The effect of technique on tackle gainline success outcomes in elite level rugby union

Abstract

Tackling is a major component of rugby union and effective attacking and defensive play are essential for game outcomes. In this study, a number of pre-contact, contact and post-contact tackle characteristics that had an influence on tackle gainline success for the ball carrier and tackler were identified using match video evidence from European Rugby Champions Cup games. A total of 122 front-on tackles and 111 side-on tackles were analysed. For each ball carrier and tackler characteristic, the Odds Ratio and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated based on a gainline success outcome. A Chi-Square and Phi and Cramer's V calculation was also conducted. A Chi-Square test then identified any statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) for proficiency characteristics between playing position. For both the ball carrier and tackler, tackle characteristics that were indicative of strong and powerful tackle technique such as 'explosiveness on contact' and 'leg drive on contact' were effective for achieving the desired gainline outcome. Playing position had an influence on only two proficiency characteristics that were statistically significant for gainline success: 'fending into contact' for ball carriers and 'straight back, centre of gravity forward of support base' for tacklers.

Does ball carrier technique influence tackler head injury assessment risk in elite rugby union?

“…Previous studies have shown that fending has a positive effect on ball carrier tackle outcomes Tierney et al, 2018c;Wheeler & Sayers, 2009). One study found that a moderate fend increased the chance of offloading whilst another study reported that a strong fend compromised the quality of the tackler's positioning (Wheeler & Sayers, 2009).…”

“…In one season alone, one study found that 23% of elite level Rugby Union participants suffered a concussion (Shuttleworth-Edwards et al, 2008). It is well understood that both correct tackler and ball carrier technique are necessary for successful and safe participation in rugby union (Hendricks & Lambert, 2010Tierney, Denvir, Farrell, & Simms, 2018a, 2018cTierney, Krosshaug, Wilson, & Simms, 2015), and that incorrect tackle technique is a risk factor for injury Hendricks et al, 2015).…”

Can tackle height influence head injury assessment risk in elite rugby union?

“…3 Tackling is regarded as the most common cause of injury and concussion in rugby union. 4,5 Correct technique in the tackle is essential for safe and successful tackle outcomes, [6][7][8] whilst poor tackle technique is a reported risk factor for injury 9,10 and direct head impact causation. 2,11 This indicates the importance for concussion injury prevention strategies.…”

Analysis of ball carrier head motion during a rugby union tackle without direct head contact: A case study

“…The linear and angular velocity values for each time frame can be seen in Appendix A. Although it was a side-on tackle, 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 F o r…”