Influence of opponent ranking on the physical demands encountered during Ultimate Frisbee match-play

Abstract

There is a lack of evidence regarding the match demands encountered in elite Ultimate Frisbee (UF) overall and dependent upon opponent ranking. These data may be useful to elite UF coaches to implement optimal training loads and recovery strategies. Therefore, this study quantified the physical demands of elite UF match-play and analysed differences in demands according to opponent ranking. Twelve UF players from the same national team participated in the study. An observational design was used to compare the physical demands encountered by players between opponents carrying different rankings (1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th) during four official matches in a 5-team competition. No significant differences (p > 0.05) in sprinting and repeated-sprinting activity were evident across UF matches between opponents. In contrast, a higher (moderate-large) quantity and greater intensities of body impacts were observed in UF matches played against higher-ranked (1st) compared to lower-ranked teams (3rd, 4th, and 5th). Additionally, greater (moderate-large) PL and metabolic power were observed in matches played against higher-ranked (1st) compared to lower-ranked teams (3rd and 4th). These findings suggest coaches may need to reduce the training loads in the next days after the matches played against higher-ranked opponents compared to when facing lower-ranked opponents.