Differences in maximal exercise performance and leg morphology in female university standard field hockey players

The purpose of the present study was to investigate differences in maximal exercise performance and leg morphology between field hockey positional groups that might prove to be of strategic importance in the game, and that might help to prioritise optimisation of the training status of players. Twenty university standard female field hockey players were divided by position such that: defenders (n = 6), midfield (n = 7) and forwards (n = 7). All subjects were measured for a total of 13 anthropometric variables, from which segmental (thigh, lower leg and foot) volumes (total, lean and fat) of the right leg were derived using geometric methods. Subjects were also assessed for maximal exercise performance using the Wingate anaerobic leg power test and a 40m Maximal Shuttle Run Test. Wingate test data were expressed both absolutely and relative to total leg volume. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between positional group means for relative mean power output (W L ^-0.67), stature (m) and foot width (cm). Results seem to support the view that: i) maximal exercise performance variables and morphological variables are not generally capable of distinguishing significantly between positional roles in university standard female field hockey players, ii) players at this standard are relatively homogeneous in terms of these characteristics, and iii) individual players at this standard do not seem predisposed to specific playing positions.