The peak locomotor characteristics of Super League (rugby league) match-play. (2nd November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whitehead, Sarah; Dalton Barron, Nicholas; Rennie, Gordon; Jones, Ben
• Is Part Of: International journal of performance analysis in sport. Volume 21:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 981
• Page End: 992
• Publication Date: 2021-11-02
• Subjects: Peak demands -- microtechnology -- training -- team sports; Sports sciences -- Periodicals; Sports -- Physiological aspects -- Periodicals; 796.015
• DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2021.1968659
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2474-8668

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study quantified the position-, duration-, and phase-of-play specific peak locomotor characteristics of senior professional rugby league match-play at a multi-club level. Match-play data were collected from 378 male professional rugby league players, from 11 clubs, across two competitive seasons. A total of 9643 match-observations were analysed; 10-Hz instantaneous velocity and acceleration from Catapult S5 microtechnology units were aligned with video footage to determine to the phase-of-play and duration-specific peak locomotor characteristics (average running speed, relative high-speed running [HSR;>5.5 m·s −1 ], average absolute acceleration). Linear mixed effect models were used to determine positional differences for each dependent variable and differences between phases-of-play. Positional differences for the duration-specific and phase-of-play peak locomotive characteristics were identified. Fullbacks had greater peak HSR during defensive sets (86 ± 70 m·min −1 ) vs . all other positions (effect size = 0.26 to 0.49, small ). Wingers demonstrated the greatest between phase differences with greater peak locomotor characteristics (effect size = 1.23 to 1.65, large ) during attacking-defensive set transition vs . defensive sets. The multi-club normative data, and the differences identified, provides practitioners with valuable information for the consideration of training practices; the incorporation of phases-of-play enables greater consideration of technical-tactical factors whilst preparing players for the peak periods of competition.