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The pre- and post-pitch-entry physical and technical responses of rugby league interchange players according to starting status
Hills, Samuel P. Crang, Zachary L. Russell, Mark Johnston, Rich D.
Hills, Samuel P.
Crang, Zachary L.
Russell, Mark
Johnston, Rich D.
Abstract
This study quantified the activities of interchange players during the 15 min before and 20 min after initial pitch-entry (INTentry) or re-entry (INTre−entry) for substitutes and starters, respectively, and identified relationships between pre- and post-pitch-entry responses. Fourteen semi-professional rugby league players wore Microelectromechanical Systems and were filmed throughout 10 matches in which they were interchanged (68 observations). Twelve physical and technical variables were analyzed for the pre-match warm-up, five, 10, and 15 min before INTentry or INTre−entry (physical variables only), and five min epochs following match-introduction. Linear mixed models indicated that during the 0–5 min following INTentry, physical and technical responses were typically greater (∼7.1% to 66.3%) than subsequent epochs while total (∼6.2%) and high-speed (37.1%) distance also exceeded the 0–5 min after INTre−entry (p < 0.05). Edge forwards reached higher peak speeds (11.4% to 11.7%) than hookers and middle forwards, but hookers completed more passes (87.4% to 90.5%). Pre-pitch-entry movements were positively associated with post-pitch-entry tackles (r = 0.43 to 0.49) and high-speed distance (r = 0.46), but negatively associated with total distance (r = −0.32 to −0.68). Within tolerable limits, increasing the activity performed during the ∼15 min before pitch-entry could benefit high-speed match-play performance indicators. Transient changes in post-pitch-entry physical and technical responses could reflect self-pacing strategies, contextual factors, or perceived preparedness. The apparent absence of progressive performance-limiting fatigue, characterized by a plateau in responses after the initial five min following INTentry or INTre−entry, may suggest a role for interchange players to provide a more sustained impact and thus achieve interchange objectives.
Keywords
performance analysis, team sport, warm up
Date
2023
Type
Journal article
Journal
International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching
Book
Volume
18
Issue
3
Page Range
822-831
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open