Positional group significantly influences the offensive and defensive skill involvements of junior representative rugby league players during match play

K.J.M. Bennett; J. Fransen; B.R. Scott; C.E. Sanctuary; T.J. Gabbett; B.J. Dascombe

doi:10.1080/02640414.2015.1122206

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Positional group significantly influences the offensive and defensive skill involvements of junior representative rugby league players during match play

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

Positional group significantly influences the offensive and defensive skill involvements of junior representative rugby league players during match play

K.J.M. Bennett, J. Fransen, B.R. Scott, C.E. Sanctuary, T.J. Gabbett and B.J. Dascombe

Journal of Sports Sciences, Vol.34(16), pp.1542-1546

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2015.1122206

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Abstract

This study examined the skill involvements of three positional groups across a junior representative rugby league season. Data were collected from 45 rugby league players (mean ± SD; age = 16.5 ± 1.0 years) currently participating in the Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup. Players were subdivided into hit-up forwards, adjustables and outside backs. The frequency (n · min−1) of offensive, defensive and overall involvements was coded for each group using a notation system and a practical coach skill analysis tool. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed a significant effect of playing position on skill involvements (F = 9.06; P < 0.001; ES = 0.41). Hit-up forwards performed a significantly greater frequency of offensive (0.31 ± 0.10), defensive (0.42 ± 0.15) and overall involvements (0.74 ± 0.19) when compared to adjustables (0.20 ± 0.08, 0.28 ± 0.08 and 0.52 ± 0.15, respectively) and outside backs (0.20 ± 0.12, 0.11 ± 0.07 and ± 0.31 ± 0.17, respectively). Further, adjustables performed a significantly greater number of defensive (0.28 ± 0.08) and overall involvements (0.52 ± 0.15) when compared to outside backs (0.11 ± 0.07 and 0.31 ± 0.17, respectively). The findings of this study suggest that it is important to consider a junior player’s positional group when analysing their skill involvements. Information gained from this study could assist in the design of specific training methodologies for junior rugby league players in high-level talent development programmes.

Details

Title: Positional group significantly influences the offensive and defensive skill involvements of junior representative rugby league players during match play
Authors/Creators: K.J.M. Bennett (Author/Creator) - Information Technology University
J. Fransen (Author/Creator) - Information Technology University
B.R. Scott (Author/Creator) - Information Technology University
C.E. Sanctuary (Author/Creator) - Australian Football League
T.J. Gabbett (Author/Creator) - Australian Catholic University
B.J. Dascombe (Author/Creator) - Information Technology University
Publication Details: Journal of Sports Sciences, Vol.34(16), pp.1542-1546
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Identifiers: 991005542329207891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Psychology and Exercise Science
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.172 Sports Science; 1.172.414 Training Optimization
Web Of Science research areas: Sport Sciences
ESI research areas: Clinical Medicine