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Published on: April 21, 2017
Quantifying external load in Australian football matches and training using accelerometers
Luke J Boyd1, Kevin Ball, Robert J Aughey
1School of Sport and Exercise Science, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.
International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
|August 8, 2012
Summary
Australian football player load (PL) varies by position and playing level, with midfielders experiencing the highest external load. Small-sided games in training can match or exceed the intensity of competitive matches.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Understanding the external load in Australian football is crucial for optimizing training and preventing injuries.
- Accelerometers provide a reliable method for quantifying player load during both training and competition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare the external load experienced by Australian footballers during matches and training sessions.
- To investigate differences in player load across various playing positions and competitive levels.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen elite and 21 subelite Australian footballers were equipped with accelerometers during matches and training.
- Player load (PL) and player load from low-velocity movements (PLSLOW) were calculated from accelerometer data.
- Data were analyzed to identify differences between playing positions (midfielders, nomadics, deeps, ruckmen), playing levels (elite, subelite), and activity types (matches, training).
Main Results:
- Midfielders consistently exhibited higher player load (PL and PLSLOW) compared to other positions, particularly deep players.
- Elite players generally recorded higher external loads than subelite players across most positions.
- Small-sided games were identified as the most demanding training drill, with loads equaling or exceeding those of competitive matches.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in external load exist between playing positions and competitive levels in Australian football.
- Training drills such as small-sided games can replicate or surpass the physical demands of match play.
- These findings have implications for designing targeted training programs to match the specific demands of different player roles and levels.
