Paul, Lara; Davidow, Demi; James, Gwyneth; Ross, Tayla; Lambert, Mike; Burger, Nicholas; Jones, Ben; Rennie, Gordon; Hendricks, Sharief

Author(s)

Paul, Lara

Davidow, Demi

James, Gwyneth

Ross, Tayla

Lambert, Mike

Burger, Nicholas

Jones, Ben

Rennie, Gordon

Hendricks, Sharief

Publication Date

2022

Abstract

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 PlayerLoadTM 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 PlayerLoadTM at tackle completion. The PlayerLoadTM trace was also less variable in the high scoring tackles. The variability in the PlayerLoadTM 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 PlayerLoadTM 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.

Citation

Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 21(3), p. 383-393

ISSN

1303-2968

Link

https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/57864

Publisher

Journal of Sports Science and Medicine

Title

Tackle Technique and Changes in PlayerloadTM During a Simulated Tackle: An Exploratory Study

Type of document

Journal Article

Entity Type

Publication

Author(s)	Paul, Lara Davidow, Demi James, Gwyneth Ross, Tayla Lambert, Mike Burger, Nicholas Jones, Ben Rennie, Gordon Hendricks, Sharief
Publication Date	2022
Abstract	<p>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 <i>PlayerLoad<sup>TM</sup></i> 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 <i>PlayerLoad<sup>TM</sup></i> at tackle completion. The <i>PlayerLoad<sup>TM</sup></i> trace was also less variable in the high scoring tackles. The variability in the <i>PlayerLoad<sup>TM</sup></i> 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 <i>PlayerLoad<sup>TM</sup></i> 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. </p>
Citation	Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 21(3), p. 383-393
ISSN	1303-2968
Link	https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/57864
Publisher	Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Title	Tackle Technique and Changes in PlayerloadTM During a Simulated Tackle: An Exploratory Study
Type of document	Journal Article
Entity Type	Publication

Tackle Technique and Changes in PlayerloadTM During a Simulated Tackle: An Exploratory Study

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