The relationship between physical capacity and match running performance in men’s tag football

This study examined the differences in match-activity profiles between selected and non-selected representative players and determined the relationship between Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2) and match running performance in tag football. The match-activity profiles of fifteen male tag football players from the same team were determined using global positioning system (GPS) devices during the 2014 Queensland State Cup. Differences were examined based on representative selection into the Queensland state team and the relationship between Yo-Yo IR2 and match running performance was assessed using partial correlations controlling for playing position. Selected representative players covered greater distances during the Yo-Yo IR2 compared to non-selected players (ES=1.40; p<0.01). Selected players also covered greater distances at very high-intensity (VHIA) running (ES=0.65; p<0.01), performed more frequent VHIA efforts (ES=0.61; p<0.01) and reached higher peak running speeds (ES=0.51; p=0.01) during matches. Yo-Yo IR2 performance had a positive association with VHIA distance (r=.77; p<0.01), VHIA effort frequency (r=.75; p<0.01) and peak running speed (r=.77; p<0.01). The Yo-Yo IR2 is a useful determinant of high-intensity running performance and appears to influence playing ability in men’s tag football. Improving the physical capacities related to the Yo-Yo IR2 should be a key focus of training programs for tag football players competing at state-level competition.