Understanding the Physiological Demands of Netball: a time-motion investigation

Abstract

The purpose of the present time-motion analysis study was to gain greater understanding of physiological demands placed on netball players during competition. Six players for 3 positional groups were analysed; Centre (C), Goal Shooter (GS) and Goal Keeper (GK). Players were individually filmed throughout three 60 minute English Superleague matches. Game footage was replayed and coded into six different movement activities using a computerised analysis system (Sportscode, Australia). The frequency, duration and percentage match time spent performing each activity, as well as work to rest (W:R) ratios were calculated. Electronic timing gates (Newtest Powertimer, Finland) were used to calculate players speed in each activity and subsequently the distances travelled were estimated. C (7984 ± 767m) travelled significantly further than GS and GK (4210 ± 477m and 4283 ± 261m, respectively; p<0.01 and p<0.01). C also had significantly higher W:R ratios (1:1.9) than GS and GK (1: 4.5 and 1: 2.9, respectively; p<0.01, and p=0.01, respectively). The intermittent nature of netball was highlighted with players changing activity every 4.1s. Collectively the results have implications for designing position specific training programmes with regard to aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, agility and speed development.