A comparison of fitness and skill among playing positions in sub-elite rugby league players
Journal article
Gabbett, Timothy James, Kelly, Jason N. and Pezet, Troy. (2008). A comparison of fitness and skill among playing positions in sub-elite rugby league players. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 11, pp. 585 - 592. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2007.07.004
Authors | Gabbett, Timothy James, Kelly, Jason N. and Pezet, Troy |
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Abstract | In rugby league, individual playing positions require a wide range of physical performance qualities and offensive and defensive skills. This study investigated the physical performance, anthropometric, and skill characteristics of specific playing positions in sub-elite rugby league players. Ninety-eight sub-elite rugby league players (mean ± S.D. age, 22.5 ± 4.9 years) participated in this study. Players underwent measurements of anthropometry (height, body mass, and sum of four skinfolds), muscular power (vertical jump), speed (10 m, 20 m, and 40 m sprint), change of direction speed (L run), and maximal aerobic power (multistage fitness test). In addition, two expert coaches independently assessed the skill of players using standardised technical criteria. Hit-up forwards were heavier and had greater skinfold thickness than the adjustables and outside backs positional groups. Furthermore, hit-up forwards had significantly (p < 0.05) slower change of direction speed than outside backs, and slower 20 m and 40 m speed than both the adjustables and outside backs positional groups. Hit-up forwards had a significantly greater (p < 0.05) ability to ‘hit and spin’ than both adjustables and outside backs. The evasion skills (i.e. ability to beat a player and 2 versus 1 ability) of adjustables and outside backs were significantly greater (p < 0.05) than hit-up forwards. Adjustables had significantly greater (p < 0.05) skills under physiological game stress than hit-up forwards and better catching, ball carrying, and basic passing skills than the hit-up forwards and outside backs. These findings demonstrate that the physical performance, anthropometric, and skill qualities of sub-elite rugby league players vary according to playing position. |
Keywords | football; fitness; performance; collision sport; training |
Year | 2008 |
Journal | Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport |
Journal citation | 11, pp. 585 - 592 |
Publisher | Sports Medicine Australia |
ISSN | 1440-2440 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2007.07.004 |
Page range | 585 - 592 |
Research Group | Sports Performance, Recovery, Injury and New Technologies (SPRINT) Research Centre |
Place of publication | Australia |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8q18y/a-comparison-of-fitness-and-skill-among-playing-positions-in-sub-elite-rugby-league-players
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