The Science of Rugby

Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Contents
Figures
Tables
About the Editors
Contributors
Introduction
1. Physical Preparation for Rugby
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Movement demands of rugby
1.2.1 Overall physical demands
1.2.2 Repeated-sprint, repeated high-intensity effort, collision, and peak movement demands
1.2.3 Activity and recovery cycles of match-play
1.3 Physical qualities required for competition success in rugby
1.3.1 Influence of physical qualities on team selection
1.3.2 Relationship between physical qualities and tackling ability
1.3.3 Relationship between physical qualities and activity profiles
1.3.4 Influence of physical qualities on recovery and injury risk
1.4 Conclusion
References
2. Strength and Power Training for Rugby
2.1 An introduction to strength and power
2.2 Assessment strategies
2.2.1 Maximum strength assessments
2.2.2 Power assessments
2.3 Normative data
2.3.1 Maximum strength
2.3.2 Power capabilities
2.4 Training applications: development, retention, decay
2.4.1 Maximum strength
2.4.2 Power capabilities
2.5 Summary
References
3. Monitoring the Match and Training Demands of Rugby
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Monitoring the external demands of training and competition in rugby
3.2.1 The use of time-motional analysis in rugby
3.2.2 The use of multiple camera systems in rugby
3.2.3 The use of GPS devices in rugby
3.2.3.1 Validity and reliability of measurements using GPS
3.2.3.2 Measurement of relative distance
3.2.3.3 Categorization of movement activity using speed zones
3.2.3.4 Measurement of accelerations and decelerations
3.2.3.5 Measurement of repeated efforts using GPS
3.2.3.6 Measurement of body load and collisions
3.3 Monitoring the internal demands of training and competition in rugby
3.4 Conclusion
References
4. Monitoring Fatigue and Training Adaptations in Rugby Players
4.1 The fitness-fatigue response in rugby players
4.2 Monitoring fatigue in rugby players
4.2.1 Athlete-reported outcome measures
4.2.2 Heart rate variability (HRV)
4.2.3 Blood, salivary and urine-borne markers of fatigue
4.2.4 Neuromuscular function
4.2.5 Performance tests
4.3 Monitoring the fitness response in rugby players
4.3.1 Interpretation of monitoring data
4.3.2 Players' and coaches' engagement with the monitoring process
4.4 Conclusion
References
5. Match Day Strategies to Enhance the Physical and Technical Performance of Rugby Players
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Strategies focused towards enhanced physical performance
5.2.1 Active pre-match warm-up
5.2.2 Heat maintenance strategies
5.2.3 Post-activation potentiation (PAP)
5.2.4 Ischemic preconditioning (IPC)
5.2.5 Morning priming exercise
5.2.6 Hormonal priming
5.3 Strategies focused towards enhanced technical performance
5.3.1 Caffeine
5.3.2 Creatine
5.3.3 Carbohydrates
5.4 Conclusions
References
6. Strategies to Enhance Recovery in Rugby Players
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Cryotherapy
6.2.1 Cryotherapy and functional recovery
6.2.2 Why might cryotherapy work?
6.2.3 Does the type of cryotherapy administered matter?
6.2.4 Timing, duration and temperature
6.3 Compression
6.3.1 Mechanisms and practical considerations with compression garments
6.3.2 Compression, performance and recovery
6.4 Massage
6.5 Stretching and low-intensity exercise
6.6 Sleep
6.7 The repeated-bout effect
6.8 Perceptions of recovery and the placebo effect
6.9 Recovery strategies and training adaptation
6.10 Conclusion
References
7. Nutrition for Rugby
7.1 Introduction to the role of the sports nutritionist
7.2 Carbohydrate requirements for rugby
7.2.1 Total carbohydrate
7.2.2 Types of carbohydrate
7.2.3 Timing of carbohydrate
7.2.3.1 The loading phase
7.2.3.2 The pre-exercise meal
7.2.3.3 Carbohydrate during exercise
7.2.3.4 Carbohydrate post-exercise
7.3 Protein requirements for rugby
7.3.1 Total protein
7.3.2 Type of protein
7.3.3 Timing of protein
7.4 Fat requirements for rugby
7.4.1 Total fat
7.4.2 Types of dietary fat
7.5 Hydration
7.5.1 Fluid requirements for rugby players
7.6 Micronutrients
7.6.1 Vitamins
7.6.1.1 Fat-soluble vitamins
7.6.1.2 Water-soluble vitamins
7.6.2 Minerals
7.6.3 Assessing if a rugby player is deficient in micronutrients
7.7 Sports supplements and ergogenic aids
7.8 Final thoughts on working in applied practice
References
8. Training and Playing in the Heat: Strategies for the Rugby Player
8.1 Introduction
8.1.1 Body temperature regulation: a brief overview
8.1.2 Mechanisms of heat exchange and measurement of body temperature in rugby
8.2 Possible impacts of rising core temperature on the rugby player
8.3 Strategies to counter heat-induced reductions in rugby performance
8.3.1 Pre-cooling strategies
8.3.2 Fluid loss and replacement during exercise in hot environments
8.3.2.1 Monitoring and management of fluid loss
8.4 Conclusion
References
9. Practical Considerations for Team Travel, the Lifestyle of Elite Athletes, Travel Fatigue, Infection and Coping with Jet Lag
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Travel fatigue vs. jet lag
9.2.1 How long does it take to get over jet lag?
9.3 Where is the body clock located and what is its purpose?
9.4 Behavioural advice on dealing with jet lag - before and during a flight
9.4.1 Pre-adjustment strategy
9.4.2 Travel times
9.4.3 During the flight
9.4.4 After arrival
9.4.5 Advice on training schedules
9.5 Long-haul travel and respiratory infection symptoms in elite athletes
9.6 Summary
References
10. Psychological Preparation for Rugby
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Psychological demands of rugby
10.3 Psychological characteristics of successful rugby performance
10.4 Goal setting
10.5 Mental imagery
10.6 Self-talk
10.7 Activation management
10.8 Psychological preparation for rugby competition
10.9 Team dynamics
10.10 Conclusion
Note
References
11. Performance Analysis in Rugby
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Performance indicators
11.3 Performance profiling
11.4 Technique analysis
11.5 Considerations for future research areas
11.5.1 Momentum
11.5.2 Dynamical systems theory
11.5.3 Perturbations
11.5.4 Tracking data
11.6 Conclusion
References
12. The Biomechanics of Rugby
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Biomechanical analyses of rugby activities
12.3 Lineout
12.4 Scrum
12.5 Tackling
12.6 Kicking
12.6.1 Place kicking
12.6.2 Punt kicking
12.7 Passing
12.8 Ball carrying, sprinting, and side-stepping (cutting)
12.9 Conclusion
References
13. Injury Epidemiology in Rugby
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Match-related injuries in rugby league
13.3 Match-related injuries in rugby union
13.3.1 Men's elite rugby
13.3.2 Men's community rugby
13.3.3 Youth rugby
13.3.4 Women's rugby
13.4 Conclusion
References
14. Talent Identification, Development, and The Young Rugby Player
14.1 Introduction
14.2 Talent defined?
14.3 TID systems
14.4 Biological age: growth and maturational variability
14.4.1 The biological and chronological age mismatch: relative age bias
14.5 Retrospective and prospective longitudinal player tracking in rugby league
14.5.1 Player development - 13-15 years
14.5.2 Player development - 16-20 years
14.6 Conclusion
References
15. The Female Rugby Player
15.1 Introduction
15.2 The women's game
15.3 The female player
15.4 Physical preparation
15.4.1 Physical performance testing
15.4.2 Resistance training
15.5 Injury risk and prevention
15.5.1 Joint injuries
15.5.2 Concussion
15.6 Female-specific considerations for health and performance of rugby players
15.6.1 Menstrual cycle
15.6.2 Hormonal contraception and female athletes
15.6.3 Breast support and breast injury
15.6.4 Pelvic floor health
15.7 Conclusion
References
16. Modified Rugby
16.1 Introduction
16.2 Rugby sevens
16.2.1 Competition demands of rugby sevens
16.2.2 Training demands of rugby sevens
16.2.3 Physical qualities of sevens players
16.3 Touch and tag rugby
16.3.1 Competition demands of touch rugby
16.3.2 Competition demands of tag rugby
16.3.3 Physical qualities of touch and tag players
16.4 Modified rugby for health
16.5 Wheelchair rugby
16.5.1 Competition demands of wheelchair rugby
16.5.2 Physical qualities of wheelchair rugby players
16.6 Conclusion
References
Index