Match Demands of Male International Lacrosse Players Competing Under the World Lacrosse Sixes Format in International Competition: Brief Report

Ripley, Nicholas; Collier, Matthew; Wenham, Tom; Quinn, Mark

Abstract

World Lacrosse Sixes has only been developed recently, with very little known about the demands, therefore the purpose of this study is to identify competitive international match demands. 17 international male players (26.00  3.08 years, 181.47  6.75 cm, 89.84  8.93 kg) participated across 13 international matches (n = 111). GPS technology sampling at 10 Hz was used to calculate: total distance, average velocity, max velocity, high-speed running distance (5.5-7 m/s-1), very high-speed running distance (>7.00 m/s-1), acceleration efforts (>2 m/s-2), deceleration efforts (>2 m/s-2). Peak 1, 2 and 3-minute distances were determined using a 1-minute rolling average. Mean and SD for each match characteristics were calculated. High absolute (2582.56  438.20 m) and relative distance (117.29  10.61 m/min) were covered during international sixes lacrosse matches, with a high frequency of acceleration (33.21  12.01) and deceleration efforts (27.63  10.75) greater 2 m/s-2. The maximum distance covered in 1, 2 and 3 minutes was identified as 161.32  43.73 m, 232.29  91.56 m and 344.71  44.04 m, respectively. The maximum distance identifies the worst-case scenarios with regards to match demands players could be exposed too. Sixes lacrosse (SL) is a demanding variation of the sport, with high intensity efforts involving frequent accelerations and decelerations. The intensity of movement demands for SL exceeds previously identified demands for FL, although SL has a reduced volume of lower intensity work. The data presented could be used by practitioners to design training and training drills to meet the greater physical demands experienced within SL to optimally prepare players to cope with the increased movement demands of other versions of the lacrosse.

Citation

Ripley, N., Collier, M., Wenham, T., & Quinn, M. (in press). Match Demands of Male International Lacrosse Players Competing Under the World Lacrosse Sixes Format in International Competition: Brief Report. #Journal not on list,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 16, 2023
• Deposit Date: Dec 23, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed