An Investigation into the Relationship between Maximal Strength and Performance Indicators in Field Hockey Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between maximal strength and hockey performance indicators. Participants used were from the university men’s 1st team who compete twice a week during the season and take part in at least 3 training sessions a week (age 20.3±1.49, stature 177.4±6.60, weight 73.3±6.93). The testing involved one repetition maximum tests for strength, a YoYo intermittent recovery test for aerobic capacity, a modified T-test for agility and a slap pass speed test. The results found that there was little correlation between strength and agility or slap pass speed (lower limb strength 0.255, 0.264), (upper limb strength 0.145, 0.107). The only strong correlations were between strength and aerobic capacity tests both lower and upper body showed strong positive correlations (0.804, 0.682), these were also the only significant results (p=0.01, p=0.05). Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that maximal strength does not have a significant impact on field hockey performance other than improving aerobic capacity.