Journal article
Performance Analysis of Professional, Semi-Professional and Junior Elite Rugby League Match-Play Using Global Positioning Systems
Journal of strength and conditioning research, Vol.27(12), pp.3266-3274
2013
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine positional differences in physical performance measures of professional, semi-professional and junior elite Rugby League match-play using portable Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Twelve professional, twelve semi-professional and eighteen junior elite male Rugby League players were monitored during five regular season competition matches using portable GPS software. The mean total distance travelled during professional (8371 +/- 897 m) and semi-professional (7277 +/- 734 m) match-play was significantly (p< 0.05) greater than elite junior (4646 +/- 978 m) match-play. Position specific total distance travelled and distance travelled per minute of playing time were significantly (p< 0.05) less for junior elite backs (5768 +/- 765 m; 74 +/- 11 m[middle dot]min-1) and forwards (4774 +/- 564 m; 82 +/- 5 m[middle dot]min-1) in comparison to professional (backs 8158 +/- 673 m; 101 +/- 8 m[middle dot]min-1, forwards 8442 +/- 812 m; 98 +/- 12 m[middle dot]min-1) and semi-professional (backs 7505 +/- 765 m; 94 +/- 8 m[middle dot]min-1, forwards 6701 +/- 678 m; 89 +/- 8 m[middle dot]min-1) match-play. Maximum running speed, maximum sprints and total sprint distance travelled by professional players were all significantly (p< 0.05) greater than junior elite player but not semi-professional players during match-play. Professional backs and forwards performed significantly (p< 0.05) more maximum sprints and travelled greater total distance during match-play in comparison to semi-professional and junior elite players. The present findings demonstrate minimal differences in the physical performance measures of professional and semi-professional Rugby League match-play. The position specific performance characteristics of junior elite match-play indicate current junior elite player development pathways may not provide adequate preparation for players transitioning into professional competition.
Details
- Title
- Performance Analysis of Professional, Semi-Professional and Junior Elite Rugby League Match-Play Using Global Positioning Systems
- Authors
- C McLellan (Author) - Bond UniversityDale Lovell (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
- Publication details
- Journal of strength and conditioning research, Vol.27(12), pp.3266-3274
- Publisher
- Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
- Date published
- 2013
- DOI
- 10.1519/JSC.0b013e31828f1d74
- ISSN
- 1064-8011
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2013 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher policy. This is a non-final version of an article published in final form in McLellan, CP and Lovell, DI. Performance analysis of professional, semiprofessional, and junior elite rugby league match-play using global positioning systems. J Strength Cond Res 27(12): 3266-3274, 2013.
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450481902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Sport Sciences