title: Relationship Between a Standardized Tackling Proficiency Test and Match-Play Tackle Performance in Semiprofessional Rugby League Players.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined the relationships between tackling ability, playing position, muscle strength and power qualities, and match-play tackling performance in semiprofessional rugby league players.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen semiprofessional rugby league players (mean ± SD age 23.8 ± 1.9 y) underwent tests for muscle strength and power. Tackling ability of the players was tested using video analysis of a standardized 1-on-1 tackling drill. After controlling for playing position, players were divided into "good tackler" or "poor tackler" groups based on the median split of the results of the 1-on-1 tackling drill. A total of 4547 tackles were analyzed from video recordings of 23 matches played throughout the season.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Maximal squat was significantly associated with tackling ability (rS = .71, P < .05) and with the proportion of dominant tackles (rS = .63, P < .01). Forwards performed more tackles (P = .013, ES = 1.49), with a lower proportion of missed tackles (P = .03, ES = 1.38) than backs. Good tacklers were involved in a larger proportion of dominant tackles and smaller proportion of missed tackles than poor tacklers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings demonstrate that lower-body strength contributes to more effective tackling performance during both a standardized tackling assessment and match play. Furthermore, players with good tackling ability in a proficiency test were involved in a higher proportion of dominant tackles and missed a smaller proportion of tackles during match play. These results provide further evidence of the practical utility of an off-field tackling assessment in supplying information predictive of tackling performance in competition.
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Speranza
authors.forename: Tim J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Gabbett
authors.forename: Rich D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: Jeremy M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Sheppard
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000523:psychology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D005080:Exercise Test; D005538:Football / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D014741:Video Recording; D055815:Young Adult