Despite Low Concordance, Change of Direction and Maneuverability Both Differentiate Between Performance Levels in Field Hockey

Abstract

Abstract Puschkasch-Möck, S, Jones, PA, Kaabi, S, Warneke, K, and Comfort, P. Despite low concordance, change of direction and maneuverability both differentiate between performance levels in field hockey. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—This study examined the reliability and discriminatory ability of a newly developed Slalom maneuverability test compared with the established 505 change of direction (CoD) test in elite and junior elite male field hockey players. Thirty international-level (16 senior elite and 14 junior elite) athletes performed a battery of tests, including linear sprinting, the 6-bounds test, the 10-5 repeated jumps test, the Slalom test, and the 505 CoD test. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), mean absolute and percentage errors, and coefficients of variation (%CV). Both the Slalom and 505 tests demonstrated good-to-excellent reliability (ICC = 0.709–0.982, %CV < 6%). Significant differences (ranging between p = 0.043 and p < 0.001) between performance levels were observed for the turning and total times in both the Slalom and 505 tests, whereas no differences (ranging between p = 0.193 and p = 0.961) were found for sprint or jump performance. Receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed acceptable to excellent discriminatory power (Area under the Curve = 0.70–0.84), slightly favoring the 505 test. However, concordance between the 2 tests was low to moderate, suggesting that they might reflect partly different aspects of multidirectional speed performance. Most athletes adopted a pacing strategy during the 505 test, suggesting possible test-specific adaptations. Overall, both tests effectively differentiated performance levels, with the Slalom test providing a reliable, field-specific measure of maneuverability that complements traditional CoD assessments. These findings highlight the importance of assessing both linear and multidirectional movement efficiency for accurate evaluation of performance in field hockey.