We investigated
the physical demands of netball match play and different
training activities. Eight collegiate netball players participated in
the study. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE),
and accelerometer player load (PL) data were collected in 4
matches and 15 training sessions. Training sessions were classified
as skills, game-based, traditional conditioning, or repeated
high-intensity effort training. Accelerometer data were collected
in 3 planes and were normalized to match play/training time
(PL per minute, forward per minute, sideward per minute, and
vertical per minute). Centers had a higher PL per minute than all
other positions (effect size; ES = 0.67–0.91), including higher
accelerations in the forward (ES = 0.82–0.92), sideward (ES =
0.61–0.93), and vertical (ES = 0.74–0.93) planes. No significant
differences (p . 0.05) were found between positions for RPE
and peak HR. Skills training had a similar PL to match play.
However, the mean HR of skills training was significantly lower
than match play and all other modes of training (ES = 0.77–
0.88). Peak HR for skills training (186 6 10 b$min21) and
traditional conditioning (196 6 8 b$min21) was similar to match
play (193 6 9 b$min21). There were no meaningful differences
in RPE between match play and all modes of training. The center
position produces greater physical demands during match
play. The movement demands of netball match play are best
replicated by skills training, whereas traditional conditioning
best replicates the HR demands of match play. Other training
modes may require modification to meet the physical demands
of match play

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