The purpose of this study was to examine agility running technique during planned and reactive conditions specific to rugby union. The variation to running technique of 8 highly trained rugby union players was compared between agility conditions (pre-planned and reactive) and also agility performance speeds (fast, moderate and slow). The development of lateral movement during the side-step was less (planned = 0.69 ±0.43 m/s vs. reactive = 0.25 ±0.42 m/s, p <.001) with a decision-making element. Fast performances exhibited greater lateral movement during the side-step (0.52 ±0.34 m/s) compared to moderate (0.20 ±0.37 m/s, p = .034) and slow (-0.08 ±0.31 m/s, p <.001) for reactive conditions. The differences between planned and reactive conditions highlight the need to incorporate decision-making in rugby union agility programs.
© Copyright 2012 ISBS - Conference Proceedings Archive (Konstanz). Springer. Published by International Society of Biomechanics in Sports. All rights reserved.