Muscular strength and power correlates of tackling ability in semiprofessional Rugby League players
Journal article
Speranza, Michael, Gabbett, Tim, Johnston, Richard and Sheppard, Jeremy. (2015). Muscular strength and power correlates of tackling ability in semiprofessional Rugby League players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 29(8), pp. 2071 - 2078. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000897
Authors | Speranza, Michael, Gabbett, Tim, Johnston, Richard and Sheppard, Jeremy |
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Abstract | This study investigated the relationship between muscular strength and power and tackling ability in semiprofessional rugby league players. Thirty-six semiprofessional (mean ± SD age, 23.1 ± 3.6 years) rugby league players, from 3 distinct playing divisions (first grade, second grade, and under 20s), underwent tests of upper-body strength (3 repetition maximum [RM] bench press), lower-body strength (3RM squat), upper-body power (plyometric push-up [PPU]), and lower-body power (countermovement jump). Muscular strength relative to body mass was also calculated. Tackling ability of the players was tested using video analysis of a standardized one-on-one tackling drill. For all players, the strongest correlates of tackling ability were squat (r = 0.67), bench press (r = 0.58), relative squat (r = 0.41), and PPU (r = 0.56). The strongest correlates of tackling ability in first grade players were squat (r = 0.72), bench press (r = 0.72), relative squat (r = 0.86), and PPU (r = 0.70). For second grade players, only relative squat (r = 0.60) and PPU (r = 0.67) were associated with tackling ability. The strongest correlates of tackling ability in under 20s players were squat (r = 0.77), bench press (r = 0.70), and PPU (r = 0.65). The findings of this study demonstrate that muscular strength and upper-body power contribute to tackling ability in semiprofessional rugby league players. Therefore, as long as the technical aspects of tackling technique are adequately coached and practiced, then enhancements in muscular strength and power may serve as foundational components to underpin improvement in tackling ability. |
Year | 2015 |
Journal | Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research |
Journal citation | 29 (8), pp. 2071 - 2078 |
ISSN | 1064-8011 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000897 |
Page range | 2071 - 2078 |
Research Group | Sports Performance, Recovery, Injury and New Technologies (SPRINT) Research Centre |
Publisher's version | File Access Level Controlled |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/85142/muscular-strength-and-power-correlates-of-tackling-ability-in-semiprofessional-rugby-league-players
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