Evasive change-of-direction manoeuvres (agility skills) are a fundamental ability in rugby union. In this study, we explored the attributes of agility skill execution as they relate to effective attacking strategies in rugby union. Seven Super 14 games were coded using variables that assessed team patterns and individual movement characteristics during attacking ball carries. The results indicated that tackle-breaks are a key determinant of try-scoring ability and team success in rugby union. The ability of the attacking ball carrier to receive the ball at high speed with at least two body lengths from the defence line against an isolated defender promoted tackle-breaks. Furthermore, the execution of a side-step evasive manoeuvre at a change of direction angle of 20Á608 and a distance of one to two body lengths from the defence, and then straightening the running line following the initial direction change at an angle of 20Á608, was associated with tackle-breaks. This study provides critical insight regarding the attributes of agility skill execution that are associated with effective ball carries in rugby union.

Contact skills are fundamental attributes of performance in rugby union. This study explored how the qualities of contact intensity and fending strategies related to tackle outcome in rugby union. Seven Super 14 games were coded using numerous quantitative and qualitative variables that assessed team patterns and individual skill execution during attacking ball carries. A variety of contact skills were shown to contribute significantly to the prediction of tackle-breaks. It was shown that 92% of tackle-breaks occurred as a result of poor defensive positioning. In addition, strong contact intensity and active fending strategies predicted 86% of poor defensive positions. Notably, active fend strategies were associated with positive phase outcomes when running straight at the defence and when using evasive methods of attack. This study provided critical insight regarding how the qualities of contact intensity and fending strategies influence effective ball carries in rugby union.

This study identified the attacking strategies that lead to goal scoring opportunities in women's football (soccer). All regular season games (n = 34) of the 2010/2011 W-League football competition were coded using performance analysis. Variables described the attacking strategies employed by teams and their association with goal scoring. It was shown that 24% (p < .001) of goals were the result of a cross (a distribution made from a wide area to a central area in front of goal). Further analysis demonstrated that 26% of corner kicks resulted in a shot at goal (p < .001). It was concluded that attacking through the wide areas of the field followed by a cross into a central zone inside the 18-yard box was the most effective strategy for creating goal scoring opportunities in women's football.

Physiological, anthropometric, and power profiling data were retrospectively analyzed from 4 elite taekwondo athletes from the Australian National Olympic team 9 weeks from Olympic departure. Power profiling data were collected weekly throughout the 9-week period. Anthropometric skinfolds generated a lean mass index (LMI). Physiological tests included a squat jump and bench throw power profile, bleep test, 20-m sprint test, running VO2max test, and bench press and squat 3 repetition maximum (3RM) strength tests. After this, the athletes power, velocity, and acceleration profile during unweighted squat jumps and single-leg jumps were tracked using a linear position transducer. Increases in power, velocity, and acceleration between weeks and bilateral comparisons were analyzed. Athletes had an LMI of 37.1 ± 0.4 and were 173.9 ± 0.2 m and 67 ± 1.1 kg. Relatively weaker upper body (56 ± 11.97 kg 3RM bench press) compared to lower body strength (88 ± 2.89 kg 3RM squat) was shown alongside a VO2max of 53.29 ml(-1)·min(-1)·kg, and a 20-m sprint time of 3.37 seconds. Increases in all power variables for single-leg squat and squat jumps were found from the first session to the last. Absolute peak power in single-leg squat jumps increased by 13.4-16% for the left and right legs with a 12.9% increase in squat jump peak power. Allometrically scaled peak power showed greater increases for single-leg (right leg: 18.55%; left: 23.49%) and squat jump (14.49%). The athlete's weight did not change significantly throughout the 9-week mesocycle. Progressions in power increases throughout the weeks were undulating and can be related to the intensity of the prior week's training and athlete injury. This analysis has shown that a 9-week mesocycle before Olympic departure that focuses on core lifts has the ability to improve power considerably.

Performance analysis examined the association between defensive strategies and ruck outcomes in rugby union. Defensive tactics at the ruck contest were coded (n = 8563) during 60 games of the 2011 Super Rugby competition. Variables described attacking width, territory gained by the attack, defensive strategy used at the ruck, and ruck outcome. Chi-squared analysis showed that both early counter ruck (competing for the ball without hands) and jackal (competing for the ball with hands) were effective at turning over possession of the ball behind the advantage line (60% and 39% of turnovers, respectively). Early counter ruck was also effective at turning over possession when the ruck contest occurred in the wide attacking channels (18% of turnovers) whilst a jackal was used at ruck contests occurring in central field areas (13% of turnover). Late counter ruck was a poor strategy and was likely to concede penalties without an association with turnovers.