TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2018//
TI  - Relationship between two standardized tackling proficiency tests and rugby league match-play tackle performance
JO  - International journal of sports physiology and performance
A1  - Speranza, Michael
A1  - Gabbett, Tim J.
A1  - Greene, David A.
A1  - Johnston, Richard D.
A1  - Townshend, Andrew D.
SP  - 770
EP  - 776
VL  - 13
IS  - 6
N2  - This study investigated the relationship between two different assessments of tackling ability, physical qualities, and match-play performance in semi-professional rugby league players. Eighteen semi-professional rugby league players (mean ± SD age, 23.1 ± 2.0 yrs; mass 98.8 ± 11.8 kg) underwent tests of upper- and lower-body strength and power. Tackling ability was assessed using video analysis under-the-ball and over-the-ball tackle drills. A total of 2,360 tackles were analyzed from match-play. Over-the-ball tackle ability was positively related to the proportion of dominant tackles (rs = 0.52, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.79, P = 0.03) and average play-the-ball speeds (rs = 0.50, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.78, P = 0.03), and negatively related to tackles that conceded offloads (rs = -0.55, 95% CI -0.78 to 0.04, P = 0.04). Under-the-ball tackle ability was significantly related to the proportion of dominant tackles (rs = 0.57, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.82, P = 0.01) and missed tackles (rs = -0.48, 95% CI -0.77 to 0.02, P = 0.05). 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.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1555-0265
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2017-0593
ID  - ref1
ER  -