TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2015//
TI  - Relationship between a standardized tackling proficiency test and match-play tackle performance in semi-professional rugby league players
JO  - International journal of sports physiology and performance
A1  - Speranza, Michael J.
A1  - Gabbett, Tim J.
A1  - Johnston, Rich D.
A1  - Sheppard, Jeremy M.
SP  - 754
EP  - 760
VL  - 10
IS  - 6
N2  - 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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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". <br><br>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.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1555-0265
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0044
ID  - ref1
ER  -