Optimizing elite rink hockey performance through position-specific load: an applied physiological and biomechanical approach

Abstract Purpose Rinck hockey has been shown to be a highly demanding team sport with serious gaps between training and competitions. This study examined elite male rink hockey players’ training and competition variation demands, considering player positions. Methods Ten participants from a leading European team underwent data collection during two microcycles using a local positioning system and heart-rate monitoring. A linear mixed model, accounting for individual repeated measures, was used to compare physiological and mechanical load demands between player positions across training days and competition. Results Regarding physiological metrics, forward players showed lower total distance skated (m) on match-day-4 and match-day-2 when compared to match-day ( p < 0.001) and lower maximum heart rate (bpm) on match-day-4 and match-day-3 than on match-day-2 and match-day ( p < 0.001). Regarding biomechanical metrics, forwards presented lower ( p < 0.001) accelerations, decelerations, and high-intense impacts across the training sessions when compared with match-day ( p < 0.001). Defenders/midfielder players also experienced significantly lower high-intensity impacts than match-day ( p < 0.001). Cluster analysis classified physiological and biomechanical demands into "Low" and "High" categories between training days and competition. Results highlighted the inadequacy of training sessions replicating game demands for defenders/midfielders and forwards. Conclusions The proposed approach allows for categorizing and classifying physiological and biomechanical loads in rink hockey, assisting coaches in customizing training sessions, and emphasizing the importance of position-specific modifications in elite rink hockey training.