Effect of cold water immersion on objective and subjective recovery in rugby players

Cold water immersion is one of the most common modalities used by sports teams to enhance recovery from training and competing in athletes. Following intensive training or a competition, athletes reluctantly submerge their lower body in ice-cold water. Athletes often report that this reduces pain and soreness following training. Its impact on performance recovery is …

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How does strength affect tackling ability?

Team sports are largely skill-based. All else being equal among teams, the more highly skilled team will typically prevail. This is why coaches are so adamant about technical development during training. Many would even argue that strength and conditioning training may be of little value to highly skilled athletes since they demonstrate success without participating …

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Linear vs. Undulating Periodization for Improving Sprint and Jump Performance

It is well accepted within the culture of collision-based team-sports such as football and rugby that resistance training is a key component to physical preparation. Most teams will include some form of resistance training during both the preparatory and competitive season. While little debate surrounds the usefulness of strength training for these athletes, many coaches …

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High volume not superior to low volume plyometrics in collegiate rugby

To use the minimum effective dose or maximum tolerable dose of training with athletes remains a topic of debate among sports coaches. One may argue that aiming for the minimum effective dose of a given training parameter (i.e., plyometric training) will create more time for technical and tactical training, of which usually takes priority from a …

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Optimal preseason taper duration for team sport athletes

Preseason training typically involves an intensive 1-2 month period in which athletes are exposed to high training volumes, intensities and frequencies. The stress from training is exacerbated by hot and humid conditions typical of preseason periods for several sports. This may put athletes at risk of excess fatigue and performance decrements. While the intensified training …

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Predictors of tackling performance under fatigue

Sports like rugby and football have the added unique challenge of both giving and receiving tackles. This increase in physicality places higher physical demands on players. Tackling requires skill that is developed by quality coaching and consistent repetition. Strength is an important physical quality that contributes to tackling ability given the high level of forces …

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What performance factors separate successful from less successful teams?

What separates successful teams from less successful teams? One can make a case for a number of underlying variables. For example, some may attribute success, or lack thereof, to training and conditioning methods. Some may argue that reducing injuries and therefore enabling key players to accumulate more playing time is a key contributor to success. …

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How long should you taper following preseason training?

Intense preseason training is an integral component to preparing physically and tactically for the upcoming competitive season. In team-sports like football and rugby, preseason training involves a 2-4 week period of intensified training, often times with 2 practices per day. This results in a heightened risk of injury, illness and excess fatigue. According to Dr. …

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Will increasing lower body strength improve tackling ability?

Most coaches will agree that in-season strength and power training is critical for maintaining performance in team-sports such as soccer, football, basketball, rugby and so forth. Performance characteristics such as sprinting, rapidly changing direction and jumping are all impacted by lower body strength and power. Failing to address this during the season can therefore result …

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Stronger Rugby Players More Likely to Turn Pro

Most coaches would agree that their athletes can be categorized into two distinct groups: those that love to train and those that despise it. The former rarely require much motivation to get after it in the weight room or on the field, whereas it can be like pulling teeth with the latter to get them …

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