Dissertation
Agility Skill Execution in Rugby Union
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2010
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00204
Abstract
Agility is the complex skill of rapid multidirectional movement incorporating variations to velocity and the manipulation of momentum. Agility skill execution is a feature of open skilled sports such as rugby union, and represents a fundamental component of successful performance. This project investigated agility skill execution during attacking ball carries in rugby union. The ability to outmanoeuvre defensive opponents through the expression of superior evasive strategies (agility) contributes an important determinant to the success of attacking ball carries and overall team success in rugby union. Despite this, the technical proficiency of agility skill execution and the mechanisms associated with performance enhancement are understood poorly within the scientific community and functional coaching environments. This is highlighted where the published research examining agility has been confounded typically by poor methodological approaches and operational definitions of performance. The current project examined the determinants of agility skill execution specific to rugby union. This project incorporated a series of distinct phases through notational and kinematic analyses. Notational analysis demonstrated that evasive agility skill execution lead to tackle-breaks, which subsequently promoted try scoring opportunities and overall team success. It was demonstrated that the ability of the attacking ball carrier to receive the ball at high running speed, combined with a side-step 1 to 2 body lengths from the defence at an angle between 20° and 60°, then followed by a straightening of the running line at 20° to 60° was associated with tackle-breaks. In addition, isolating a defender meant that poor defensive positions were more likely, and as a result the attacking ball carrier had an increased probability of achieving a tacklebreak.
Details
- Title
- Agility Skill Execution in Rugby Union
- Authors
- Keane Wheeler
- Contributors
- Mark Sayers (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00204
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - High Performance Sport; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450049502621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
- Research Statement
- false
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