PURPOSE Using GPS data from actual field hockey matches, this study examined the effects of position and substitution time on the physical performance of elite female players. METHODS From 25 matches played in 2023, data involving 26 players were collected. Players’ positions were classified as forwards (FW), midfielders (MF), and defenders (DF). Substitution times were segmented into 5, 10, and 15 minutes, respectively. A two-way ANOVA was employed to analyze movement patterns across different exercise intensities as influenced by player position and substitution time, followed by Bonferroni post-hoc tests for further detailed analysis. RESULTS Analysis revealed that both position and substitution time significantly affected exercise intensity. Notably, at a substitution time of 5 minutes, substantial differences were observed in high-intensity movements, including the distance covered at high-intensity and the frequency of high-intensity efforts. Furthermore, the substitution time’s impact was particularly pronounced among forwards and midfielders. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that shorter substitution times can enhance players’ active movement, thereby supporting maintenance of tactical adjustments and positively influencing overall performance. Implementing shorter substitution times could be particularly beneficial for optimizing team performance, especially for players in forward positions.
The purpose of this study was to conduct an in-depth exploration of Korean national badminton players’ psychological momentum strategies. Data were collected using an open-ended questionnaire and group interviews of 66 badminton players, including 40 members of the 2018 Korean national badminton team and 22 college and semi-pro badminton players who each had badminton careers of 10 or more years and were registered in the Badminton Korea Association. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis and the deductive process based on the inductively categorized results. The results are as follows. First, regarding strategies for maintaining positive momentum, 188 raw data were collected and classified into three category (keeping pace, dominating the play, and psychological facilitation) and 10 sub-category (including speedy resumption of the game, attacking weak points, and fighting shout). The results suggest that badminton players maintain positive momentum by using strategies to control the speed and tempo of the game at their preferred pace, implement special techniques, exploit their opponent’s weaknesses, and cheer or talk amongst themselves to motivate each other and communicate with their partners and coaches. Second, regarding strategies for overcoming negative momentum, 293 raw data points were collected and classified into three category (time outs, psychological reminders, and changes in plays) and 11 sub-category (including delaying the game, seeking social support, and play change). The data demonstrate that badminton players overcome negative momentum using strategies to intentionally delay the game and exchange equipment, focus on performance cues, and interact with their coaches and partners to change plays and prevent errors. It is hoped that these study findings will inform efforts to provide psychological support that is effective in increasing the odds of winning for the national badminton players in the Asian Games and the Olympic.
