Positional Anthropometric and Performance Profile of Elite Gaelic Football Players

Abstract

Shovlin, A, Roe, M, Malone, S, and Collins, K. Positional anthropometric and performance profile of elite gaelic football players. J Strength Cond Res 32(8): 2356-2362, 2018-The aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the variation in the anthropometric and performance characteristics of elite Gaelic football players with respect to position. One hundred forty-eight elite Gaelic footballers underwent anthropometric (height, body mass, sum of 7 skinfolds, and % adipose tissue) and performance (counter movement jump [CMJ] height, CMJ peak power, CMJ relative peak power, squat jump [SJ] height, SJ peak power, SJ relative peak power, 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprint times, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 [Yo-YoIRT2]) during "the early in-season" phase. Data were split into 5 positional groups (full back, half back, midfield, half forward, and full forward). Higher adipose tissue percentage estimate was observed in full forwards when compared with the half backs (p = 0.001), midfielders (p = 0.035), and half forwards (p = 0.021). Full forwards had significantly greater SJ (p = 0.036) and CMJ (p = 0.013) when compared with the midfielders with no other positional differences observed. No significant variation in sprint times was observed across the positions. When Yo-YoIRT2 was considered, full forwards and full backs completed significantly lower distances compared with the middle 3 positional lines of half backs, midfielders, and half forwards (p = 0.00). The current study is the first to provide normative data for anthropometric and performance values of elite Gaelic football players which in turn can be used by coaches to generate appropriate training regimes to maximize position-specific preparation for competitive match-play.

A tactical periodisation model for Gaelic football

“…It has been reported that fitness levels 43 and physical match demands 44 in Gaelic football increase systematically across the season. The periodisation of training load will depend on the team's objectives for the year.…”

Anthropometric and performance profile of elite Gaelic football players comparing position and role

“…Although, similar to stature, non-significant positional variations regarding body mass have been reported [6]. Higher adiposity % has been observed in full forwards compared to the three middle positional lines [6]. Inconsistencies of anthropometric data between studies are evident within Gaelic football, and thus, the need for further analyses to gain a greater insight into the positional profile of the population.…”

“…An elite Gaelic footballer's height typically ranges 178-187 cm [4][5][6]. Midfielders are reported to be significantly taller compared to all other outfield positions [4], often followed by the goalkeeper [7].…”

“…Positional variations can also occur regarding body mass, with midfielders and full forwards weighing significantly more than half backs and half forwards [4]. Although, similar to stature, non-significant positional variations regarding body mass have been reported [6]. Higher adiposity % has been observed in full forwards compared to the three middle positional lines [6].…”

Características Antropométricas, Composición Corporal y Somatotipo en Tenistas ITF Elite Juniors Sudamericanos

“…En el deporte de elite durante los últimos años, las características antropométricas y la composición corporal asociadas al ren-dimiento deportivo han tomado una gran importancia (Henríquez-Olguín et al, 2013;Gale-Watts & Nevill, 2016). Diversas investigaciones han estudiado los perfiles antropométricos de distintos deportes, los cuales han logrado establecer características específicas que sirven como datos referenciales, permitiendo identificar las características de los deportistas en distintos niveles de rendimiento (Rienzi et al, 2000;Sánchez-Muñoz et al, 2007;Holway & Garavaglia, 2009;Chaabène et al, 2012;Vernillo et al, 2013;Erculj & Bracic, 2014;Rodriguez et al, 2014;Gutnik et al, 2015;Yáñez Sepúlveda et al, 2015;Bridge et al, 2016;Shovlin et al, 2018), en este escenario el estudio del somatotipo y la composición corporal cobra importancia, ya que cada especialidad deportiva presenta una serie de exigencias que obliga, en la mayoría de los casos, a poseer una determinada anatomía en los deportistas con el fin de lograr un desempeño deportivo óptimo (Rodríguez et al, 2014). Por ejemplo, en lo que respecta a las características específicas en el desarrollo del tenista, la altura es el determinante antropométrico principal de la velocidad de saque en jugadores profesionales (Bonato et al, 2015).…”