Differences in Positional Demands for a Collegiate American Football Team During In-Season Practices

Presenter(s)

Lucas Crouse, Brady Ferguson, and Logan Stauffer

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study analyzes the differences in positional group (PG) demands for a collegiate American football team during in-season practices (P). Previous research shows that skill PG cover more distance (D), run faster, and have greater acceleration loads than non-skill PG. Understanding these differences can optimize training and injury prevention.

METHODS: Eighteen 10 Hertz Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers were assigned to 7 PG: wide receiver (WR) (n=4), running back (RB) (n=2), tight end (TE) (n=2), cornerback (CB) (n=2), safety (S) (n=2), linebacker (LB) (n=4), and defensive linemen (DL) (n=2). External load metrics including D, sprint distance (SP), and distance/minute (DPM) were tracked and exported to a customized spreadsheet. SP/min, %SP, and SP/P, were then calculated. SPSS was utilized to calculate descriptive statistics for each PG and a Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to assess differences in load metrics with a statistical significance value of p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Group means ± SD are shown below. No significant differences across PG were found for SD (p=0.063), DPM (p=0.234), %SP (p=0.12), SP/P (p=0.09), and SP/min (p=0.08).

CONCLUSION: The results provide insight into the external load demands of different PG in American football. Strength and conditioning coaches can use this information to tailor training programs that better prepare each PG for the physical demands of the season.

College

College of Nursing & Health Sciences

Department

Health, Exercise & Rehabilitative Sciences

Campus

Winona

First Advisor/Mentor

Becky Heinert

Start Date

5-1-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

4-24-2025 10:00 AM

Presentation Type

Poster Session

Format of Presentation or Performance

In-Person

Session

1a=9am-10am

Poster Number

27

Comments

WSU Review Needed

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May 1st, 9:00 AM Apr 24th, 10:00 AM

Differences in Positional Demands for a Collegiate American Football Team During In-Season Practices

PURPOSE: This study analyzes the differences in positional group (PG) demands for a collegiate American football team during in-season practices (P). Previous research shows that skill PG cover more distance (D), run faster, and have greater acceleration loads than non-skill PG. Understanding these differences can optimize training and injury prevention.

METHODS: Eighteen 10 Hertz Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers were assigned to 7 PG: wide receiver (WR) (n=4), running back (RB) (n=2), tight end (TE) (n=2), cornerback (CB) (n=2), safety (S) (n=2), linebacker (LB) (n=4), and defensive linemen (DL) (n=2). External load metrics including D, sprint distance (SP), and distance/minute (DPM) were tracked and exported to a customized spreadsheet. SP/min, %SP, and SP/P, were then calculated. SPSS was utilized to calculate descriptive statistics for each PG and a Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to assess differences in load metrics with a statistical significance value of p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Group means ± SD are shown below. No significant differences across PG were found for SD (p=0.063), DPM (p=0.234), %SP (p=0.12), SP/P (p=0.09), and SP/min (p=0.08).

CONCLUSION: The results provide insight into the external load demands of different PG in American football. Strength and conditioning coaches can use this information to tailor training programs that better prepare each PG for the physical demands of the season.