Logo image
Back
Contact Skills Predicting Tackle-breaks in Rugby Union
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Contact Skills Predicting Tackle-breaks in Rugby Union

Keane Wheeler and Mark Sayers
International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, Vol.4(4), pp.535-544
2009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1260/174795409790291420
pdf
PDF - Published Version283.13 kBDownloadView
Published VersionPDF - Published Version Open Access
url
https://doi.org/10.1260/174795409790291420View
Published Version

Abstract

Human Movement and Sports Science defensive positioning fending strategies tackling skills rugby football
Contact skills are fundamental attributes of performance in rugby union. This study explored how the qualities of contact intensity and fending strategies related to tackle outcome in rugby union. Seven Super 14 games were coded using numerous quantitative and qualitative variables that assessed team patterns and individual skill execution during attacking ball carries. A variety of contact skills were shown to contribute significantly to the prediction of tackle-breaks. It was shown that 92% of tackle-breaks occurred as a result of poor defensive positioning. In addition, strong contact intensity and active fending strategies predicted 86% of poor defensive positions. Notably, active fend strategies were associated with positive phase outcomes when running straight at the defence and when using evasive methods of attack. This study provided critical insight regarding how the qualities of contact intensity and fending strategies influence effective ball carries in rugby union.

Details

Metrics

418 File views/ downloads
1160 Record Views
52 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Web Of Science research areas
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
Psychology, Applied
Logo image