The Running Performance Decrement in Elite Hurling

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 restrictions, hurling games have been played in four quarters instead of two halves. This study described the decrement in running performance between quarters in elite hurling. GPS (10 Hz) were used to collect data from 48 players over 20 games during 2018–2020 season. Total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR), high-metabolic-load distance (HMLD), sprint-distance, and number of sprints (N-sprints) between quarters were assessed. Greater TD was covered in Q1 than Q3 (Cohen’s d = 0.26). HSR and HMLD was greater in Q1 than Q2 (d = 0.45 and d = 0.55, respectively), Q3 (d = 0.34 and d = 44, respectively) and Q4 (d = 0.38 and d = 0.48, respectively). Sprint-distance and N-sprints were similar (p > 0.05) across quarters. All positions experienced a drop-off in at least one quarter (d = 0.43–1.46) in all metrics except midfielders’ TD and full-forwards’ HSR and HMLD. Sprint-distance and N-sprints were similar (p > 0.05) in each quarter for all positions. Following Q1, players were able to maintain their running performance. The current results can aid the timing of substitutions especially in positions where temporal decrements were observed.

Acceleration, Deceleration and Dynamic Stress Load in Elite Hurling: A Between-Quarter and Between-Position Comparison

“…Even though the game is hundreds of years old, research has only recently described the match-play performances of competition [ 1 , 8 , 9 , 10 ] and training [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology, the match-play running performances were quantified in youth, sub-elite and elite hurlers [ 1 , 2 , 8 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Typically, the total distance, high-speed running (HSR), sprint distance and the number of accelerations and decelerations have been used to describe the running performances in hurling [ 1 , 2 , 8 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

“…Using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology, the match-play running performances were quantified in youth, sub-elite and elite hurlers [ 1 , 2 , 8 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Typically, the total distance, high-speed running (HSR), sprint distance and the number of accelerations and decelerations have been used to describe the running performances in hurling [ 1 , 2 , 8 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Furthermore, a parameter called dynamic stress load, which summarizes the accumulation of the rates of players’ accelerations has also been used within team sport [ 17 ].…”

“…Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the rules about the match-structure of hurling have changed. Hurling games are now played over four quarters instead of two halves [ 16 ]. The research presented in hurling so far focuses on the match demands over the full game and per half [ 1 , 2 , 8 , 9 , 20 ].…”

“…With the change in the game structure, the current literature fails to inform coaches about the per-quarter running demands of hurling, therefore knowledge of the between-quarter match demands is limited. Only one study has recently attempted to profile the game of hurling per quarter [ 16 ]. Results showed that compared to Q1, total distance was lower in Q3, and high-speed running reduced in all quarters (Q2–Q4) compared to Q1 [ 16 ].…”

“…Only one study has recently attempted to profile the game of hurling per quarter [ 16 ]. Results showed that compared to Q1, total distance was lower in Q3, and high-speed running reduced in all quarters (Q2–Q4) compared to Q1 [ 16 ]. However, the previously used parameters present distance within set speed thresholds, which fails to describe the number of times the players actually change speed.…”