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Abstract
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PURPOSE: This study examined the relationships between tackling ability, playing position, muscular strength and power qualities, and match-play tackling performance in semi-professional rugby league players.
METHODS: Sixteen semi-professional rugby league players (mean ± SD age, 23.8 ± 1.9 yr) underwent tests for muscular strength and power. Tackling ability of the players was tested using video analysis of a standardized one-on-one tackling drill. After controlling for playing position, players were divided into "good tacklers" or "poor tacklers" groups based on the median split of the results of the one-on-one tackling drill. A total of 4547 tackles were analyzed from video recordings of 23 matches played throughout the season.
RESULTS: Maximal squat was significantly associated with tackling ability (rs = 0.71; p<0.05) and with the proportion of dominant tackles (rs = 0.63; p<0.01). Forwards performed more tackles (p=0.013; ES=1.49), with a lower proportion of missed tackles (p=0.03; ES=1.38) than backs. "Good tacklers" were involved in a larger proportion of dominant tackles and smaller proportion of missed tackles than "poor tacklers".
CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that lower body strength contributes to a more effective tackling performance during both a standardized tackling assessment and match-play. Furthermore, players with good tackling ability in a proficiency test were involved in a higher proportion of dominant tackles, and missed a smaller proportion of tackles during match-play. These results provide further evidence of the practical utility of an off-field tackling assessment in supplying information predictive of tackling performance in competition.
Language: en |