Abstract
We examined the relationships between change of direction (COD) speed and deficit, and a series of speed- and power-related measurements in national team rugby union players and analyzed the influence of movement patterns on COD ability. Eleven male athletes completed the following physical assessments on different days: day 1—anthropometric measurements, and lower-body kinematic parameters (assessed with eight inertial sensors) and completion time in COD tests (pro-agility, 45° cutting maneuver (CUT), and “L” (L-Drill)); day 2—bilateral and unilateral squat and countermovement jumps, 40 m linear sprint, and bar-power output in the jump squat and half-squat exercises. Pearson’s product–moment correlations were performed to determine the relationships between COD velocities, COD deficits, and the speed–power variables. Differences between players with higher and lower COD deficits were examined using magnitude-based inferences. Results showed that (1) greater sprint momentum was associated with higher COD deficits, particularly in drills with sharper angles and multiple directional changes (L-drill and pro-agility); (2) higher unilateral jump heights were associated with greater COD deficits in the pro-agility and L-drill but not in the CUT; (3) faster athletes were less efficient at changing direction and presented greater trunk and knee flexion angles during COD maneuvers, probably as a consequence of higher inertia.
Highlights
Change of direction (COD) ability is commonly described as a multifaceted skill, underpinned by a myriad of physical and technical qualities [1,2,3,4,5]
The main findings of the present study were that (1) greater sprint momentum was associated with higher change of direction (COD) deficits in national team rugby union players, in drills with sharper angles and multiple directional changes (i.e., L-drill and pro-agility tests); (2) higher unilateral jump heights of the dominant leg were associated with greater
Faster rugby union players appear to be less efficient at changing direction
Summary
Change of direction (COD) ability is commonly described as a multifaceted skill, underpinned by a myriad of physical and technical qualities [1,2,3,4,5]. For a better understanding of its multidimensional nature, Hewitt et al [6] proposed dividing the COD technique into “ground-based” and “aerial-based” elements. Multiple factors such as body positioning, foot placement, stride adjustments, and joint-body segment sequencing might play a critical role in COD performance [6]. Despite the extensive body of research on.
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