Time-motion analysis and heart rate response during elite male field hockey competition versus training

Study 1: Fifteen male field hockey players (mean +/-SD: age 19.5 +/- 2.5yr; ht 1.79 +/- 0.1 m; wt 80 +/- 2.5 kg) at the elite level (Scottish National League Division 1) were filmed during competitive match-play (C) and in 'competitive phase' (in-season) training (T) whilst playing on an artificial hockey surface. Heart rate was recorded (Polar PE 4000) during both T and C trials (real hockey games). Each subject's motion was determined during T and C using the Observer system (Noldus Information Technology, 1996): standing still; walking; jogging; cruising; sprinting. Results: Student t-tests found more low intensity locomotion and less high intensity locomotion (cruising and sprinting) during T compared to C (p<0.01). Average heart rate was higher (p<0.007) during C compared to T [mean (+/- SD): C = 155 (+/- 12); T = 133 (+/- 2) b.min(-1)]. Additionally, more time was spent at 85%+ of maximum heart rate during C than T (p<0.007). Finally, the work:rest ratio was lower (1: 5.7 versus 1:32.7; p<0.01) during C compared to T. Training advice and recommendations are suggested based on these findings.