What is it about?
Elite female field hockey players frequently perform short, high-intensity running actions during matches. In this study, we examined whether performance during a repeated sprint ability test was related to match-running performance measured using GPS technology. Specifically, we analysed repeated sprint ability through sprint velocity, step frequency, and step length. Our results showed that players who achieved higher sprint velocities and maintained higher step frequencies during repeated sprint testing tended to perform more high-intensity locomotor activity during competition.
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Why is it important?
Coaches often use repeated sprint tests to assess physical performance, but it is not always clear which aspects of these tests are most relevant to competition. This study provides practical evidence that sprint velocity and step frequency are associated with high-intensity match activity. By analysing step frequency and step length, coaches can gain insight into the technical determinants of sprint performance and use this information to individualise speed-training programmes aimed at improving match performance.
Perspectives
As an athletics coach and later a strength and conditioning coach in team sports, I have often observed that athletes focus on increasing step length when trying to run faster, while step frequency receives less attention. One of the most interesting aspects of this study is that step frequency was associated with high-intensity activity during competition. For me, this finding highlights the importance of looking beyond sprint times alone and considering the mechanics that underpin performance. I hope this work encourages coaches to pay greater attention to step frequency and to explore training methods that combine technical and neuromuscular approaches to speed development.
Pablo González-Frutos
Universidad Francisco de Vitoria
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Sprint velocity and step frequency during repeated sprint ability testing are associated with high-intensity locomotor activity in elite female field hockey, PLOS One, June 2026, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0351128.
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