Positional Demands and Physical Activity Profiles of Netball

van Gogh, MJ, Wallace, LK, and Coutts, AJ. Positional demands and physical activity profiles of netball. J Strength Cond Res 34(5): 1422-1430, 2020-The aim of this study was to examine the activity profiles and physiological demands of netball. Eleven representative youth netball players participated in this study. Global positioning system, heart rate, and accelerometer data were collected during 8 competitive matches. Sport-specific skills were analyzed using notational methods. The main findings were that players traveled less distance during a match than previously reported. The center covered significantly greater distances than the other positions (p < 0.001). The goal shooter and goal keeper covered the least distance and endured lower accelerometer loads than other positions (p < 0.001). Very low levels of very high-speed running and sprint efforts were observed across all positions. The proportion of time spent in the high (>85% maximum heart rate [HRmax]) HR zone ranged from 7.0 to 62.6%, highlighting a high variation in cardiovascular demands between each position. The center and goal attack had the greatest cardiovascular demands spending significantly more time in the high (>85% HRmax) HR zone (p < 0.001). The goal shooter and goal keeper spent significantly more time in the low (<70% HRmax) HR zone (p < 0.001). Players in attacking positions were shown to pass/catch significantly more players than in defending positions (p < 0.001). Players in defending positions had higher number of deflections and intercepts compared with players in attacking positions (p < 0.001). These findings reveal significant positional differences in activity profiles and movement demands in netball. These data can be used to refine position-specific training practice and guide tactical strategies during competition.