scholarly journals Influence of Playing Standard on Upper- and Lower-Body Strength, Power, and Velocity Characteristics of Elite Rugby League Players

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
John F. T. Fernandes ◽  
Matthew Daniels ◽  
Liam Myler ◽  
Craig Twist
Keyword(s):  
Bench Press ◽  
Peak Velocity ◽  
First Grade ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Power ◽  
Level Resistance

Background: To compare load–velocity and load–power relationships among first grade (n = 26, age 22.9 ± 4.3 years), academy (n = 23, age 17.1 ± 1.0 years), and scholarship (n = 16, age 15.4 ± 0.5 years) Super League rugby league players. Methods: Participants completed assessments of maximal upper- and lower-body strength (1RM) and peak velocity and power at 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg during bench press and squat exercises, in a randomised order. Results: Bench press and squat 1RM were highest for first grade players compared with other standards (effect size (ES) = −0.43 to −3.18). Peak velocities during bench and squat were greater in the higher playing standards (ES = −0.39 to −3.72 range), except for the squat at 20 and 40 kg. Peak power was higher in the better playing standards for all loads and exercises. For all three groups, velocity was correlated to optimal bench press power (r = 0.514 to 0.766), but only 1RM was related to optimal power (r = 0.635) in the scholarship players. Only squat 1RM in the academy was related to optimal squat power (r = 0.505). Conclusions: Peak velocity and power are key physical qualities to be developed that enable progression from junior elite rugby league to first grade level. Resistance training should emphasise both maximal strength and velocity components, in order to optimise upper- and lower-body power in professional rugby league players.

scholarly journals An Alternative Test of Tackling Ability in Rugby League Players

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J.A. Speranza ◽  
Tim J. Gabbett ◽  
David A. Greene ◽  
Rich D. Johnston ◽  
Andrew D. Townshend ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
First Grade ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Second Grade ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Strength And Conditioning ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Ability Tests ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Push Up

This study investigated the relationship between 2 tests of tackling ability, muscle strength, and power in semiprofessional rugby league players. Thirty-one players, 19 first-grade and 12 second-grade, underwent tests of muscle strength (1-repetition-maximum bench press, chin-up, and squat) and power (plyometric push-up and countermovement jump). Tackling ability was assessed via video analysis of under-and over-the-ball tackle drills. The first-grade players had significantly greater scores in both the under-the-ball (P = .03, effect size [ES] = 0.84, 95% CI 0.07–1.50) and over-the-ball tackling-ability tests (P < .001, ES =1.86, 95% CI 0.83–2.52) than the second-grade players. A large, significant relationship was found between under- and over-the-ball tackling ability (r = .55, 95% CI .24–.76, P = .001). Lower-body strength (r = .37, 95% CI .02–.64, P = .04) was moderately associated with under-the-ball tackling ability, whereas over-the-ball tackling ability was moderately associated with plyometric push-up performance (r = .39, 95% CI .04–.65, P = .03). This study found that over-the-ball tackling ability was significantly associated with under-the-ball tackling in semiprofessional rugby league players. Furthermore, it was found that, compared with the second-grade players, the first-grade players had superior tackle ability in both tackle drills. In this study it was observed that plyometric push-up peak power was significantly related to over-the-ball tackling ability and absolute lower-body strength was associated with under-the-ball tackling ability. These findings provide skill coaches and strength and conditioning staff a greater understanding of elements that contribute to effective tackling ability.

scholarly journals The anthropometric and physical qualities of women’s rugby league Super League and international players; identifying differences in playing position and standard

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Scantlebury ◽  
Sam McCormack ◽  
Thomas Sawczuk ◽  
Stacey Emmonds ◽  
Neil Collins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Mixed Models ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Jump Height ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Power ◽  
Super League

Participation in women's rugby league has been growing since the foundation of the English women's rugby league Super League in 2017. However, the evidence base to inform women's rugby league remains sparse. This study provides the largest quantification of anthropometric and physical qualities of women's rugby league players to date, identifying differences between positions (forwards & backs) and playing standard (Women's Super League [WSL] vs. International). The height, weight, body composition, lower body strength, jump height, speed and aerobic capacity of 207 players were quantified during the pre-season period. Linear mixed models and effects sizes were used to determine differences between positions and standards. Forwards were significantly (p < 0.05) heavier (forwards: 82.5 ± 14.8kg; backs: 67.7 ± 9.2kg) and have a greater body fat % (forwards: 37.7 ± 6.9%; backs: 30.4 ± 6.3%) than backs. Backs had significantly greater lower body power measured via jump height (forwards: 23.5 ± 4.4cm; backs: 27.6 ± 4.9cm), speed over 10m (forwards: 2.12 ± 0.14s; backs: 1.98 ± 0.11s), 20m (forwards: 3.71 ± 0.27s; backs: 3.46 ± 0.20s), 30m (forwards: 5.29 ± 0.41s; backs: 4.90 ± 0.33s), 40m (forwards: 6.91 ± 0.61s; backs: 6.33 ± 0.46s) and aerobic capacity (forwards: 453.4 ± 258.8m; backs: 665.0 ± 298.2m) than forwards. Additionally, international players were found to have greater anthropometric and physical qualities in comparison to their WSL counterparts. This study adds to the limited evidence base surrounding the anthropometric and physical qualities of elite women’s rugby league players. Comparative values for anthropometric and physical qualities are provided which practitioners may use to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of players, informing training programs to prepare players for the demands of women's rugby league.

scholarly journals Relationship Between 2 Standardized Tackling Proficiency Tests and Rugby League Match-Play Tackle Performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 770-776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J.A. Speranza ◽  
Tim J. Gabbett ◽  
David A. Greene ◽  
Rich D. Johnston ◽  
Andrew D. Townshend
Keyword(s):  
Rank Order ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Proficiency Tests ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Spearman Rank Order Correlation ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
The Relationship

This study investigated the relationship between 2 different assessments of tackling ability, physical qualities, and match-play performance in semiprofessional rugby league players. A total of 18 semiprofessional rugby league players (mean [SD]: age = 23.1 [2.0] y and body mass = 98.8 [11.8] kg) underwent tests of upper- and lower-body strength and power. Tackling ability was assessed using video analysis of under- and over-the-ball tackle drills. A total of 2360 tackles were analyzed from match play. Over-the-ball tackle ability was positively related to the proportion of dominant tackles (Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients [rs] = .52; 95% confidence interval [CI] .07–.79, P = .03) and average play-the-ball speeds (rs = .50; 95% CI .04–.78, P = .03) and negatively related to tackles that conceded offloads (rs = −.55; 95% CI −.78 to .04, P = .04). Under-the-ball tackle ability was significantly related to the proportion of dominant tackles (rs = .57; 95% CI .14–.82, P = .01) and missed tackles (rs = −.48; 95% CI −.77 to .02, P = .05). Good over-the-ball tacklers performed proportionally more dominant tackles, allowed significantly fewer offloads, and had longer average play-the-ball speeds. Good under-the-ball tacklers missed proportionately fewer tackles. This study suggests that both the under-the-ball and over-the-ball standardized tackle assessments are associated with varying indicators of match-play tackle performance and justifies the practical utility of these tests to assess and develop both types of tackles.

scholarly journals Comparing periodised protocols for the maintenance of strength and power in resistance-trained women

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kok Lian Yee
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Power Training ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Upper Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Training Programmes

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of daily undulating periodisation (DUP) and session undulating periodisation (SUP) for maintaining strength and power over a 3-wk period in a group of resistance-trained women.  DUP comprised one session each of strength and power training while DUP combined both strength and power training within each session.  Both training programmes were equalised for training volume and intensity.  Methods: Sixteen resistance-trained women were pre-tested for body mass, mid-arm and mid-thigh girths, one-repetition maximum (1 RM) dynamic squat (SQ) and bench press (BP), and  power during countermovement jumps (CMJ) and bench press throws (BPT). The 1 RM SQ and BP data were used to assign the participants into groups for twice a week training.  Results:  A two-way (group x time) analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures for time found no significant changes in body mass, mid-arm girth, 1 RM BP and SQ, and BPT and CMJ power for both groups.  However, significant changes in mid-thigh girth were found (F1, 13 = 5.733, p = 0.032). Pooled BP data indicated improved upper body strength (BP: F1, 13 = 6.346, p = 0.025) and decreased CMJ power (p = 0.016).  Conclusions:  Both DUP and SUP programmes increased upper-body strength and maintained lower-body strength adequately across a 3-wk phase probably because the participants were weaker in the upper-body and the lower-body had a reduced capacity for strength adaptations and improvements.

scholarly journals Tackle and ruck technical proficiency in rugby union and rugby league: A systematic scoping review

2020 ◽  
pp. 174795412097694
Author(s):  
Steve Den Hollander ◽  
Chanda Ponce ◽  
Michael Lambert ◽  
Ben Jones ◽  
Sharief Hendricks
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Effective Technique ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Prevention Programmes ◽  
Technical Proficiency ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Injury Outcomes

The aim of this review was to consolidate and synthesise rugby union (RU) and rugby league (RL) studies on tackle and RU studies on ruck technique for rugby stakeholders. Forty-nine studies were identified (20 in RL and 29 in RU). RL studies primarily focussed on identifying factors that impact tackling ability. Leaner, fitter players, with greater lower body strength, tended to have more proficient tackle technique. Experience and level of play were positively associated with tackling ability. These findings highlight the importance of developing tackle technique and physical qualities to allow players to progress to higher levels. Research in RU mostly focussed on identifying tackle and ruck techniques associated with performance measures and injury outcomes. Eleven tackle techniques and five ball-carrier techniques were associated with both performance measures and injury outcomes. These findings support national injury prevention programmes that advocate that safe contact technique is also effective technique. (152 words)

Relationship Between a Standardized Tackling Proficiency Test and Match-Play Tackle Performance in Semiprofessional Rugby League Players

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 754-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J.A. Speranza ◽  
Tim J. Gabbett ◽  
Rich D. Johnston ◽  
Jeremy M. Sheppard
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Proficiency Test ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Lower Proportion ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Median Split ◽  
Lower Body Strength

Purpose: This study examined the relationships between tackling ability, playing position, muscle strength and power qualities, and match-play tackling performance in semiprofessional rugby league players. Methods: Sixteen semiprofessional rugby league players (mean ± SD age 23.8 ± 1.9 y) underwent tests for muscle strength and power. Tackling ability of the players was tested using video analysis of a standardized 1-on-1 tackling drill. After controlling for playing position, players were divided into “good tackler” or “poor tackler” groups based on the median split of the results of the 1-on-1 tackling drill. A total of 4547 tackles were analyzed from video recordings of 23 matches played throughout the season. Results: Maximal squat was significantly associated with tackling ability (rS = .71, P < .05) and with the proportion of dominant tackles (rS = .63, P < .01). Forwards performed more tackles (P = .013, ES = 1.49), with a lower proportion of missed tackles (P = .03, ES = 1.38) than backs. Good tacklers were involved in a larger proportion of dominant tackles and smaller proportion of missed tackles than poor tacklers. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that lower-body strength contributes to more effective tackling performance during both a standardized tackling assessment and match play. Furthermore, players with good tackling ability in a proficiency test were involved in a higher proportion of dominant tackles and missed a smaller proportion of tackles during match play. These results provide further evidence of the practical utility of an off-field tackling assessment in supplying information predictive of tackling performance in competition.

scholarly journals Lower body peak force but not power is an important discriminator of elite senior rugby league players

Kinesiology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-114
Author(s):  
Jarrod Wade ◽  
Joel Fuller ◽  
Paul Devlin ◽  
Timothy L.A. Doyle
Keyword(s):  
Peak Power ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Peak Force ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Countermovement Jump ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Senior Athletes ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
Athletic Development

This investigation determined differences in lower body strength and power between elite junior (17-20 years) and elite senior (open-aged) rugby league athletes. Twenty junior and 25 senior athletes performed an isometric mid-thigh pull, countermovement jump, repeated jump, and broad jump tests during a National Rugby League pre-season. The effects of age (junior vs. senior) and position (adjustables vs. hit-up forwards vs. outside backs) on test results were investigated using a two-way analysis of variance. Cohen’s d effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for pairwise comparisons. Isometric mid-thigh pull absolute peak force was greater for senior players compared to junior players (ES=0.88, p&lt;.05). Countermovement jump absolute peak power was greater for outside backs (ES=1.12) and hit-up forwards (ES=1.23) compared to adjustables (p&lt;.05), greater for senior outside backs compared to junior outside backs (ES=1.53, p&lt;.05), and greater for junior hit-up forwards compared to senior hit-up forwards (ES=1.00, p&lt;.05). This research demonstrated the differences in strength and power of rugby league athletes between playing age and position. Improving lower body strength should be prioritised for athletic development of junior rugby league athletes, with consideration given to requirements across different playing positions.

scholarly journals Influence of Physical Characteristics and Match Outcome on Technical Errors During Rugby League Match Play

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 1043-1049
Author(s):  
Rich D. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Bayes Factor ◽  
Rugby League ◽  
Physical Characteristics ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Match Play ◽  
Technical Performance ◽  
Technical Errors ◽  
Body Strength ◽  
Lower Body Strength ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose: To explore the relationship between technical errors during rugby league games, match success, and physical characteristics. Methods: A total of 27 semiprofessional rugby league players participated in this study (24.8 [2.5] y, 183.5 [5.3] cm, 97.1 [11.6] kg). Aerobic fitness, strength, and power were assessed prior to the start of the competitive season before technical performance was tracked during 22 competitive fixtures. Attacking errors were determined as any error that occurred in possession of the ball that resulted in a handover to the opposition. Defensive errors included line breaks, penalties, and missed or ineffective tackles. Match outcome, the zone on the field in which each error occurred, and the number of errors in an error chain (≤60 s between errors) were assessed. Results: During a loss, there were more defensive errors in the 0- to 40-m zone than when a match was won (effect size = 0.99 [0.04–1.94]). Error chains were a predictor of conceding a try (P = .0001, r2 = .22), with the odds ratio increasing to 2.33 when there were 7 errors per chain. High lower-body strength was associated with fewer defensive errors for backs (Bayes factor = 3.67) and forwards (Bayes factor = 19.31); relative bench press was also important for backs (Bayes factor = 3.21). Conclusions: Fewer defensive errors occur in the 0- to 40-m zone during winning matches; lower-body strength is strongly associated with fewer defensive errors in rugby league players.

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