Youth field hockey coaches’ perspectives and use of sports recovery strategies

Field hockey, a physically demanding sport gaining popularity among New Zealand's youth, necessitates a balanced approach to training load and recovery to minimise injury risk and performance decline.Youth sports coaches are vital in implementing injury prevention programs prioritising sports recovery and the health and wellbeing of young field hockey players.This study aimed to investigate New Zealand field hockey coaches' practices, beliefs and perceived barriers, and benefits of sports recovery protocol implementation.Twenty-three New Zealand youth field hockey coaches (female n = 15, male n = 7, non-binary n = 1) completed the 21-question Qualtrics questionnaire distributed via 25 New Zealand field hockey associations.Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and presented as proportions (%) and means standard deviation.Coaches illustrate a positive view towards sports recovery and appear to understand why sports recovery is performed in youth field hockey.Stretching was the most frequently used (100%) and perceived to be the most beneficial (61.5%) form of sports recovery; however, the prescription of sports recovery amongst participants was low (57%).Limited knowledge, time, and resources have been highlighted as critical barriers to implementing sports recovery.Therefore, providing more coach education and resources may be beneficial, allowing youth field hockey coaches to manage time and space to prescribe sports recovery post-games and training more effectively.