Comparison of Ball-in-Play Running Demands Across Game Phases and The Relationship between Physical and Technical Variables: An Analysis of The 2024 Female Super Sevens Tournament

Quantifying the most intense periods of Rugby Sevens matches is essential for optimizing training and improving performance. This study aimed to: (i) compare ball-in-play (BIP) running demands across game phases (attack, defense, and transition), and (ii) examine correlations between BIP duration and physical and technical variables. Eighteen professional female Rugby Sevens athletes were monitored across 18 matches in the 2024 Super Sevens Championship (Brazil) using 10-Hz GPS units and post-match video analysis. Friedman tests revealed significant phase differences for sprint distance per minute, χ²(2, N = 310) = 11.98, <i>p</i> = .003, η² = .032; sprints per minute, χ²(2, N = 310) = 7.45, <i>p</i> = .024, η² = .018; and decelerations per minute, χ²(2, N = 310) = 10.00, <i>p</i> = .007, η² = .026. Post hoc analyses showed greater sprint output during the attacking phase (<i>p</i> < .05). No significant differences were found for distance per minute or accelerations per minute (<i>p</i> > .05). Spearman correlations indicated negative relationships between BIP duration and sprints (ρ = -.125, <i>p</i> = .027) and accelerations per minute (ρ = -.191, <i>p</i> < .001). Conversely, BIP duration showed significant positive correlations with several technical actions, including tackles (ρ = .578, <i>p</i> < .001), passes (ρ = .325, <i>p</i> < .001), and rucks (ρ = .321, <i>p</i> < .001). These findings underscore the importance of game-phase-specific conditioning and suggest that longer BIP durations are characterized by reduced physical intensity but increased technical engagement.