# The Running Performance Decrement in Elite Hurling
## 4 Discussion  
The current study aimed to describe the differences in running performance between quarters of match-play and within playing positions in elite senior hurling. The main results of the study showed that there were temporal decrements between quarters for total distance, HSR and HMLD. As hypothesized, position-specific decrements in running performances between quarters were observed in total distance, HSR, and HMLD. Interestingly, there was no difference in the total sprint distance and the number of sprints between quarters in any position. Since the current regulations due to the COVID-19 restrictions divided hurling games into quarters, the current findings will provide coaches with valuable information and practical applications. The running performances for the full game are similar to previously reported in senior hurling [8; 9; 10; 16]. Compared to the running performances covered in Q1, total distance was lower in Q3, and HSR and HMLD reduced in all quarters (Q2-Q4). Prior to this study, only HSR data were available for hurling [2]. Similar results to the current findings were shown, where players covered greater HSR (>17 km\(\cdot\)h\({}^{-1}\)) in Q1 compared to Q2, Q3 and Q4 [2]. Furthermore, the total distance and HSR (>17 km\(\cdot\)h\({}^{-1}\)) in Gaelic football decreased in all quarters (Q2-Q4) compared to Q1 [19]. Although the HSR (>14.4 km\(\cdot\)h\({}^{-1}\)) threshold was lower in soccer than the current study (17-21.9 km\(\cdot\)h\({}^{-1}\)), the distance covered in the last 15 min was shown to be 21% lower compared to the first 15 min [33]. Hurlers are at their freshest at the start of the game, which may allow them to cover greater distances compared to other quarters. The teams' style of play may also influence the high running performances in Q1. Some teams emphasize a high work-rate at the start of the game to create scoring chances and build a lead, and in contrast, minimize the opposition's momentum. The 15 min break at half-time in hurling may be satisfactory in helping players to recover and minimize the drop-off from Q2 to Q3. The overall match duration is 70 min in hurling, with the ball-in-play time shown to be 30 min. As the duration is 20 min shorter than soccer, hurlers seem able to repeat the running performance in Q4 compared to Q3 without experiencing a drop-off. The current results provide coaches with the knowledge of the running performances performed in Q1 and how much the following quarters (Q2-Q4) decrease compared to Q1. Within a periodized training phase, coaches could use SSGs [34] or speed repeatability activities to replicate the total and HSR distances covered in Q1. In the current study, the total sprint distance and the number of sprints remained consistent from quarter to quarter. These findings conflict with those observed in Gaelic football, which found that the total sprint distance decreased in each quarter (Q2-Q4) compared to Q1 [19]. The fundamental differences between how hurling and Gaelic football games are played may explain the conflicting results. The current playing style in Gaelic football sees players adopt a possession-type style of play, where teams carry the ball from defense to attack. Gaelic football teams have also set-up their defenses with additional players close to their own goals to minimize the opposition's scoring opportunities. Therefore, players are encouraged to hold onto possession to penetrate the defense and create a scoring opportunity [9]. In addition, players hand pass the ball to a teammate rather than kicking the ball, where they risk giving possession to the opposition. This possession-type style of play increases the volume of running as they support their teammates in possession of the football. In contrast, hurling teams adopt a more direct style of play. Players can hit the ball large distances from one end of the playing area to another with their hurley [8], which reduces the volume of running performed by hurlers.