Can tackle height influence tackle gainline success outcomes in elite level rugby union?

Abstract

In rugby union, effective defensive play is highly technical and essential for game outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify tackle heights, for given tackle types, that had a greater propensity to result in tackle gainline success for the tackler using match video evidence. The results indicated that tackling the upper legs of the ball carrier had a greater propensity to result in tackler success for both front-on (OR = 3.27; 95% CI = 1.34–7.95; p < 0.01) and side-on (OR = 5.31; 95% CI = 2.08–13.6; p < 0.01) arm tackles. For shoulder tackles, tackling at the lower trunk for front-on tackles (OR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.04-2.79; p = 0.03) and the mid trunk for side-on tackles (OR = 3.11; 95% CI = 1.31–7.37; p < 0.01) had a greater propensity to result in tackler success. For smother tackles, tackling at the mid trunk had a greater propensity to result in tackler success during front-on (OR = 3.49; 95% CI = 1.81–6.74; p < 0.01) and side-on (OR = 5.11; 95% CI = 2.42–10.8; p < 0.01) tackles. The results highlight the importance of tackle height when coaching the tackle. The findings also suggest that technically proficient players can advance to more challenging contact techniques than aiming for the ball carrier’s centre of gravity.