Research Impact
There is currently an underrepresentation of sports science research focused on the female athlete, specifically in the context of Gaelic football. The aims of this study were to (a) compare the strength characteristics of elite and subelite players and (b) establish normative-based values and percentile scores for the strength characteristics of female Gaelic football players. Ninety-two female Gaelic football players were recruited for this study and subsequently categorized as elite (intercounty n = 30, age; 25.1 ± 5.3 years, stature; 1.69 ± 0.06 m, mass; 69.5 ± 5.9 kg) or subelite (club n = 62, age; 25.4 ± 6.8 years, stature; 1.66 ± 0.06 m, mass; 65.1 ± 8.9 kg). The physical strength characteristics of the subjects were assessed through the isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 10-5 repeated jump test. Statistically significant differences were found in the physical strength characteristics between the groups with elite players demonstrating greater peak force (large effect), relative peak force (moderate effect), and reactive strength index (large effect). Statistically significant differences were also observed for key CMJ phase characteristics with elite players producing greater RSImod (moderate effect), jump height (large effect), and propulsion peak power (large effect) than subelite players.
The profiles of the Gaelic football players presented in this study will provide reference values for practitioners that will inform training prescriptions. The norm-referenced percentile values presented allow coaches to compare their players’ anthropometric and strength characteristics, subsequently allowing for the development of objective benchmarks for either individual players or entire teams. For example, if a player’s RSI score is below the mean value presented in this study, then this will allow practitioners to individualize training to focus on the development of reactive strength (e.g., pogo hops, hurdle jumps, drop jumps). In addition, the data presented here may provide subelite players with the opportunity to view the level of physical capability that is required at the elite standard. Consequently, subelite players should consider using a range of exercise techniques such as plyometrics (e.g., pogo hops or drop jumps), ballistic exercises such as the CMJ or squat jump (loaded and unloaded), and the weight training exercises such as the back squat to increase their reactive, explosive, and maximal strength, respectively.
Hughes, W., Healy, R., Lyons, M., Higginbotham, C., Lane, A. and Beattie, K. (2024) The strength characteristics of elite and sub-elite female Gaelic football players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. (March 14). DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004741.
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