(63) EXTERNAL LOAD METRICS DURING NCAA DIVISION II WOMEN’S LACROSSE PRACTICE

Purpose: The purpose of this research project was to describe external load metrics recorded during off-season and preseason NCAA Division II Women’s lacrosse practices. Methods: A total of 39 practices were recorded in the Fall (n = 18) and Spring (n = 21). Each practice, 15 athletes wore global positioning system (GPS) trackers (Sports Performance Tracking® 10 Hz). Group means for each practice and the means and standard deviations for variables of interest were calculated: 2D load (au), 3D load (au), total distance (m), work rate (m · min^-1) and hard running distance (m) are below. Hard running distance was defined as distance covered at a speed > 4.5 m · s^-1. This allowed for descriptive analysis of the external loads placed on Division II women lacrosse athletes. Additional analysis reviewed how these practice loads compared to previously collected game data from the same team. Results: The sample included 472 athlete observations, and each practice observation averaged 115 ± 22 min. 2D load average = 186 ± 58 au and 3D load = 288 ± 87 au. Additionally, the average total distance for all practices was = 4125 ± 1020 m. Average hard running distance was = 129 ± 135 m. Finally, the average work rate was = 36 ± 5 m · min^-1. For context, mean data from the 2024 season were: 2D load = 235 au, 3D load = 359 au, distance = 5,211 m, work rate = 50 m · min^-1, hard run distance = 428 m. Conclusions: The results of this study show that Division II women lacrosse players traveled over 4km during an average practice. However, large standard deviations exist on all metrics, suggesting that throughout the season, players were exposed to varying degrees of loads on any given practice. Division II women’s lacrosse practices presented loads (2D and 3D), total distance, a work rates that were ≈ 70-80% when compared to the previous-year’s games. However, hard running was ≈ 30% compared to a game. Practical Applications: These data fill a gap in the literature with respect to reporting training loads experienced in NCAA Division II women’s lacrosse – within the context of average experienced game loads. More hard-running during practice may be recommended – when appropriate within the season plan – to better prepare athletes for game loads. If practicing five days per week, the weekly workload, work rate, and distance metrics reported would equate to ≈ 300% of average game equivalents. Acknowledgements: None