scholarly journals Validity of a Squash-Specific Test of Change-of-Direction Speed

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 176-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Wilkinson ◽  
Damon Leedale-Brown ◽  
Edward M. Winter
Keyword(s):  
Field Test ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Specific Test ◽  
Talent Identification ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Association Football ◽  
Speed Test ◽  
Reliable Tool ◽  
Performance Time ◽  
Performance Times

Purpose:We examined the validity and reproducibility of a squash-specifc test designed to assess change-of-direction speed.Methods:10 male squash and 10 male association-football and rugby-union players completed the Illinois agility run (IAR) and a squash change-of-direction-speed test (SCODS) on separate days. Tests were repeated after 24 h to assess reproducibility. The best time from three attempts was recorded in each trial.Results:Performance times on the IAR (TE 0.27 s, 1.8%, 90% CI 0.21 to 0.37 s; LOA -0.12 s ± 0.74; LPR slope 1, intercept -2.8) and SCODS (TE 0.18 s, 1.5%, 90% CI 0.14 to 0.24 s; LOA 0.05 s ± 0.49; LPR slope 0.95, intercept 0.5) were reproducible. There were no statistically significant differences in performance time between squash (14.75 ± 0.66 s) and nonsquash players (14.79 ± 0.41 s) on the IAR. Squash players (10.90 ± 0.44 s) outperformed nonsquash players (12.20 ± 0.34 s) on the SCODS (P < .01). Squash player rank significantly correlated with SCODS performance time (Spearman’s ρ = 0.77, P < .01), but not IAR performance time (Spearman’s ρ = 0.43, P = .21).Conclusions:The results suggest that the SCODS test is a better measure of sport-specific capability than an equivalent nonspecific field test and that it is a valid and reliable tool for talent identification and athlete tracking.

scholarly journals Change of Direction Deficit in National Team Rugby Union Players: Is There an Influence of Playing Position?

Sports ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomás Freitas ◽  
Pedro Alcaraz ◽  
Chris Bishop ◽  
Julio Calleja-González ◽  
Ademir Arruda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rugby Union ◽  
Drop Jump ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
National Team ◽  
Standing Long Jump ◽  
Long Jump ◽  
Median Split ◽  
Rugby Players

The aim of this study was to investigate the change of direction (COD) ability and deficits of elite rugby union players, discriminating between position (backs and forwards), and between “faster and slower players”, in multiple COD tasks. Twenty-four male rugby union players from the Brazilian senior National team completed the following assessments: Squat and countermovement jumps; drop jump; standing long jump, horizontal triple jumps; 40-m linear sprint; Pro-agility, L-Drill, and Zig-zag COD tests; and squat 1-repetition maximum. The differences between backs and forwards and between faster and slower performers were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Backs were faster (in both linear and COD speed tests) and jumped higher than forwards. Moreover, they generated an inferior sprint momentum. No differences were found in COD deficit between playing positions. However, when dividing the sample by median split, faster players outperformed their slower counterparts in all power–speed variables and presented higher COD deficits. These results suggest that separating rugby players by playing position might not discriminate players with different COD skills and that the median split analysis is more sensitive to identifying these differences. Furthermore, the present data indicate that faster rugby players are less efficient at changing direction and tolerating higher approach velocities in COD maneuvers.

Anaerobic Speed Reserve: A Key Component of Elite Male 800-m Running

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth N. Sandford ◽  
Sian V. Allen ◽  
Andrew E. Kilding ◽  
Angus Ross ◽  
Paul B. Laursen
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Limits ◽  
Performance Time ◽  
Maximal Aerobic Speed ◽  
Practical Tool ◽  
Individualized Training ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Performance Times ◽  
Negative Relationships ◽  
Reserve Ratio ◽  
Race Performance

Purpose: In recent years (2011–2016), men’s 800-m championship running performances have required greater speed than previous eras (2000–2009). The “anaerobic speed reserve” (ASR) may be a key differentiator of this performance, but profiles of elite 800-m runners and their relationship to performance time have yet to be determined. Methods: The ASR—determined as the difference between maximal sprint speed (MSS) and predicted maximal aerobic speed (MAS)—of 19 elite 800- and 1500-m runners was assessed using 50-m sprint and 1500-m race performance times. Profiles of 3 athlete subgroups were examined using cluster analysis and the speed reserve ratio (SRR), defined as MSS/MAS. Results: For the same MAS, MSS and ASR showed very large negative (both r = −.74 ± .30, ±90% confidence limits; very likely) relationships with 800-m performance time. In contrast, for the same MSS, ASR and MAS had small negative relationships (both r = −.16 ± .54; possibly) with 800-m performance. ASR, 800-m personal best, and SRR best defined the 3 subgroups along a continuum of 800-m runners, with SRR values as follows: 400–800 m ≥ 1.58, 800 m ≤ 1.57 to ≥ 1.48, and 800–1500 m ≤ 1.47 to ≥ 1.36. Conclusion: MSS had the strongest relationship with 800-m performance, whereby for the same MSS, MAS and ASR showed only small relationships to differences in 800-m time. Furthermore, the findings support the coaching observation of three 800-m subgroups, with the SRR potentially representing a useful and practical tool for identifying an athlete’s 800-m profile. Future investigations should consider the SRR framework and its application for individualized training approaches in this event.

scholarly journals Influence of Physical and Technical Aspects on Change of Direction Performance of Rugby Players: An Exploratory Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13390
Author(s):  
Tomás T. Freitas ◽  
Pedro E. Alcaraz ◽  
Julio Calleja-González ◽  
Ademir F. S. Arruda ◽  
Aristide Guerriero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Flexion ◽  
Inertial Sensors ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Kinematic Parameters ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
National Team ◽  
Body Kinematic ◽  
Rugby Players

We examined the relationships between change of direction (COD) speed and deficit, and a series of speed- and power-related measurements in national team rugby union players and analyzed the influence of movement patterns on COD ability. Eleven male athletes completed the following physical assessments on different days: day 1—anthropometric measurements, and lower-body kinematic parameters (assessed with eight inertial sensors) and completion time in COD tests (pro-agility, 45° cutting maneuver (CUT), and “L” (L-Drill)); day 2—bilateral and unilateral squat and countermovement jumps, 40 m linear sprint, and bar-power output in the jump squat and half-squat exercises. Pearson’s product–moment correlations were performed to determine the relationships between COD velocities, COD deficits, and the speed–power variables. Differences between players with higher and lower COD deficits were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Results showed that (1) greater sprint momentum was associated with higher COD deficits, particularly in drills with sharper angles and multiple directional changes (L-drill and pro-agility); (2) higher unilateral jump heights were associated with greater COD deficits in the pro-agility and L-drill but not in the CUT; (3) faster athletes were less efficient at changing direction and presented greater trunk and knee flexion angles during COD maneuvers, probably as a consequence of higher inertia.

scholarly journals Biomechanical Determinants of the Modified and Traditional 505 Change of Direction Speed Test

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 1285-1296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas DosʼSantos ◽  
Alistair McBurnie ◽  
Christopher Thomas ◽  
Paul Comfort ◽  
Paul A. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Speed Test

scholarly journals Understanding key constraints and practice design in Rugby Union place kicking: Experiential knowledge of professional kickers and experienced coaches

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 631-641
Author(s):  
Chris Pocock ◽  
Neil E Bezodis ◽  
Keith Davids ◽  
Ross Wadey ◽  
Jamie S North
Keyword(s):  
Sport Performance ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Experiential Knowledge ◽  
Environmental Constraints ◽  
Competitive Performance ◽  
Task Constraints ◽  
Performance Time ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Simulated Game ◽  
Kicking Performance

Place kicks present valuable opportunities to score points in Rugby Union, which are typically performed under varying constraints in competitive performance environments. Previous quantitative studies suggest these interacting constraints can influence fluctuations in place kick success. To further the understanding of how fluctuations in place kicking success emerge, our aim was twofold: i) to explore and identify the key constraints that professional place kickers and experienced place kicking coaches perceive to influence the difficulty of a place kick and ii) to understand the level to which current place kicking practice environments represent these key constraints experienced in performance environments. Six professional place kickers and six experienced place kicking coaches were interviewed. Using a deductive thematic analysis, 11 key constraints were identified: individual constraints of expectation for success and fatigue, task constraints of angle and distance to goalposts, environmental constraints of wind, weather, pitch, and crowd, and situational constraints of previous kicking performance, time remaining and current score margin. Place kicking is typically practised individually or with a small number of place kickers in isolation from team sessions. Where possible, coaches should be encouraged to include place kicking in simulated game scenarios during practice to represent key constraints from performance environments. Our study demonstrates how experiential knowledge can enrich the understanding of sport performance and inform the design of practice environments which simulate relevant constraints of competitive performance to enhance skill adaptation of athletes.

scholarly journals Applicability of a Change of Direction Ability Field Test in Soccer Assistant Referees

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 860-866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Castagna ◽  
Franco M Impellizzeri ◽  
Mario Bizzini ◽  
Matthew Weston ◽  
Vincenzo Manzi
Keyword(s):  
Field Test ◽  
Change Of Direction

THE VALUE OF TREADMILL EXERCISE TEST PARAMETERS TO PREDICT THE MARATHON PERFORMANCE OF YOUNG AND MIDDLE-AGED RECREATIONAL ATHLETES IN CHINA

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (08) ◽  
pp. 2050057
Author(s):  
SONG-CUI SHEN ◽  
YING-JIA XU ◽  
WEN-XIA FU ◽  
YAN-JIE LI ◽  
JING-JUAN HUANG ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Test ◽  
Treadmill Exercise ◽  
Treadmill Exercise Test ◽  
Exercise Time ◽  
Recreational Athletes ◽  
Performance Time ◽  
Total Exercise Time ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Performance Times ◽  
Marathon Performance

Objectives: This study will evaluate the results of parameters measured during a treadmill exercise test to predict marathon performances. Methods: We studied 171 Chinese recreational athletes who participated in marathons or half-marathons (42.2[Formula: see text]k or 21.1[Formula: see text]k, respectively) between October 2016 and December 2017. The participants completed a survey that included questions about demographics and training, and they underwent a treadmill exercise test according to the Bruce protocol. The number of years in training, mean weekly hours of training, mean weekly training volume, and performance time in subsequent marathon events were recorded and analyzed in this study. Results: The total exercise times achieved on the treadmill test were significantly longer for men compared to women ([Formula: see text]). The performance times in the half-marathons were significantly shorter for men compared to women ([Formula: see text]). Training volume was the only independent predictor of total exercise time on the treadmill and performance time in marathons and half-marathons (all [Formula: see text]). The value of the total exercise time on the treadmill to predict performance times in half-marathons ([Formula: see text]) was superior to full marathons ([Formula: see text]) and significantly better in study subjects aged 30–39 years ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and 40–49 years ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) compared to study subjects aged 20–29 years and 50–59 years. The percentage of decrease in the maximal heart rate (MHR) at the end of one minute of recovery time was negatively correlated with performance times in marathons. Conclusions: The total exercise time achieved during an exhaustive treadmill exercise test and percentage of decrease in the MHR at the end of one minute of recovery time are accessible parameters that can help athletes manage their expectations and adjust their training plans. A large study that includes additional countries is needed to confirm the value of treadmill exercise test results for predicting marathon performance.

The role of character in talent identification and development in New Zealand rugby union

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 406-418
Author(s):  
Ryan Rosevear ◽  
Tania Cassidy
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Talent Identification ◽  
Systems Model ◽  
A Value ◽  
Universal Definition ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Development Manager

The purpose of the study was to gain understanding of how character is understood in the New Zealand Rugby (NZR) ecology and how the Player Development Manager (PDM) in one Provincial Union (PU) negotiates, constructs and operationalizes interpretations of character within talent identification and development practices. The study design was informed by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems model of development and the methodology was case study. The participant in the study was the PDM who worked for one provincial rugby union and NZR. Data was gained using; interviews, document analysis and observations. An iterative strategy was employed when adopting the deductive and inductive analysis. The study found that across the NZR ecology there was no universal definition of character, or set of criteria used to assess players’ character. Within the NZR macrosystem there were formal policies that explicitly identified character as a value to be assessed. Yet, implicit understandings and assessment of character also existed. The PDM working in a microsystem constructed his understanding and assessment of character based on his experiences working with, and for, NZR (macrosystem) and the PU (exosystem) respectively, as well as drawing on his personal value set. The findings of this study are significant not only for rugby, in New Zealand and elsewhere, but they are relevant and topical for any selector, recruitment agent or coach who implicitly and explicitly (de)selects participants based on character.

Gambling advertising during live televised male sporting events in Ireland: A descriptive study

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Columb ◽  
M. C. Wong ◽  
V. O’Mahony ◽  
C. Harrington ◽  
M. D. Griffiths ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Responsible Gambling ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Sporting Events ◽  
Half Time ◽  
Association Football ◽  
Television Advertisements ◽  
Age Limit

Objectives: There are no data relating to gambling advertisements shown during live sporting events in Ireland. The aim of the present study was to analyze gambling advertisements shown during live sporting events broadcast in Ireland and to assess these advertisements for responsible gambling (RG) practices. Methods: Sixty-five live televised sporting events comprising Association Football (soccer), Rugby Union, and Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) matches broadcast in Ireland were analyzed. Pre-match (up to 30 minutes before kick-off), half-time, and post-match (up to 30 minutes after the match has ended) advertisement breaks were analyzed for gambling advertisements, including in-game fixed (static advertising) and dynamic (electronic advertisements changing at regular intervals) pitch-side advertising. Gambling advertisements were studied for evidence of RG practices. Results: A total of 3602 television advertisements, 618 dynamic advertisements, and 394 static advertisements were analyzed. Gambling advertisements were shown in 75.4% (n = 49) games and were the seventh most commonly televised advertisement shown overall. Gambling advertising was more common in football (fourth most common advertisement) compared to rugby (12th most common) and GAA (13th most common). Static and dynamic gambling advertising were common during football matches (second and first most common advertisements, respectively). The majority of advertisements contained RG messaging, an age limit, and an RG organization. No advertisements showing responsible gambling tools were observed. Conclusions: Gambling advertisements are commonly shown during live televised sporting broadcasts in Ireland, especially during live football matches and typically before the adult television watershed. Gambling legislation is required to minimize harm to vulnerable groups including children.

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