Citation

Speranza M, Gabbett TJ, Greene DA, Johnston RD, Townshend AD. Int. J. Sports Physiol. Perform. 2018; 13(6): 770-776.

Affiliation

1 School of Exercise, Science, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/ijspp.2017-0593

PMID

29140179

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between two different assessments of tackling ability, physical qualities, and match-play performance in semi-professional rugby league players. Eighteen semi-professional rugby league players (mean ± SD age, 23.1 ± 2.0 yrs; mass 98.8 ± 11.8 kg) underwent tests of upper- and lower-body strength and power. Tackling ability was assessed using video analysis under-the-ball and over-the-ball tackle drills. A total of 2,360 tackles were analyzed from match-play. Over-the-ball tackle ability was positively related to the proportion of dominant tackles (rs = 0.52, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.79, P = 0.03) and average play-the-ball speeds (rs = 0.50, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.78, P = 0.03), and negatively related to tackles that conceded offloads (rs = -0.55, 95% CI -0.78 to 0.04, P = 0.04). Under-the-ball tackle ability was significantly related to the proportion of dominant tackles (rs = 0.57, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.82, P = 0.01) and missed tackles (rs = -0.48, 95% CI -0.77 to 0.02, P = 0.05). Good over-the-ball tacklers performed proportionally more dominant tackles, allowed significantly fewer offloads, and had longer average play-the-ball speeds. Good under-the-ball tacklers missed proportionately fewer tackles. This study suggests that both the under-the-ball and over-the-ball standardized tackle assessments are associated with varying indicators of match-play tackle performance and justifies the practical utility of these tests to assess and develop both types of tackles.

Language: en

Keywords

collision; contact; defense; power; strength; wrestle