Video-based technical feedback and instruction improves tackling technique of community rugby union players.

The aims of this study were to test the change and retention of player's overall tackling technique and technical components following a player-specific video-based technical feedback and instruction intervention on both their dominant and non-dominant shoulders. Twenty-four (n = 24) rugby union players participated in a non-randomized control-intervention, which consisted of a video-based technical feedback and instruction group (video-based technical feedback) and a no video-based technical feedback and instruction group (control). During 3 sessions (baseline, intervention, retention) separated by one week, participants in each group performed six tackles (3 tackles on each shoulder) on a tackle simulator. In total, 432 tackles (video-based technical feedback = 216, control = 216) were analysed. Each tackle was analysed using a standardized list of technical criteria (arbitrary units, AU). For the dominant shoulder, tackling technique scores significantly improved from baseline to intervention for both groups. For the non-dominant shoulder, only the video-based technical feedback group improved their tackling technique from baseline to intervention (baseline 6.89 [6.33-7.45] AU vs. intervention 7.72 [7.35-8.10] AU p = .001, ES = 0.60 moderate). For the retention session, the video-based technical feedback group scored significantly higher than the control group, for dominant (video-based technical feedback 8.00 [7.60-8.40] AU vs. control 7.22 [6.83-7.62] AU p = .014, ES = 0.66 moderate) and non-dominant (video-based technical feedback 8.11 [7.81-8.41] AU vs. control 7.22 [6.90-7.55] p = .004, ES = 0.96 moderate) tackles. This study demonstrates the efficacy of video-based technical feedback as a method to optimize tackle training for player safety and performance.HIGHLIGHTSVideo-based technical feedback can improve tackling technique in both dominant and non-dominant shoulders.Video-based technical feedback group continued to improve following a retention interval of one week.The video-based technical feedback group showed a significant (with a moderate effect size) improvement from baseline for two techniques - namely, "body position - upright to low" and "drive through contact with legs and shoulders".Video-based technical feedback can be used as a method to optimize tackle training for injury prevention and performance.

The effect of physical fatigue on tackling technique in Rugby Union.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the change in tackling technique of rugby union players following an acute bout of physically fatiguing exercise. DESIGN: Randomised cross-over study design with a physical fatigue condition and no-physical fatigue condition (control). METHODS: Nineteen male amateur club rugby union players (n=19) and a total of 887 tackles were analysed. During each condition, each player performed four sets of six tackles (three dominant and three non-dominant shoulder) on a contact simulator. Between each set of tackles in the physical fatigue condition, players performed the prolonged high-intensity intermittent running ability test. Using video, player's tackling proficiency for each tackle was measured by awarding either one point or zero points depending on whether a particular technique was performed or not. The sum of these points represents player's tackling proficiency (score out of 9, measured in arbitrary units). RESULTS: In the non-dominant shoulder, a difference between fatigue and control was found at set two (Fatigue 7.3 [7.1-7.6] AU vs. Control 7.6 [7.4-7.9] AU, p=0.06, ES=0.3 small) and set three (Fatigue 7.3 [7.0-7.5] AU vs. Control 7.7 [7.5-7.9] AU, p=0.006, ES=0.5 small). During the control condition, tackling proficiency scores improved from baseline for non-dominant tackles (Baseline 7.4 [7.2-7.6] AU, vs Set two 7.6 [7.4-7.9] AU, p=0.08 ES=0.3 small; vs Set three 7.7 [7.5-7.9] AU, p=0.05, ES=0.4 small). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study shows that physical fatigue can potentially affect rugby union players' tackling technique. Therefore, players should develop technical capacity to resist the effects of physical fatigue during the tackle.