External match loads imposed upon Ultimate Frisbee players: A comparison between playing positions

This is the first study to quantify the external match loads imposed upon ultimate Frisbee players competing at an elite level, as well as the first to explore match demands relative to playing position. The main results of this exploratory team-based case study demonstrate playing position influences the external loads experienced during mixed-sex ultimate Frisbee matches. Specifically, handlers appear to completed greater recovery opportunities than cutters as evidenced by higher volumes of walking during matches. Conversely, cutters experienced greater running demands, with a heavier reliance on intense accelerations and decelerations than handlers during matches.