Examining the skill involvements of under-16 rugby league players during a small-sided game and match-play. Issue 4 (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bennett, Kyle JM; Scott, Brendan R; Fransen, Job; Elsworthy, Nathan; Sanctuary, Colin E; Gabbett, Tim J; Dascombe, Ben J
• Is Part Of: International journal of sports science & coaching. Volume 11:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 532
• Page End: 537
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: Rugby football -- skill-based conditioning games -- youth sport; Coaching (Athletics) -- Periodicals; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Coaching (Athletics); Sports sciences; Periodicals; 796.077
• DOI: 10.1177/1747954116654780
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-9541

Abstract

This study investigated the correlations between the skill demands of an 'on-side' small-sided game (SSG) and match-play in under-16 junior rugby league players. Fifteen Harold Matthews players undertook a SSG (10 vs. 10 on a 68 m by 40 m playing surface for 3 min) in the week leading up to round 6 of their competitive season. The frequency of skill involvements (i.e. offensive, defensive and total) was manually coded using a specific criterion. The defensive and total skill involvements were significantly higher per minute of play in the SSG when compared to match-play. A significant, very large, positive correlation was observed between offensive and total skill involvements during a SSG and offensive skill involvements during a match (r(s) = 0.80, p < 0.01; r(s) = 0.71, p < 0.01, respectively). No significant correlations were evident for defensive skill involvements during SSG and match-play. Overall, it appears that the selected SSG provided players with ample opportunity to practice match-specific skills. In addition, the transfer of these opportunities seems confined to offensive rather then defensive skills.