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The purpose of this study was to compare the peak periods (1- to 6-minute epochs) for three different training methods (game-based training – GBT; small-sided games – SSG; and conditioning training – CT) in elite male rugby union (RU) players. The peak movement (m·min−1) and impact (impact·min−1) characteristics of 42 players during in-season training were assessed. When comparing between training methods, SSG drills produced the greatest peak movement characteristics for all time epochs (1-minute average peak periods – SSG 195 m·min−1, GBT 160 m·min−1, and CT 144 m·min−1). The peak impact characteristics performed during training were 1–2 impact·min−1 for a 1-minute period and then decreased as the time period increased for all training methods. The greatest distribution of training time occurred at 30–39% (SSG and CT) and 40–49% (GBT) of peak movement intensity, with less than 5% of training performed at or above 80% peak intensity across all drill types. Findings from the current study show that the peak movement periods (m·min−1) in RU training from all three training methods match or exceed those which are previously reported in peak gameplay, yet their ability to replicate peak impact characteristics is questionable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable microtechnology is effective in detecting fast deliveries in cricket, however methods to quantify delivery intensity have not been established. This study aimed to investigate the utility of wearable sensors in quantifying cricket fast bowling intensity. Fifteen sub-elite male fast bowlers performed deliveries at warm-up, match, and maximal intensities. A principal component analysis resulted in the selection of perceived exertion and seven variables of bowling exertion derived from trunk- (PlayerLoad™, trunk flexion velocity, trunk forward rotation velocity) and tibia-mounted (tibial acceleration at back foot contact, front foot contact, back foot re-contact and front foot re-contact) inertial measurement units for further analysis. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to investigate the effect of intensity on outcome variables. Significant main effects of intensity and large effect sizes were identified for all variables (p <.05, np2 > 0.14). Measures from the match and maximal conditions were significantly larger compared with the warm-up condition (Pholm <.05). No differences were observed between the match and maximal conditions (p >.05). Inertial measurement metrics can distinguish between a warm-up effort and both match and maximal fast bowling delivery intensity. These devices provide a unique, time-efficient approach to cricket fast bowling exertion quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]