Assessing positional variations in key physical fitness components of elite field hockey players
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
Field hockey is an intense team sport that requires different physical demands depending on playing positions. Each position-defender, midfielder, forward-requires different aspects of physiology in terms of strength, speed, endurance, agility and flexibility for optimal performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate positional differences in key components of physical fitness among male elite field hockey players. Thirty male players (aged 18-22 years old) were divided into positional groups: defenders, midfielders, and forwards (n = 10 each). Five components of physical fitness were assessed: explosive power (standing broad jump), flexibility (sit-and-reach), agility (agility run test), sprint speed (40-yard sprint), and aerobic endurance (Cooper 12-minute run). The data were analyzed with a one-way Anova with post hoc LSD tests for differences by position. Positional differences in sprint speed and aerobic endurance were significant (p < .05). Midfielders achieved higher sprint performance than defenders and forwards, which points to quick transitions. Defenders achieved higher aerobic endurance than midfielders and forwards, which is in agreement with the sustained nature of their role in defense. In explosive power, flexibility, and agility, no significant positional differences were found. The present study has established that there exist different physical fitness profiles based on playing position in field hockey with the underlying requirement for speed in midfielders and endurance in defenders. In order to achieve improvement in performance, but also reduce the risk of injuries and fulfill tactical needs, position-specific training programs are necessary. Such specific conditioning will help optimize effectiveness during a field hockey match.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
References
Antara, R., Welis, W., Masrun, M., Irawan, R., Mario, D. T., Alnedral, A., Umar, [Initials], & Wąsik, J. (2023). Effects of agility, coordination, and flexibility on dribbling skills in senior high school female field hockey players. Physical Activity Review, 11(2), 42-51. https://doi.org/10.16926/par.2023.11.20
Atakan, M. M., Li, Y., Koşar, Ş. N., Turnagöl, H. H., & Yan, X. (2021). Evidence-based effects of high-intensity interval training on exercise capacity and health: A review with historical perspective. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(13), 7201. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18137201
Bashir, M., Hucheng, M., Geok, S. K., Akbar, S., & Zhang, D. (2024). Enhancing physical fitness in elite field hockey players with a twelve-week functional training program: A cluster randomized control trial. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 23, 628-637. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2024.628
Bujnovský, D., Maly, T., Zahálka, F., & Malá, L. (2015). Analysis of physical load among professional soccer players during matches with respect to field position. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 15(3), 569-575. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2015.03085
Cao, S., Li, Z., Wang, Z., Geok, S. K., & Liu, J. (2025). The effects of high-intensity interval training on basketball players: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 24, 31-51. https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2025.31
Chandra, S., Sharma, A., Malhotra, N., Rizvi, M. R., & Kumari, S. (2023). Effects of Plyometric Training on the Agility, Speed, and Explosive Power of Male Collegiate Badminton Players. Journal of lifestyle medicine, 13(1), 52-58. https://doi.org/10.15280/jlm.2023.13.1.52
Cummins, C., Orr, R., O'Connor, H., & West, C. (2013). Global positioning systems (GPS) and microtechnology sensors in team sports: a systematic review. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 43(10), 1025-1042. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-013-0069-2
Egger, F., Graf, V., Kotecha, S., Saleh, S., & Meyer, T. (2025). Physical demands and movement characteristics of veterans football players. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7, Article 1602127. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1602127
Folland, J. P., & Williams, A. G. (2007). The adaptations to strength training: Morphological and neurological contributions to increased strength. Sports Medicine, 37(2), 145-168. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200737020-00004
Gabbett, T. J., & Mulvey, M. J. (2008). Time-motion analysis of small-sided training games and competition in elite women soccer players. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 22(2), 543-552. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181635597
Gleim, G. W., & McHugh, M. P. (1997). Flexibility and its effects on sports injury and performance. Sports Medicine, 24(5), 289-299. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199724050-00001
Gupta, R., Rizvi, M. R., Sharma, A., Sharma, S., Shaik, A. R., Seyam, M. K., Raza, S., Alshahrani, M. S., Alkhamis, B. A., Alnakhli, H. H., Moraya, L., Ahmad, F., & Ahmad, I. (2025). Impact of on-field repeated sprint training on aerobic fitness and anaerobic performance in football athletes: A matched-pair design. PLOS ONE, 20(6), e0323573. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0323573
Hoff, J., Wisloff, U., Engen, L. C., Helgerud, J., & others. (2002). Soccer specific aerobic endurance training. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(3), 218-221. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.36.3.218
Hottenrott, K., Ludyga, S., & Schulze, S. (2012). Effects of high intensity training and continuous endurance training on aerobic capacity and body composition in recreationally active runners. Journal of sports science & medicine, 11(3), 483-488.
Ibáñez, S. J., Piñar, M. I., García, D., & Mancha-Triguero, D. (2023). Physical Fitness as a Predictor of Performance during Competition in Professional Women's Basketball Players. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), 988. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20020988
Islam, M. S., Rahman, M. H., Mola, D. W., Adane, A. K., & Pramanik, T. N. (2024). Nordic hamstring curls are a remedy for hamstring muscle injury: A narrative review. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 12(4), 692-698. https://doi.org/10.13189/saj.2024.120411
Joksimović, M., Skrypchenko, I., Yarymbash, K., & Pantovic, M. (2020). Anthropometric characteristics of professional football players in relation to the playing position and their significance for success in the game. Pedagogics, Psychology, Medical-Biological Problems of Physical Training and Sports, 23(5), 224-230. https://doi.org/10.15561/18189172.2019.0503
Kelly, D. T., Tobin, C., Egan, B., Gabbett, T. J., Daly, P., O'Connor, P. L., & Moyna, N. M. (2018). Comparison of sprint interval and endurance training in team sport athletes. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(11), 3051-3058. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002374
Kemp, J. (2010). Reliability of a 40m sprint in recreationally and moderately trained male and female groups. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.134
Khati, A., Das, A., Chetry, P., Deori, L. A., Saibya, R., Khatun, J., … Saha, S. (2025). Metabolic demands and physical performance in football: A position-specific analysis of energy system utilization. Retos, 69, 785-798. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v69.114722
Koźlenia, D., & Domaradzki, J. (2021). Prediction and injury risk based on movement patterns and flexibility in a 6-month prospective study among physically active adults. PeerJ, 9, e11399. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11399
Koźlenia, D., Trojanowska, I., Domaradzki, J., & Czermak, P. (2020). Association between speed and agility abilities with movement patterns quality in team sports players. Medicina dello Sport, 73(2), 176-186. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0025-7826.20.03662-5
Krishnan, A., Sharma, D., Bhatt, M., Pradeep, P., & Madan, M. (2016). Comparison between Standing Broad Jump test and Wingate test for assessing lower limb anaerobic power in elite sportsmen. Medical Journal Armed Forces India, 73(2), 123-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mjafi.2016.11.003
Krustrup, P., Mohr, M., Amstrup, T., Rysgaard, T., Johansen, J., Steensberg, A., Pedersen, P. K., & Bangsbo, J. (2003). The yo-yo intermittent recovery test: physiological response, reliability, and validity. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 35(4), 697-705. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000058441.94520.32
Kubayi, A., Paul, Y., Mahlangu, P., & Toriola, A. (2017). Physical Performance and Anthropometric Characteristics of Male South African University Soccer Players. Journal of human kinetics, 60, 153-158. https://doi.org/10.1515/hukin-2017-0098
Leão, C., Camões, M., Clemente, F. M., Nikolaidis, P. T., Lima, R., Bezerra, P., Rosemann, T., & Knechtle, B. (2019). Anthropometric Profile of Soccer Players as a Determinant of Position Specificity and Methodological Issues of Body Composition Estimation. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(13), 2386. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16132386
Lythe, J., & Kilding, A. E. (2011). Physical demands and physiological responses during elite field hockey. International journal of sports medicine, 32(7), 523-528. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1273710
Modric, T., Versic, S., & Sekulic, D. (2020). Aerobic fitness and game performance indicators in professional football players: Playing position specifics and associations. Heliyon, 6(11), e05427. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05427
Mola, D. W., Rahman, M. H., Uvinha, R. R., Adane, A. K., Tyagi, S., Adili, D., & Islam, M. S. (2025). Effect of 12 week training program on the fitness and performance of long jumpers. International Journal of Kinesiology & Sports Science. 13(1), 45-53. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijkss.v.13n.1p.45
Penry, J. T., Wilcox, A. R., & Yun, J. (2011). Validity and reliability analysis of Cooper's 12-minute run and the multistage shuttle run in healthy adults. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(3), 597-605. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cc2423
Peterson, B. J., Fitzgerald, J. S., Dietz, C., Ziegler, K. S., Baker, S. E., Snyder, E. M., & Kraemer, W. J. (2015). Aerobic capacity is associated with improved repeated shift performance in hockey. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(6), 1465-1472. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000786
Powell, C., Sparks, M., & Pienaar, C. (2023). Positional and between quarter differences in physical demands of elite female field hockey players during international matches. Frontiers in sports and active living, 5, 1296752. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1296752
Rahman, M. H., & Islam, M. S. (2020). Stretching and flexibility: A range of motion for games and sports. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport Science, 6(8), 22-36.
Raya, M. A., Gailey, R., Gaunaurd, I., Tucker, C., et al. (2013). Comparison of three agility tests with male servicemembers: Edgren Side Step Test, T-Test, and Illinois Agility Test. The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 50(7), 951-960. https://doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2012.05.0096
Razali, M. R., Alias, N., Husin, A. B., Maliki, M., & Juahir, H. (2017). Unsupervised pattern recognition of physical fitness related performance parameters among Terengganu youth female field hockey players. International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology, 7(1), 119-125. https://doi.org/10.18517/ijaseit.7.1.1145
Reilly, T., & Borrie, A. (1992). Physiology applied to field hockey. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 14(1), 10-26. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199214010-00002
Reilly, T., Williams, A. M., Nevill, A., & Franks, A. (2000). A multidisciplinary approach to talent identification in soccer. Journal of sports sciences, 18(9), 695-702. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410050120078
Reza, M. N., Rahman, M. H., Islam, M. S., Mola, D. W., & Andrabi, S. M. H. (2024). Assessment of motor fitness metrics among athletes in different sports: An original research. Physical Education Theory and Methodology, 24(1), 47-55. https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2024.1.06
Schmitz, B., Pfeifer, C., Kreitz, K., Borowski, M., Faldum, A., & Brand, S. M. (2018). The Yo-Yo Intermittent Tests: A Systematic Review and Structured Compendium of Test Results. Frontiers in physiology, 9, 870. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00870
Senthil Kumar, R., Franklin, J., Govindharaj, P., & Panneerselvam, S. (2023). The effect of core training on dynamic balance and strength endurance in junior field hockey players. Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity, 14(4), Article 7. https://doi.org/10.29359/BJHPA.14.4.07
Shalfawi, S. A. I. (2015). Anaerobic conditioning of soccer players: The evaluation of different anaerobic training methods on soccer player's physical performance (Doctoral dissertation, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences).
Singh, L. B., & Mitra, S. (2020, March). Fitness demands on positional differences in hockey: An analytical study. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts, 8(3), 3148-3154. Retrieved from [Accessed 2026, 13 February]: https://www.ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2003430.pdf
Singh, P., Kumar, D., Morya, M., Singh, R., & Rahman, M. H. (2024). Evaluating key biomotor abilities: A comparison between national and international elite tennis players. Physical Education Theory and Methodology, 24(6), 897-904. https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2024.6.06
Slimani, M., & Nikolaidis, P. T. (2019). Anthropometric and physiological characteristics of male soccer players according to their competitive level, playing position and age group: a systematic review. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 59(1), 141-163. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.17.07950-6
Slimani, M., Znazen, H., Hammami, A., & Bragazzi, N. (2017). Comparison of body fat percentage of male soccer players of different competitive levels, playing positions and age groups: A meta-analysis. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 58(6). https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.17.07941-5
Spencer, M., Lawrence, S., Rechichi, C., Bishop, D., Dawson, B., & Goodman, C. (2004). Time-motion analysis of elite field hockey, with special reference to repeated-sprint activity. Journal of sports sciences, 22(9), 843-850. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410410001716715
Strauss, A., Sparks, M., & Pienaar, C. (2019). The Use of GPS Analysis to Quantify the Internal and External Match Demands of Semi-Elite Level Female Soccer Players during a Tournament. Journal of sports science & medicine, 18(1), 73-81.
Thelen, M., & Koppenhaver, S. (2015). Performance optimization and injury prevention strategies for the Army Physical Fitness Test: Technique matters. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 10(3), 391-401.
Tomlin, D. L., & Wenger, H. A. (2001). The relationship between aerobic fitness and recovery from high intensity intermittent exercise. Sports Medicine, 31(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200131010-00001
Tønnessen, E., Shalfawi, S. A. I., Haugen, T., & Enoksen, E. (2011). The effect of 40-m repeated sprint training on maximum sprinting speed, repeated sprint speed endurance, vertical jump, and aerobic capacity in young elite male soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(9), 2364-2370. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182023a65
Vescovi J. D. (2014). Impact of maximum speed on sprint performance during high-level youth female field hockey matches: female athletes in motion (FAiM) study. International journal of sports physiology and performance, 9(4), 621-626. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2013-0263
Villaseca-Vicuña, R., Molina-Sotomayor, E., Zabaloy, S., & Gonzalez-Jurado, J. A. (2021). Anthropometric Profile and Physical Fitness Performance Comparison by Game Position in the Chile Women's Senior National Football Team. Applied Sciences, 11(5), 2004. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11052004
Wells, K. F., & Dillon, E. K. (2013). The sit and reach-a test of back and leg flexibility. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 23(1), 115-118. https://doi.org/10.1080/10671188.1952.10761965