Time-motion analysis of elite under-19 female netball players using GPS

Abstract

In this study, physical characteristics of and physiological demands on elite junior (under-19A) netball players during competition were investigated. Physical attributes, heart rate and accelerometer data were collected using GPS (Catapult OptimEye X4) technology from 44 players during 16 competitive matches. Overall, physical attributes of players and physiological demands during match play, playing positions were divided into three groups with similar attributes: goal keeper and goal attack; wing attack, wing defence, goal attack and goal defence; and center. Compared to the other playing positions, the goal keeper and goal shooter tend to be heavier and taller, cover significantly smaller distances during match play (all ten pairwise p-values relative to other five playing positions <0.0001) at significantly lower maximum velocity (all p-values <0.0101), and have lower player load. Similarly, the center covers significantly more total distance (all six pairwise p-values relative to other five playing positions <0.0013) in the highest velocity bands, and has significantly higher player load than the other positions (all p-values <0.0001). The findings accentuate the variation in physical demand between the different playing positions and type of load placed on those positions. Strength and conditioning coaches should consider these factors when training netball players.

Keywords: Junior netball; Player load; Physical profile data; Physiological demands; GPS.