Influence of varying work and recovery durations and ratios on physical output in a simulated netball circuit

Recent rule changes in netball potentially allow coaches to maximise on-court work-rate and performance by adopting substitution strategies which minimise fatigue within, and optimise recovery between, playing stints. Thirteen female athletes from the Singapore National Netball Team performed three trials of a netball-specific simulation circuit with different combinations of work and recovery duration for each trial (Short – 8:2; Medium – 8:4; Long – 12:6). The circuit comprised a series of runs, jumps and netball-specific movements which replicate typical match demands. The time taken to complete each lap, along with sprint, agility and jump test performance within each lap, and physiological markers (heart rate, blood lactate, RPE, muscle oxygen saturation) were recorded. The Medium trial produced faster average lap times, 10 m sprint and agility times than the Short and Long trials, despite no differences in HR, BLa and RPE. The findings of this study demonstrate that manipulating the duration of work and recovery periods modifies player work rates for the same physiological burden. A W:R of 2:1, comprising an 8-min work duration accompanied by a 4-min rest period, was found to be optimal for maintenance of a high work rate in simulated netball activity.