Comparison of speed, agility and cardiovascular based on playing position in hockey / Nurfarhana Rosly

In Malaysia, study about hockey is not extensively particularly in regards
to fitness level among position in hockey. There are constrained studies has been
carried out in Malaysia. Based on result from the study, the results can facilitate
coach to develop proper training program specific based on playing position.
Moreover, measuring fitness levels will encourage the athletes to enhance their
performance thus excel in hockey their physical fitness important for success. It
can be a determinant to develop in which the fitness component lacks in. Hence,
the purpose of this study were to determine the level of speed, agility and
cardiovascular in different playing position among male hockey player. Twenty two
male hockey players participated in this study. There are 6 forward, 6
midfielder, 6 defender and 4 goalkeepers completed the entire three fitness test
including 30 meter sprint to measure speed, Illinois Agility Run to measure agility
and Multistage Fitness Shuttle Run (MFSR) in order to measure cardiovascular.
The result showed significant difference (p<0.05) in speed between positions in
male hockey player. Agility showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between
playing positions among male hockey player. Cardiovascular showed significant
difference (p<0.05) between playing positions among male hockey player. It was
concluded that the results of the study show significant difference in speed and
cardiovascular between positions in hockey. Based on the result, forward have
greater speed as a positional demand in attacking play to score a goal meanwhile
midfielder have found to have a higher V02max than forward, goalkeeper and
defender. It was recommended that player must have specific fitness level based
on playing position.