elite level of play.