Warm-up provision in field hockey: a comparison between literature and practice

Avest, Eelke, ter (2011). Warm-up provision in field hockey: a comparison between literature and practice. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

When looking at literature it is evident that there is a shortage of research focused on the warm-up in field hockey. After the warm-up the athlete should have an increased mental focus, increased body and muscle temperature and be ready for the task specific activities he is about to take part in (Cone, 2007). The present study compares the literature in the area and tries to compile an image of the best way of improving a warm-up. Thirteen teams on National League and Premier Division level agreed to participate in this study. All teams were observed using a newly developed observational instrument, designed to observe hockey warm-ups. Subsequently, coaches were interviewed using a semistructured interview protocol to investigate their background in the area and to get a good view of the choices they made in warm-up design. The findings of the study conclude that there are a large number of factors a coach has to take into account when designing a warm-up, such as duration, warm-up phases and stretching. Finally, the researcher will finish off by giving guidelines for a warm-up in field hockey, constructed from previous research in the area, observations in practice and interviews with the coaches involved.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):