The aim of the current investigation was to quantify the physical and physiological demands of elite international female field hockey across the quarters of match-play. Twenty-seven elite international female field hockey outfield players (23 ± 3 years; 162.6 ± 13.0 cm; 66.0 ± 6.0 kg) participated in the current observational study during the 2016-2017 season. Participants were monitored using global positioning system technology and HR monitors. Players were categorized based on 3 different playing positions. Activity was categorized into total distance (in meters), relative total distance (m/min), low-, moderate-, and high-intensity distance (m), maximum velocity (km/h), and percentage maximal velocity (%). Physiological demands were quantified through players peak heart rate (HRPeak), which was classified based on the player's individual HRmax determined using a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test. Players spent on average 38 ± 8 minutes in match play. The total distance covered was 4,847 ± 583 m (127.6 ± 15.6 m/min). Defenders covered a greater total distance across all 3 positions (p = = 0.05). The midfielders covered a greater moderate-intensity distance (p = 0.001), whereas the forwards covered more high-intensity distance (p = 0.001). The HRpeak of the players was 198 ± 4 b/min with a mean exercise intensity of 95 ± 1% HRmax. The time spent >70% HRmax decreased significantly across the quarters (p = 0.01, n2 = 0.03). Defenders were found to spend more time >85% HRmax when compared with other positions (p = 0.001, n2 = 0.28). The current study provides normative data that coaches should consider when developing training drills to better optimize the positional physical and physiological activity profiles that best replicate match play.
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