The purpose of this study was to investigate differences between sex and positional demands in club-based field hockey players by analyzing vertical force-velocity characteristics. Thirty-three club-based field hockey athletes (16 males age: 24.8 +/- 7.3yrs, body mass: 76.8 +/- 8.2kg, height: 1.79 +/- 0.05m; 17 females age: 22.3 +/- 4.2yrs, body mass: 65.2 +/- 7.6kg, height: 1.66 +/- 0.05m) were classified into two key positional groups (attacker or defender) based on dominant field position during gameplay. Force velocity (F-v) profiles were established by performing countermovement jumps (CMJ) using a three-point loading protocol ranging from body mass (i.e., zero external mass, 0%) to loads corresponding to 25% and 50% of their own body mass. Across all loads, between-trial reliability of F-v and CMJ variables was determined by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and coefficient of variation (CV) and deemed to be acceptable (ICC: 0.87 0.95, CV% 2.8 8.2). Analysis by sex identified male athletes had significantly greater differences in all F-v variables (12.81 40.58%, p < 0.001, ES = 1.10 3.19), a more enhanced F-v profile (i.e., greater theoretical maximal force, velocity, and power values), plus overall stronger correlations between relative maximal power (PMAX) and jump height (r = 0.67, p < 0.06) when compared to female athletes (-0.71< r >= 0.60, p = 0.08). Male attackers demonstrated a more 'velocity-oriented' F-v profile compared to defenders due to significant mean differences in theoretical maximal velocity (v0) (6.64%, p < 0.05, ES: 1.11), however differences in absolute and relative theoretical force (F0) (15.43%, p < 0.01, ES = 1.39) led to female attackers displaying a more 'force oriented' profile in comparison to defenders. The observed mechanical differences identify the underpinning characteristics of position specific expression of PMAX should be reflected in training programmes. Therefore, our findings suggest F-v profiling is acceptable to differentiate between sex and positional demands in club-based field hockey players. Furthermore, it is recommended field hockey players explore a range of loads and exercises across the F-v continuum through on-field and gym-based field hockey strength and conditioning practices to account for sex and positional mechanical differences.
