Relationship between Repeated Sprint Ability and Force-Velocity Profile in Elite and Subelite Female Field Hockey Players

Featured Application: This study suggests that the force-velocity profile conceived by Bosco could be a useful, easy-to-apply assessment method of athletes' level of performance. Furthermore, the control of the step length and step frequency enables coaches and athletes to develop RSA training with a more specific focus based on the specific improvement needs (e.g., wicket run). This study aimed to compare two female field hockey teams of different competitive levels by analyzing kinematic variables in repeated sprint ability (RSA) tests and the force-velocity profile (FVP). Twenty-five female hockey players representing the elite and subelite levels from the same club volunteered to participate. The RSA protocol included six 30 m maximal sprints with a 30 s recovery. Kinematic variables, such as sprint time, step frequency, and step length, were analyzed for each sprint. Additionally, players performed counter-movement jumps (CMJs) and CMJs with 50% body weight (CMJ50s) to calculate the FV50 using the Bosco Index. The elite players showed better (approximate to 2%; p < 0.05) fatigue indexes in sprint time (0-30 m and 0-10 m sections), step length (0-10 m, 10-20 m, and 20-30 m sections), and step frequency (20-30 m section) during the RSA test, as well as greater values (>10%; p < 0.05) in the CMJ50 and FV50 tests. In addition, these RSA (sprint time, step frequency, and step length) and jumping (CMJ, CMJ50, and FV50) variables showed a moderate, significant, or very significant relationship with each other. Therefore, it seems that both strength and speed capacities can be used either in conjunction or as a complementary approach to enhance the overall RSA performance.