The running performance of elite U20 Gaelic football match-play

Purpose: The current study is the first to estimate the running performance of elite U20 Gaelic football match-play with respect to quarters and positional running demands. Methods: Twenty-nine elite U20 Gaelic football players (mean ± SD, age: 19.5 ± 1 years; height 181.4 ± 5.6 cm; body mass: 80.7 ± 6 kg) were recorded across 14 competitive games over two seasons wearing 10-Hz GPS units (Playertek Pod, Catapult Group; Melbourne; Australia). A total of 111 full-game data sets were collected. Activity was classed according to total distance (m), relative distance (m min⁻¹), high-speed running distance (m; HSRD; ≥ 17 km h⁻¹), very high-speed running distance (m; VHSRD; ≥ 22 km h⁻¹) and peak velocity (m s⁻¹). Results: Midfielders, half-forwards and half-backs covered significantly greater total distance (8247 ± 430; 7923 ± 800; 7305 ± 1031) and HSRD (1532 ± 164; 1732 ± 257; 1392 ± 380) compared to other positions (p < 0.05). Full-backs and full-forwards ran significantly less total (6069 ± 948; 6189 ± 1014) and HSRD (975 ± 246; 1039 ± 378) than all other positions (p < 0.05). Half-forwards covered significantly greater VHSRD (721 ± 126) than all other positions (p < 0.05). Irrespective of playing position, all variables, except peak velocity, significantly declined relative to the first quarter. Relative distance also estimated a significant difference between the second and fourth quarters. Conclusion: This study suggests that there is position-specific differences in match-play running performances during elite U20 Gaelic football match-play. Coaches should ensure players which experience higher running demands are appropriately conditioned.