Characteristics of chosen parameters of external and internal loads in Eastern European high level field hockey players

Abstract

The analysis of literature showed that while football (soccer) has many articles about different match analysis, field hockey has little such publications. Mainly West European Country teams or teams from other continents are studied. Still, there is no such information in reference to eastern hockey, particularly about high level competitors in Poland. Hence, the main aim of this study was to work out the characteristics of external and internal loads on Polish National Team field hockey players, representing a eastern European country. In field hockey, important information about competitive efforts must be taken into consideration to ensure correct design of the training process. For kinematics analysis (distance and velocity) Erdman’s method was used, to analyze EE and HR Polar Vantage with software Polar Precision Performance were used. The results were worked out in a basic statistical way and to software Statictica 8.0, was used. It was stated that average distance covered by a player in a match is about 10,080 m (between 9,700 and 10,500 m), mean and instantaneous velocity were 2.40 m/s (between 2.29 and 2.50 m/s) and 8.92 m/s (between 8.49 and 9.22 m/s), EE average value was 947 kcal (between 874 and 1051 kcal), average value of HR and maximal value of HR were 135 bmp (between 126 and 142 bmp) and 187 bmp (between 184 and 189 bmp) respectively. The individual differences in results and playing position were noted. The results of this research bring important and necessary data for preparing precise training programs in field hockey. It can be assumed that using the information provided will allow for optimal preparation of the players to take part in competitions.