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Development of an offensive evasion model for training high performance rugby players
Abstract   Peer reviewed

Development of an offensive evasion model for training high performance rugby players

Mark Sayers
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, Vol.6(Supplement 10), pp.45-46
2007
url
http://www.jssm.org/suppls/10/Suppl.10.99-102.phpView
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Abstract

Human Movement and Sports Science high performance rugby
OBJECTIVE The improved defensive ability of rugby players has increased the difficulty for the offence to penetrate defensive lines. However, there is little scientific data on specific evasive techniques adopted by elite players. This paper is the sum of over 10 years of qualitative and quantitative research conducted on some of the world's most high performance players. The purpose of this research was to develop a clear performance model of the evasion techniques utilised by high performance rugby players. METHODS To ensure both internal and external validity, this model was based on a combination of qualitative as-sessment, performance analysis research, and advanced three-dimensional kinematics analyses. First, 3D kinematics analyses were undertaking on 22 elite players during an evasion task to test for correlates with performance. Next, eva-sion KPI's were created following extensive video based qualitative analyses of 70 elite players during evasive play. Finally, the model was tested using 60 international matches via the systemic analysis of offensive play using standard game analysis software. RESULTS Summary of the numerous statistical analyses used in this research indicate that effective evasion can be expressed by 5 variables. These indicate that the ball carrier should strive to: 1. Accelerate into and through the contact zone. 2. Use positive stepping patterns to avoid direct contact with the defender and maintain running velocity through con-tact. 3. Offload the ball either prior to contact, or in contact. 4. Avoid going to ground unnecessarily. 5. Be deceptive by disguising intentions. [Oral Presentation presented at: VIth World Congress on Science and Football, Book of Abstracts, January 16-20, 2007, Antalya, Turkey]

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