Class Year Differences in Anthropometric and Fitness Measures in Division I Field Hockey Athletes Pre and Post Season

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the way in which anthropometric and fitness measures vary by class year before and after a Division I female field hockey competitive season. Anthropometric (mass and percent body fat) and fitness measures (vertical jump and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) distance) were collected on 16 athletes (mean ± SD: age = 19.5 ± 0.9 years) before and after a competitive season. Class year, based on the athlete’s year in college, was used to group athletes in the study. Body mass, vertical jump height, and Yo-Yo IR1 distance all increased pre to post season (p p < 0.05). Post season levels for first-years were lower than both pre and post season levels for sophomore or junior athletes. Team mean vertical jump increased 8.9%, with all but two athletes improving. Team mean Yo-Yo IR1 distance increased 16.4%. Athlete training over the course of the study was designed to improve on field playing performance and training was not directly select to improve measures in the study; therefore, the potential success of integrating fitness, speed, and strength development into technical training sessions is indicated. Coaches should be aware that first-year athletes may not be at the same level of conditioning as sophomores and juniors. Coaches should work specifically with the first-year athletes during the season to monitor their fitness levels.

Keywords

• field sports
• seasonal changes
• Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test 1
• vertical jump
• percent body fat
• women