Effect of fartlek training on selected physical fitness and skill performance variables among intercollegiate level hockey players

Introduction: Fartlek is a great training tool. Fartlek means "speed-play" and is very effective in increasing a runner's speed and endurance. Fartlek is a relatively unstructured type of continuous training that originated in Scandinavia. It is performed over natural terrain. A typical session lasts about 45 min. The route is predetermined, but the pace is varied from fast bursts to jogging and walking, according to the terrain, and the disposition of the runner. Depending on the precise composition, Fartlek training can improve both the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of the athlete. Many coaches use Fartlek training because it provides relief from highly structured types of training. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to find out effect of fartlek training on selected physical fitness and skill performance variables among intercollegiate level hockey players. Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that there would be significant differences due to fartlek training on selected physical fitness and skill performance variables among intercollegiate level hockey players from baseline to post treatment. It was also hypothesized that experimental group would show significant difference than the control group on selected skill related fitness variables among intercollegiate level hockey players. Methodology: Thirty women hockey players aged from 18 to 25 years who were represented intercollegiate level were selected as subjects to achieve the purpose of this study. They were dived into two groups of fifteen each. One group underwent the experimental treatment for a period of six weeks on fartlek training and another group acted as control group. The performance in 150 meters sprint was used to measure the speed endurance. The performance in Sit ups was used to measure the muscular endurance. The performance in Henry Friedal Field Hockey skill test was used to measure the ability of pass receiving, fielding and drive while moving. Statistical technique: The data collected from the subject on selected physical and physiological variables were statistically analyzed by using ‘t’ ratio, 0.05 level of confidence was fixed to test the level of significance. Conclusion: The study concluded that speed endurance, muscular endurance and ability of pass receiving, fielding and drive while moving, were significantly improved to the influence of farlek training group among intercollegiate school hockey players.