Influence of Physical Characteristics and Match Outcome on Technical Errors During Rugby League Match Play

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the relationship between technical errors during rugby league games, match success, and physical characteristics. Methods: A total of 27 semiprofessional rugby league players participated in this study (24.8 [2.5] y, 183.5 [5.3] cm, 97.1 [11.6] kg). Aerobic fitness, strength, and power were assessed prior to the start of the competitive season before technical performance was tracked during 22 competitive fixtures. Attacking errors were determined as any error that occurred in possession of the ball that resulted in a handover to the opposition. Defensive errors included line breaks, penalties, and missed or ineffective tackles. Match outcome, the zone on the field in which each error occurred, and the number of errors in an error chain (≤60 s between errors) were assessed. Results: During a loss, there were more defensive errors in the 0- to 40-m zone than when a match was won (effect size = 0.99 [0.04–1.94]). Error chains were a predictor of conceding a try (P = .0001, r2 = .22), with the odds ratio increasing to 2.33 when there were 7 errors per chain. High lower-body strength was associated with fewer defensive errors for backs (Bayes factor = 3.67) and forwards (Bayes factor = 19.31); relative bench press was also important for backs (Bayes factor = 3.21). Conclusions: Fewer defensive errors occur in the 0- to 40-m zone during winning matches; lower-body strength is strongly associated with fewer defensive errors in rugby league players.

Relationship Between Preseason Training Load, Match Performance, and Match Activities in Professional Rugby League

“…This method of quantifying match performance is similar to that used previously (25,41). Furthermore, the number of individual errors (e.g., knock on and forward pass), hit up meters (i.e., meters travelled in possession of the ball), and missed tackles were provided by "STATS" (STATS, IL, Chicago) and were considered relative to individual match time because it has been shown that these technical statistics are key performance indicators (12,20).…”

Conceptualising Rugby League Performance Within an Ecological Dynamics Framework: Providing Direction for Player Preparation and Development

“…Indeed, elite rugby league players have been shown to focus on different movements and cues during rugby league movement patterns when compared to novices [49]. It has also been reported that the highest error rates occurred when defending the goal line, where the opposition is likely to be more expansive in their play [50]. This research indicates that the ability to tackle effectively is vital for rugby league performance, while suggesting a player's perception and decision-making are also key.…”

Monitoring Prescribed and Actual Resistance Training Loads in Professional Rugby League

“…Previous literature has shown such adaptations to be associated with improvement of individual skills and capacity, such as tackling ability, sprint ability, and decreased likelihood of defensive errors within 20 m of own goal line (5,17,22,37). All of these skills may contribute to findings that have shown these training adaptations to discriminate between skill levels (5,17,22,37). Quantifying and monitoring resistance training loads assist performance staff in interpreting training adaptations that may enhance performance or result in nonfunctional overreaching or overtraining during a training session, a training cycle, and a training year (21).…”

“…Strength and conditioning coaches devote a considerable amount of time and effort prescribing and selecting exercises to elicit training adaptations, such as increases in muscle size, strength, and power. Previous literature has shown such adaptations to be associated with improvement of individual skills and capacity, such as tackling ability, sprint ability, and decreased likelihood of defensive errors within 20 m of own goal line (5,17,22,37). All of these skills may contribute to findings that have shown these training adaptations to discriminate between skill levels (5,17,22,37).…”