Search

The aims of this study were 3-fold: (1) to compare technical proficiency scores between training and matches for tackling, ball-carrying, and rucking outcomes; (2) to determine the relationship between technique in training and technique in matches for tackling, ball carrying, and rucking; and (3) to determine how contact technique (in training and matches) relates to match performance and injury outcomes. Twenty-four male players from an amateur rugby union club participated in the study. At the beginning of the season, players' contact technique proficiency was assessed in a training drill. Contact technique in matches was assessed during 14 competitive matches. The technique proficiency was assessed using standardized criteria, and the outcomes of each tackle, ball carry, and ruck were recorded. In training and matches, positive performance outcomes were associated with higher contact technique proficiency scores. For instance, in both settings, tackle technique was significantly lower in missed tackles when compared to effective and ineffective tackles. Players' contact technique scores in matches also had a positive effect on their tackle performance in matches. Ball-carry technique was associated with tackle breaks in matches (P <.05, r2 =.31). In training and match environments, tackler, ball-carrier, and ruck technique scores were significantly associated with effective tackles, ball carries, and rucks. Despite the relationship between technical proficiency scores and performance, there were small to moderately higher scores in training compared with matches. The current study highlights the importance of contact skill training, in different environments and conditions, to ensure that skills developed in training are transferred to match performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To test the effects of mental fatigue (MF) on tackling technique on the dominant and nondominant shoulders in rugby union. Methods: Twenty male amateur rugby union players and a total of 953 tackles were analyzed. A randomized crossover counterbalanced design was used across a non-MF (control) and an MF condition. During each condition, each player performed 24 tackles, divided into 4 sets of 6 tackles (3 tackles on each shoulder). In the MF condition, players performed the Stroop Task between each set of tackles. A video recording of each tackle was used to evaluate each player's technical proficiency. A score of 1 point was awarded if a specific technique was performed correctly, and 0 point was given if not. The total score, measured in arbitrary units (AU) out of 11, represents the player's overall tackling proficiency. Results: Overall, players displayed a significantly lower technical proficiency score in the MF condition compared to control (set 2: control 7.30 [7.04–7.57] AU vs MF 6.91 [6.70–7.12] AU, P =.009, effect size (ES) = 0.30 small and set 3: control 7.34 [7.11–7.57] AU vs MF 6.88 [6.66–7.11] AU, P =.002, ES = 0.37 small). For the nondominant shoulder, players had a significantly lower technical proficiency score during the MF condition at set 2 (control 7.05 [6.68–7.41] AU vs MF 6.69 [6.42–6.96] AU, P =.047, ES = 0.29 small) and set 3 (control 7.14 [6.83–7.45] AU vs MF 6.61 [6.35–6.87] AU, P =.007, ES = 0.49 small). Conclusions: MF can diminish a player's overall tackling proficiency, especially when tackling on the nondominant shoulder. The physiological mechanism for this finding may be impaired executive function and suboptimal functioning of neural signals and pathways, which result in less skillful coordination of movement. To further understand and explain MF-induced physiological changes in tackling, the feasibility of monitoring brain activity (such as electroencephalogram) and neuromuscular function (such as electromyogram) needs to be investigated. The findings from this study may also contribute to the development of more effective tackle training programs for injury prevention and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tackle contest is the most common and most injurious match contact event in rugby and is an indicator of performance. Tackle Ready is World Rugby's tackle technique education program. Limited research has characterized the tackle contest in women's rugby. The purpose of this study is to: (1) identify the match situational characteristics, ball‐carrier and tackler technical actions demonstrated in elite women's Rugby Union and (2) to determine the extent to which Tackle Ready recommended tackle techniques were exhibited. Technical characteristics for 1500 tackle events in the 2022–2023 Women's Six Nations Championship were visually assessed according to a predefined coding framework and the Tackle Ready program. Tackles lacked full completion (0.2%) of the 22 coded Tackle Ready techniques with 47% of the recommended techniques demonstrated in each tackle on average (range 15%–98%). A high proportion of tackles involved two defenders (48%), approaching ball‐carriers from the side (38%) or oblique angles (39%), in an upright position (30%), and with initial contact made with the arm (51%). Incorrect pre‐contact head positioning and head placement upon contact accounted for 50% and 15% of tackles, respectively, and there was a mean of 14 (95% CI 11–18) head and neck contacts to a tackler and 18 (95% CI 14–22) head and neck contacts to a ball‐carrier per game. Targeted interventions to encourage adoption of recommended techniques are needed to reduce tackle‐related injury risk in women's rugby. This study provides valuable context for future discussion across law enforcement, coach education and gender‐specific tackle coaching in the women's game. Highlights: Retrospective video analysis of a random subset of 1500 tackles from all 15 games in the 2022–2023 Women's Six Nations revealed low overall completion of recommended Tackle Ready techniques with 47% of the recommended techniques exhibited in each tackle on average.Incorrect pre‐contact head positioning and head placement upon contact accounted for 50% and 15% of tackles, respectively, and there was a mean of 14 head and neck contacts to a tackler and 18 head and neck contacts to a ball‐carrier per game.A high proportion of tackles involved two defenders (48%) and upright body positions (30%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to use a combination of video analysis and microtechnology (10 Hz global positioning system [GPS]) to quantify and compare the speed and acceleration of ball-carriers and tacklers during the pre-contact phase (contact − 0.5s) of the tackle event during rugby league match-play. Data were collected from 44 professional male rugby league players from two Super League clubs across two competitive matches. Tackle events were coded and subject to three stages of inclusion criteria to identify front-on tackles. 10 Hz GPS data was synchronised with video to extract the speed and acceleration of the ball-carrier and tackler into each front-on tackle (n = 214). Linear mixed effects models (effect size [ES], confidence intervals, p-values) compared differences. Overall, ball-carriers (4.73 ± 1.12 m∙s−1) had greater speed into front-on tackles than tacklers (2.82 ± 1.07 m∙s−1; ES = 1.69). Ball-carriers accelerated (0.67 ± 1.01 m∙s−2) into contact whilst tacklers decelerated (−1.26 ± 1.36 m∙s−2; ES = 1.74). Positional comparisons showed speed was greater during back vs. back (ES = 0.66) and back vs. forward (ES = 0.40) than forward vs. forward tackle events. Findings can be used to inform strategies to improve performance and player welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to test the change and retention of player's overall tackling technique and technical components following a player-specific video-based technical feedback and instruction intervention on both their dominant and non-dominant shoulders. Twenty-four (n = 24) rugby union players participated in a non-randomized control-intervention, which consisted of a video-based technical feedback and instruction group (video-based technical feedback) and a no video-based technical feedback and instruction group (control). During 3 sessions (baseline, intervention, retention) separated by one week, participants in each group performed six tackles (3 tackles on each shoulder) on a tackle simulator. In total, 432 tackles (video-based technical feedback = 216, control = 216) were analysed. Each tackle was analysed using a standardized list of technical criteria (arbitrary units, AU). For the dominant shoulder, tackling technique scores significantly improved from baseline to intervention for both groups. For the non-dominant shoulder, only the video-based technical feedback group improved their tackling technique from baseline to intervention (baseline 6.89 [6.33–7.45] AU vs. intervention 7.72 [7.35–8.10] AU p =.001, ES = 0.60 moderate). For the retention session, the video-based technical feedback group scored significantly higher than the control group, for dominant (video-based technical feedback 8.00 [7.60–8.40] AU vs. control 7.22 [6.83–7.62] AU p =.014, ES = 0.66 moderate) and non-dominant (video-based technical feedback 8.11 [7.81–8.41] AU vs. control 7.22 [6.90–7.55] p =.004, ES = 0.96 moderate) tackles. This study demonstrates the efficacy of video-based technical feedback as a method to optimize tackle training for player safety and performance. HIGHLIGHTS Video-based technical feedback can improve tackling technique in both dominant and non-dominant shoulders. Video-based technical feedback group continued to improve following a retention interval of one week. The video-based technical feedback group showed a significant (with a moderate effect size) improvement from baseline for two techniques – namely, "body position – upright to low" and "drive through contact with legs and shoulders". Video-based technical feedback can be used as a method to optimize tackle training for injury prevention and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women's participation in field collision sports is growing worldwide. Scoping reviews provide an overview of scientific literature in a developing area to support practitioners, policy, and research priorities. Our aim is to explore published research and synthesise information on the physical and technical demands and preparation strategies of female field collision sports. We searched four databases and identified relevant published studies. Data were extracted to form (1) a numerical analysis and (2) thematic summary. Of 2318 records identified, 43 studies met the inclusion criteria. Physical demands were the most highly investigated (n+=+24), followed by technical demands (n+= 18), tactical considerations (n+=+8) and preparatory strategies (n=1). The key themes embody a holistic model contributing to both performance and injury prevention outcomes in the context of female field collision sports. Findings suggest a gender data gap across all themes and a low evidence base to inform those preparing female athletes for match demands. Given the physical and technical differences in match-demands the review findings do not support the generalisation of male-derived training data to female athletes. To support key stakeholders working within female field collision sports there is a need to increase the visibility of female athletes in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rugby league has a relatively high injury risk, with the tackle having the greatest injury propensity. The number of tackles players engage in, prior to injurious tackles may influence injury risk, which has yet to be investigated. Therefore, this study investigated if rugby league players are involved in more tackles (as either tackler or ball carrier) (i) in the 10 minutes, or (ii) 1-min periods prior to an injurious tackle-event, (iii) differences for ball carriers vs. tacklers, and (iv) forwards vs. backs. Video analysis was utilised to quantify the number and rate of tackles in the 10-min periods prior to 61 tackle-related injuries. One thousand two hundred and eighty 10-min periods where players were not injured, were used as matched-controls. Generalized mixed linear models were used to analyse mean total and rate for tackles. Injured players were involved in significantly fewer tackles during the 10-min period, yet significantly more tackles during the final minute prior to the injurious tackle-event, compared to non-injured players. There were no differences between ball carriers vs. tacklers during the 10-min period. Both injured position groups were involved in significantly more tackles in the final minute. Additional match data sources are needed to further inform injury preventive strategies of tackle events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rugby Sevens ('Sevens') is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. This growth was marked by the inclusion of the sport in the Olympic Games in 2016. The most frequently occurring contact events in Sevens are the tackle and ruck. Performing specific techniques during these contact events can reduce the risk of injury and increase the likelihood of success. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the technical determinants associated with tackle and ruck performance outcomes in Sevens. A total of 4799 tackles and 1405 rucks from the 2014/2015 HSBC Sevens World Series were coded for contact, post-contact, ruck, match contextual variables and outcomes. Relative risk ratio (RR), the ratio of the probability of an outcome occurring when a variable was observed, was determined using multinomial logistic regression. A moderate ball-carrier leg drive reduced the probability of losing possession by 25% (RR 0.75, 95% CI, 0.58–0.97, p <.05). Conversely, ball-carriers had a 53% higher likelihood of losing possession when the tackler executed a moderate leg drive (RR 1.53, 95% CI, 1.09–2.14, p ≤.05). Maintaining possession at the ruck was more likely to occur when committing one attacker compared to two (RR 0.31, 95% CI, 0.19–0.49, p <.001). Active ball-carrier placement also increased the likelihood of maintaining possession at the ruck (RR 14.67, 95% CI, 9.55–22.56, p <.001). Sevens coaches and trainers can now positively design evidence-based technical training programmes and emphasise specific tackle techniques in training using data from Sevens video analysis. Also, given that this is the first study to relate tackle technical determinants to an outcome (i.e. the first 'how' study) in Sevens, this work provides the foundation for similar Sevens video analysis studies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the validity of a tool that assesses tackle and ruck technique in training and established reference data for tackle, ball-carry and ruck technique at different levels of play in rugby union. One hundred and thirty-one amateur rugby union players; 37 senior, 51 first-grade academy and 43 second-grade academy players, participated in a two-on-two contact drill. The drill was filmed and the players' tackle, ball-carry and ruck technique were assessed using standardized technical criteria. Senior level players scored significantly higher in all three assessments; tackle technique senior vs academy 1st (p < 0.01, effect size (ES) = 0.7, moderate), senior vs academy 2nd (p < 0.01, ES = 0.7, moderate); ball-carry technique senior vs academy 1st (p < 0.01, ES = 0.6, moderate), senior vs academy 2nd (p < 0.01, ES = 0.8, moderate); ruck technique senior vs academy 1st (p < 0.01, ES = 0.7, moderate), senior vs academy 2nd (p < 0.01, ES = 0.4, small). These findings emphasize the importance of developing contact technique to allow players to progress to higher levels, and provide validity to an assessment tool which can facilitate this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is necessary to study the rugby tackle as it is associated with successful performance outcomes and is responsible for the majority of contact injuries. A novel collision sport simulator was developed to study tackle performance. The main aim of this validation study was to assess tackle technique performance between two different conditions: simulator versus a standardised one-on-one tackle drill previously used to assess technique. Tackling proficiency was assessed using a list of technical criteria. Mean scores, standard deviations and Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated. Mean overall score for dynamic i.e. running simulator tackles was 7.78 (95%CI 7.58-7.99) (out of 9) or 87% (standard deviation or SD±8.94), and mean overall score for dynamic "live" tackles was 7.85 (95%CI 7.57-8.13) (out of 9) or 87% (SD±9.60) (effect size = 0.08; trivial; p > 0.05). Mean overall score for static i.e. standing simulator tackles was 7.45 (95%CI 7.20-7.69) (out of 9) or 83% (SD±10.71), and mean overall score for static "live" tackles was 8.05 (95%CI 7.83-8.27) (out of 9) or 89% (SD±7.53) (effect size = 0.72; moderate; p < 0.001). The simulator replicates dynamic tackle technique comparable to real-life tackle drills. It may be used for research analysing various aspects of the tackle in rugby and other contact sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited research has compared the physical qualities of adolescent rugby union (RU) players across differing playing standards. This study therefore compared the physical qualities of academy and school Under-18 RU players. One-hundred and eighty-four (professional regional academy, n = 55 school, n = 129) male RU players underwent a physical testing battery to quantify height, body mass, strength (bench press and pull-up), speed (10, 20 and 40 m), 10 m momentum (calculated; 10 m velocity * body mass) and a proxy measure of aerobic fitness (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1; IRTL1). The practical significance of differences between playing levels were assessed using magnitude-based inferences. Academy players were taller (very likely small), heavier (likely moderate) and stronger (bench press possibly large; pull-up plus body mass likely small) than school players. Academy players were faster than school players over 20 and 40 m (possibly and likely small), although differences in 10 m speed were not apparent (possibly trivial). Academy players displayed greater 10 m momentum (likely moderate) and greater IRTL1 performance (likely small) than school players. These findings suggest that body size, strength, running momentum, 40 m speed and aerobic fitness contribute to a higher playing standard in adolescent rugby union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most frequently occurring contact events in rugby union are the tackle and ruck. The ability repeatedly to engage and win the tackle and ruck has been associated with team success. To win the tackle and ruck, players have to perform specific techniques. These techniques have not been studied at the highest level of rugby union. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify technical determinants of tackle and ruck performance at the highest level of rugby union. A total of 4479 tackle and 2914 ruck events were coded for the Six Nations and Championship competitions. Relative risk ratio (RR), the ratio of the probability of an outcome occurring when a characteristic was observed (versus the non-observed characteristic), was determined using multinomial logistic regression. Executing front-on tackles reduced the likelihood of offloads and tackle breaks in both competitions (Six Nations RR 3.0 Behind tackle, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.9–4.6, effect size [ES] = large,P < 0.001); Championship RR 2.9 Jersey tackle, 95% CI: 1.3–6.4, ES = moderate,P = 0.01). Fending during contact increased the chances of offloading and breaking the tackle in both competitions (Six Nations RR 4.5 Strong, 95% CI: 2.2–9.2, ES = large,P = P < 0.001; Championship RR 5.1 Moderate, 95% CI: 3.5–7.4, ES = large,P < 0.001). For the ruck, actively placing the ball increased the probability of maintaining possession (Six Nations RR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.3, ES = moderate,P = 0.03); Championship RR 4.0, 95% CI: 1.3–11.8, ES = large,P = 0.01). The techniques identified in this study should be incorporated and emphasised during training to prepare players for competition. Furthermore, these techniques need to be added to coaching manuals for the tackle and ruck. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Tackling is an important skill for performance in rugby, yet little has been reported on tackler characteristics and its relationship to performance in competition. The aim of this study was to identify tackler characteristics and its association with tackle performance in matches. Eighteen matches of the 2010 Super 14 were analysed, which amounted to 2092 coded tackles. Tackler characteristics such as head position – in motion, up and forward, type of tackle – shoulder tackler, arm tackle or ball-carrier fend – absent, moderate, strong and leg drive–absent, moderate, strong or shoulder usage were coded and associated with tackle outcomes. Relative risk ratio (RRR), the ratio of the probability of an outcome occurring when a characteristic was observed (versus the non-observed characteristic) was determined using multinomial logistic regression. Having the head in motion decreased the tackler's chances of a successful tackle (RRR 2.24, 95% CI 1.72–2.92, p < 0.001) relative to an up and forward head position. Ball-carriers using a fend significantly decreased the tackler's probability of success (moderate fend RRR 2.97, 95% CI 2.04–4.31, p < 0.001). Moderate leg drive (RRR 0.36, 95% CI 0.26–0.50, p < 0.001) by the tackler increased the likelihood of tackle success. Head up and forward, counter-acting the ball-carrier fend, shoulder tackles targeted at the ball-carrier mid-torso, using the arms to wrap or pull, and leg driving were key tackler characteristics associated with positive tackle outcome in matches. Based on these findings, it is recommended that these technical characteristics are emphasised and incorporated into training to effectively prepare tacklers for competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the physical demands of a tackle in match situations is important for safe and effective training, developing equipment and research. Physical components such as momentum and kinetic energy, and it relationship to tackle outcome is not known. The aim of this study was to compare momenta between ball-carrier and tackler, level of play (elite, university and junior) and position (forwards vs. backs), and describe the relationship between ball-carrier and tackler mass, velocity and momentum and the tackle outcome. Also, report on the ball-carrier and tackler kinetic energy before contact and the estimated magnitude of impact (energy distributed between ball-carrier and tackler upon contact). Velocity over 0.5 seconds before contact was determined using a 2-dimensional scaled version of the field generated from a computer alogorithm. Body masses of players were obtained from their player profiles. Momentum and kinetic energy were subsequently calculated for 60 tackle events. Ball-carriers were heavier than the tacklers (ball-carrier 100 ± 14 kg vs. tackler 93 ± 11 kg, d = 0.52, p = 0.0041, n = 60). Ball-carriers as forwards had a significantly higher momentum than backs (forwards 563 ± 226 Kg.m.s-1 n = 31 vs. backs 438 ± 135 Kg.m.s-1, d = 0.63, p = 0.0012, n = 29). Tacklers dominated 57% of tackles and ball-carriers dominated 43% of tackles. Despite the ball-carrier having a mass advantage before contact more frequently than the tackler, momentum advantage and tackle dominance between the ball-carrier and tackler was proportionally similar. These findings may reflect a characteristic of the modern game of rugby where efficiently heavier players (particularly forwards) are tactically predetermined to carry the ball in contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores on the injury-free tackle events between opposing players contending for territory and ball possession. It highlights the importance of physical demands with many applications in the game including the design and development of proper training drills and equipment. It also notes that the physical demand of the tackle was determined through the amount of energy distributed between the ball-carrier and tackler.

The ability of the attacking team to break through the defensive line is a key indicator of success as it creates opportunities to score tries. The aim of this study was to analyse line breaks and identify the associated skills and playing characteristics. The 2013 Super Rugby season (125 games) was analysed, in which 362 line breaks were identified and coded using variables that assessed team patterns and non-contact attacking skills in the phases preceding the line break. There was an average of 3 line breaks per game, with 39% of line breaks resulting in a try. Line breaks occurred when the ball-carrier was running fast [61%, χ² (4) = 25.784, p = 0.000, Cramer's v = 0.1922, weak]. At a moderate distance, short lateral passes (19%) and skip passes (15%) attributed to the highest percentage of line breaks [χ² (26) = 50.899, p = 0.036, Cramer's v = 0.2484, moderate]. Faster defensive line speeds resulted in more line breaks [χ² (12) = 61.703, p < 0.001, Cramer's v = 0.3026, moderate]. Line breaks are associated with overall team success and try scoring opportunities. Awareness of the defenders line speed and depth, fast running speed when receiving the ball and quick passing between attackers to the outside backs creates line break opportunities. During training, coaches should emphasise the movement speed of the ball between attackers and manipulate the speed and distance of the defenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]