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

Title
Tackle Technique and Changes in PlayerloadTM During a Simulated Tackle: An Exploratory Study
Publication Date
2022
Author(s)
Paul, Lara
Davidow, Demi
James, Gwyneth
Ross, Tayla
Lambert, Mike
Burger, Nicholas
Jones, Ben
Rennie, Gordon
Hendricks, Sharief
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Place of publication
Turkey
DOI
10.52082/jssm.2022.383
UNE publication id
une:1959.11/57864
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.

Link
Citation
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 21(3), p. 383-393
ISSN
1303-2968
Start page
383
End page
393

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