The association of technical and tactical performance indicators with the physiological responses of elite female netball players

Abstract

Background: Research shows in a laboratory-type setting that high heart rates can influence technical performance. High physical exertion levels in athletes have been shown to influence technical performance negatively.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate if an association between technical and tactical performance indicators existed with the physiological responses of elite female netball players in a competitive match setting. The following objectives were addressed: 1) Record the duration of possession, number of passes and location of centre pass movements, 2) Compare heart rates of all the players involved in the movements which ended in points scored or possession lost 3) Compare the heart rate of the player, at the specific time the ball was released from when a goal was scored or a possession was lost.

Methods: Twenty-nine (n=29) female netball participants (age = 24 ±4.1 years) competed in the Netball World Youth Cup and a national selection camp. The participants’ technical and tactical performances were filmed and their corresponding heart rates were monitored with the uses of ZephyrTM BioharnessTM over ten competitive games. Synchronization of data timelines from filming (technical and tactical) and heart rate monitoring were then used to determine the mean heart rates of all players involved in each attacking centre pass movement.

Results: Successful centre pass movements displayed a median of 5 passes (IQR = 4-7) and were 17.0 ±9.1 seconds in duration, both significantly greater compared to unsuccessful centre pass movements (p < 0.000 and p < 0.001). The mean relative heart rate for successful centre passes was not significantly different from the mean relative heart rate for unsuccessful centre passes (88.5 ±7.4% versus 88.9 ±7.1%, p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Although no association was found between heart rate and technical performance, coaches and trainers should utilize this knowledge when designing and implementing training sessions that focus on play from centre passes, to ensure that the players’ decision making and ball skills are performed at a heart rate intensity that mimics match play conditions.