Optimizing Performance in Ice and Field Hockey: From Physiology to Analytics

Ice and field hockey represent two of the most dynamic and physically demanding team sports, characterized by high-intensity intermittent efforts, rapid directional changes, and complex technical-tactical coordination. Recent research in sports physiology and performance science has expanded our understanding of the neuromuscular, metabolic, and cardiovascular adaptations required for success at elite levels. Emerging technologies in monitoring and analytics now allow for more precise quantification of physical demands, yet challenges remain in translating these findings into actionable strategies that enhance real-world competitive outcomes. Despite the increasing sophistication of performance diagnostics, a gap persists between theoretical models of physiological optimization and their applied implementation within training environments and match contexts. This intersection between physiology, performance, and data analytics continues to be an evolving field that demands integrative exploration.

This Research Topic aims to synthesize current evidence and promote new approaches that connect fundamental sports physiology with performance analytics to optimize outcomes in ice and field hockey. The objective is to explore how data-driven insights can enhance training load design, athlete monitoring, recovery strategies, and tactical decision-making. Key questions include how off-ice and off-field assessments translate to on-ice and on-field performance, how physiological metrics can inform player selection and tactical adaptation, and how integrative systems can prevent injury and promote long-term athlete development.

To gather further insights into the optimization of performance in ice and field hockey through physiological and analytical perspectives, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

Quantification and monitoring of physical and physiological demands during competition and training
Integration of performance analytics and wearable technologies for applied decision-making
Evidence-based strategies for recovery, fatigue management, and injury prevention
Developmental physiology and performance tracking across youth and elite athlete pathways
Standardization of reference values and methodological approaches for high-performance analysis
Tactical match analysis informed by physiological and performance data
Interdisciplinary models linking biomechanics, neuroscience, and performance analytics

Appendix: We welcome original research articles, systematic reviews, and methodological papers.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Ice Hockey, Field Hockey, Performance Optimization, Sports Physiology, Match Analytics, Neuromuscular Diagnostics, Training Load Monitoring, Talent Identification

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.