Relationships of Contact Technique in Training and Matches With Performance and Injury Outcomes in Male Rugby Union.

The aims of this study were 3-fold: (1) to compare technical proficiency scores between training and matches for tackling, ball-carrying, and rucking outcomes; (2) to determine the relationship between technique in training and technique in matches for tackling, ball carrying, and rucking; and (3) to determine how contact technique (in training and matches) relates to match performance and injury outcomes. Twenty-four male players from an amateur rugby union club participated in the study. At the beginning of the season, players' contact technique proficiency was assessed in a training drill. Contact technique in matches was assessed during 14 competitive matches. The technique proficiency was assessed using standardized criteria, and the outcomes of each tackle, ball carry, and ruck were recorded. In training and matches, positive performance outcomes were associated with higher contact technique proficiency scores. For instance, in both settings, tackle technique was significantly lower in missed tackles when compared to effective and ineffective tackles. Players' contact technique scores in matches also had a positive effect on their tackle performance in matches. Ball-carry technique was associated with tackle breaks in matches (P < .05, r2 = .31). In training and match environments, tackler, ball-carrier, and ruck technique scores were significantly associated with effective tackles, ball carries, and rucks. Despite the relationship between technical proficiency scores and performance, there were small to moderately higher scores in training compared with matches. The current study highlights the importance of contact skill training, in different environments and conditions, to ensure that skills developed in training are transferred to match performance.

Mental Fatigue Impairs Tackling Technique in Amateur Rugby Union Players.

PURPOSE: To test the effects of mental fatigue (MF) on tackling technique on the dominant and nondominant shoulders in rugby union. METHODS: Twenty male amateur rugby union players and a total of 953 tackles were analyzed. A randomized crossover counterbalanced design was used across a non-MF (control) and an MF condition. During each condition, each player performed 24 tackles, divided into 4 sets of 6 tackles (3 tackles on each shoulder). In the MF condition, players performed the Stroop Task between each set of tackles. A video recording of each tackle was used to evaluate each player's technical proficiency. A score of 1 point was awarded if a specific technique was performed correctly, and 0 point was given if not. The total score, measured in arbitrary units (AU) out of 11, represents the player's overall tackling proficiency. RESULTS: Overall, players displayed a significantly lower technical proficiency score in the MF condition compared to control (set 2: control 7.30 [7.04-7.57] AU vs MF 6.91 [6.70-7.12] AU, P = .009, effect size (ES) = 0.30 small and set 3: control 7.34 [7.11-7.57] AU vs MF 6.88 [6.66-7.11] AU, P = .002, ES = 0.37 small). For the nondominant shoulder, players had a significantly lower technical proficiency score during the MF condition at set 2 (control 7.05 [6.68-7.41] AU vs MF 6.69 [6.42-6.96] AU, P = .047, ES = 0.29 small) and set 3 (control 7.14 [6.83-7.45] AU vs MF 6.61 [6.35-6.87] AU, P = .007, ES = 0.49 small). CONCLUSIONS: MF can diminish a player's overall tackling proficiency, especially when tackling on the nondominant shoulder. The physiological mechanism for this finding may be impaired executive function and suboptimal functioning of neural signals and pathways, which result in less skillful coordination of movement. To further understand and explain MF-induced physiological changes in tackling, the feasibility of monitoring brain activity (such as electroencephalogram) and neuromuscular function (such as electromyogram) needs to be investigated. The findings from this study may also contribute to the development of more effective tackle training programs for injury prevention and performance.

Video-based technical feedback and instruction improves tackling technique of community rugby union players.

The aims of this study were to test the change and retention of player's overall tackling technique and technical components following a player-specific video-based technical feedback and instruction intervention on both their dominant and non-dominant shoulders. Twenty-four (n = 24) rugby union players participated in a non-randomized control-intervention, which consisted of a video-based technical feedback and instruction group (video-based technical feedback) and a no video-based technical feedback and instruction group (control). During 3 sessions (baseline, intervention, retention) separated by one week, participants in each group performed six tackles (3 tackles on each shoulder) on a tackle simulator. In total, 432 tackles (video-based technical feedback = 216, control = 216) were analysed. Each tackle was analysed using a standardized list of technical criteria (arbitrary units, AU). For the dominant shoulder, tackling technique scores significantly improved from baseline to intervention for both groups. For the non-dominant shoulder, only the video-based technical feedback group improved their tackling technique from baseline to intervention (baseline 6.89 [6.33-7.45] AU vs. intervention 7.72 [7.35-8.10] AU p = .001, ES = 0.60 moderate). For the retention session, the video-based technical feedback group scored significantly higher than the control group, for dominant (video-based technical feedback 8.00 [7.60-8.40] AU vs. control 7.22 [6.83-7.62] AU p = .014, ES = 0.66 moderate) and non-dominant (video-based technical feedback 8.11 [7.81-8.41] AU vs. control 7.22 [6.90-7.55] p = .004, ES = 0.96 moderate) tackles. This study demonstrates the efficacy of video-based technical feedback as a method to optimize tackle training for player safety and performance.HIGHLIGHTSVideo-based technical feedback can improve tackling technique in both dominant and non-dominant shoulders.Video-based technical feedback group continued to improve following a retention interval of one week.The video-based technical feedback group showed a significant (with a moderate effect size) improvement from baseline for two techniques - namely, "body position - upright to low" and "drive through contact with legs and shoulders".Video-based technical feedback can be used as a method to optimize tackle training for injury prevention and performance.

Tackle Technique and Changes in Playerload™ During a Simulated Tackle: An Exploratory Study.

In collision sports, the tackle has the highest injury incidence, and is key to a successful performance. Although the contact load of players has been measured using microtechnology, this has not been related to tackle technique. The aim of this study was to explore how PlayerLoad™ changes between different levels of tackling technique during a simulated tackle. Nineteen rugby union players performed twelve tackles on a tackle contact simulator (n = 228 tackles). Each tackle was recorded with a video-camera and each player wore a Catapult OptimEyeS5. Tackles were analysed using tackler proficiency criteria and split into three categories: Low scoring(≤5 Arbitrary units (AU), medium scoring(6 and 7AU) and high scoring tackles(≥8AU). High scoring tackles recorded a higher PlayerLoad™ at tackle completion. The PlayerLoad™ trace was also less variable in the high scoring tackles. The variability in the PlayerLoad™ trace may be a consequence of players not shortening their steps before contact. This reduced their ability to control their movement during the contact and post-contact phase of the tackle and increased the variability. Using the PlayerLoad™ trace in conjunction with subjective technique assessments offers coaches and practitioners insight into the physical-technical relationship of each tackle to optimise tackle skill training and match preparation.

Quantifying Collision Frequency and Intensity in Rugby Union and Rugby Sevens: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Collisions in rugby union and sevens have a high injury incidence and burden, and are also associated with player and team performance. Understanding the frequency and intensity of these collisions is therefore important for coaches and practitioners to adequately prepare players for competition. The aim of this review is to synthesise the current literature to provide a summary of the collision frequencies and intensities for rugby union and rugby sevens based on video-based analysis and microtechnology. METHODS: A systematic search using key words was done on four different databases from 1 January 1990 to 1 September 2021 (PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science). RESULTS: Seventy-three studies were included in the final review, with fifty-eight studies focusing on rugby union, while fifteen studies explored rugby sevens. Of the included studies, four focused on training-three in rugby union and one in sevens, two focused on both training and match-play in rugby union and one in rugby sevens, while the remaining sixty-six studies explored collisions from match-play. The studies included, provincial, national, international, professional, experienced, novice and collegiate players. Most of the studies used video-based analysis (n = 37) to quantify collisions. In rugby union, on average a total of 22.0 (19.0-25.0) scrums, 116.2 (62.7-169.7) rucks, and 156.1 (121.2-191.0) tackles occur per match. In sevens, on average 1.8 (1.7-2.0) scrums, 4.8 (0-11.8) rucks and 14.1 (0-32.8) tackles occur per match. CONCLUSIONS: This review showed more studies quantified collisions in matches compared to training. To ensure athletes are adequately prepared for match collision loads, training should be prescribed to meet the match demands. Per minute, rugby sevens players perform more tackles and ball carries into contact than rugby union players and forwards experienced more impacts and tackles than backs. Forwards also perform more very heavy impacts and severe impacts than backs in rugby union. To improve the relationship between matches and training, integrating both video-based analysis and microtechnology is recommended. The frequency and intensity of collisions in training and matches may lead to adaptations for a "collision-fit" player and lend itself to general training principles such as periodisation for optimum collision adaptation. Trial Registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020191112.

The effect of physical fatigue on tackling technique in Rugby Union.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the change in tackling technique of rugby union players following an acute bout of physically fatiguing exercise. DESIGN: Randomised cross-over study design with a physical fatigue condition and no-physical fatigue condition (control). METHODS: Nineteen male amateur club rugby union players (n=19) and a total of 887 tackles were analysed. During each condition, each player performed four sets of six tackles (three dominant and three non-dominant shoulder) on a contact simulator. Between each set of tackles in the physical fatigue condition, players performed the prolonged high-intensity intermittent running ability test. Using video, player's tackling proficiency for each tackle was measured by awarding either one point or zero points depending on whether a particular technique was performed or not. The sum of these points represents player's tackling proficiency (score out of 9, measured in arbitrary units). RESULTS: In the non-dominant shoulder, a difference between fatigue and control was found at set two (Fatigue 7.3 [7.1-7.6] AU vs. Control 7.6 [7.4-7.9] AU, p=0.06, ES=0.3 small) and set three (Fatigue 7.3 [7.0-7.5] AU vs. Control 7.7 [7.5-7.9] AU, p=0.006, ES=0.5 small). During the control condition, tackling proficiency scores improved from baseline for non-dominant tackles (Baseline 7.4 [7.2-7.6] AU, vs Set two 7.6 [7.4-7.9] AU, p=0.08 ES=0.3 small; vs Set three 7.7 [7.5-7.9] AU, p=0.05, ES=0.4 small). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study shows that physical fatigue can potentially affect rugby union players' tackling technique. Therefore, players should develop technical capacity to resist the effects of physical fatigue during the tackle.

Tackle technique of rugby union players during head impact tackles compared to injury free tackles.

OBJECTIVES: The majority of head injuries in rugby union occur during tackles in which the head receives an impact. Head impacted tackles may be a result of poor tackle technique. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyse ball-carrier and tackler technique proficiency in head impacted tackles and compare the technique proficiency to successfully completed tackles in real-match situations. DESIGN: Retrospective video analysis. METHODS: Video footage of head impacts with the 'head impacted player' (n=157) and the opposing player 'impacting player' (n=156) were scored for contact technique using a list of technical criteria and compared to contact technique scores of role and tackle-type matched injury-free, successful tackles (n=170). RESULTS: Ball-carriers contacting their head during front-on head impacted tackles (mean 6.4, 95%CI 5.6-7.1 AU, out of a total score of 14) scored significantly less than the 'impacting player' (mean 8.1, 95%CI 7.1-9.1 AU, p<0.01, ES=0.5, small) and successful ball-carriers (successful ball-carrier mean 9.4, 95%CI 8.9-9.9 AU, p<0.0001, ES=1.1, moderate). Tackler contact proficiency scores during successful front-on tackles (mean 12.3, 95%CI 11.6-12.9 AU, out of a total score of 16) were significantly greater than tackler contact proficiency scores for the 'head impacted player' (mean 9.8, 95%CI 8.6-10.9, p<0.001, ES=0.8, moderate) and 'impacting player' (mean 9.3, 95%CI 8.4-10.1, p<0.0001, ES=1.0, moderate). CONCLUSIONS: Both the ball-carrier and tackler have a technical deficiency when there is a head impact in matches. The implication of this finding is that players and coaches need to acknowledge that both the ball-carrier and tackler are responsible for each other's safety during the tackle.