Changes in rugby league tackling ability during a competitive season: The relationship with strength and power qualities

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

Publisher

NSCA National Strength and Conditioning Association

School

School of Exercise and Health Sciences

RAS ID

26432

Comments

Speranza, M. J., Gabbett, T. J., Greene, D. A., Johnston, R. D., & Sheppard, J. M. (2017). Changes in rugby league tackling ability during a competitive season: the relationship with strength and power qualities. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 31(12), 3311-3318. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001540

Abstract

Changes in rugby league tackling ability during a competitive season: the relationship with strength and power qualities. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3311–3318, 2017—This study examined the relationship between changes in tackling ability, and muscular strength and power during a semiprofessional rugby league competitive season. Twelve semiprofessional rugby league players (mean 6 SD age, 23.3 6 2.0 years) underwent tests of upper- and lower-body strength and power during the preseason period. Tackling ability was tested using video analysis of a standardized one-on-one tackling drill. Players repeated these tests after round 15 of a 25-match competitive season. Changes in 1 repetition maximum (1RM) squat (rs = 0.70; p, 0.02) and squat relative to body mass (rs = 0.73; p, 0.01) were significantly related to changes in tackling ability. Players with the greatest improvements in tackling ability (i.e., “responders”) retained 1RM squat (effect size, ES = 0.85, p = 0.09) and squat relative to body mass (ES = 0.82, p = 0.15) to a greater extent than the “nonresponders.” The results of this study suggest that players who retained lower-body strength were able to improve tackling ability during the competitive season, whereas reductions in lower-body strength were associated with decrements in tackling ability. This study highlights the importance of the development and maintenance of lower-body muscular strength for effective tackling performance throughout the rugby league season. © 2016 National Strength and Conditioning Association.

DOI

10.1519/JSC.0000000000001540

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free_to_read

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

10.1519/JSC.0000000000001540