Parameters of speed and strength as agility predictors in rugby

Abstract

The paper highlights the impact of the accumulation (preparatory) period on the changes in the level of motor skills in rugby league players (n=20) of the first league in the Slovak Republic. Motor skills were measured using fifteen tests (Star Run, Zig-Zag Run, Agility T-Run, 22 m hopping & bounding test, diagonal run, bench press, barbell squat, deadlift, solid ball throw, standing long jump, 1-min push-ups, pull-ups, 30 m run, 1-min situps, 1-min squats) during the months of September, November and December. Statistical significance of changes was monitored by t-test at 5% and 1% significance level. Stepwise regression made it possible to reveal the motor skills that determined performance in agility tests. The accumulation period enriched with developmental means of speed, speed-strength and strength abilities had a positive effect on the results of all motor tests (p < 0.01). The greatest correlation was observed between the lower limb explosive endurance (22 m hopping & bounding test, Beta*r = 0.663 - 0.834), straight line acceleration (30 m run, Beta*r = 0.793 - 0.855), and speed endurance (384 m diagonal run, Beta*r = 0.723) on one side and the Agility Star run, Zig-Zag Agility Run and Agility T-Run on the other. The obtained results showed the focus of the preparatory period, which aims to develop the motor skills determining the game performance of players and the team. It was demonstrated that speed, speed-strength and strength skills are significant determinants of agility performance in the game of rugby. Compared to published standards, the general motor performance of the studied sample of rugby players is rated as average to poor.