Analysing technique to reduce tackle injury risk in rugby

[Which Tyler]

I've just seen this, I probably won't get the chance to until I've finished work

https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2021/09/07/a ... -in-rugby/

Implications for Coaches

Using the specific tackler and ball-carrier techniques identified in this study in conjunction with the technical skill training tackle framework, coaches and trainers can design and implement focused tackle training programmes and sessions. This will ensure tackle technique training sessions are optimised for learning and are effectively transferred to matches. Also, the findings from this study directly inform coaching curricula, which can assist coaches and trainers in optimising their tackle technique periodisation and training.

[Digby]

They've a lot of work to do to look at contact situations where the shoulders aren't squared up in advance and where there are multiple entrants from one or both sides. Interesting though, and then comes the question of how to incorporate this Vs the demands for winning a game?

[jngf]

I’d personally be in favour of a rugby equivalent of the cycling proficiency test especially at children’s level when going from non contact to full contact such that only those who’ld demonstrated the ability to safely execute and ride tackles to a suitable standard be allowed to move to the contact game. This is in part to overcome the sadistic PE master syndrome of sticking physically dyslexic kids in what might seem to them like the middle of a “war zone”
There was no such testing done in the 80s at my school that’s for sure! To some extent things like mini rugby do help the transition but not all kids have such access.

[Gloskarlos]

Thing is, and i've been doing this since u9's (my lot are now u14's) that they all demonstrate great tackling technique against tackle cylinders, full height and half height, and when tackling a player holding a shield, to dump them onto a crash mat - also perfect. 5 years of doing this and still in a game environment they can lose this discipline, charge head first (rare but still happens) or go too high, wafting arms at a player who isn't there any more. Fortunately we have had no serious injuries, concussions have only come from School and not club rugby, any child will pass the proficiency test in an isolated demonstration.

I will add the half cylinder is a valued recent piece of equipment that I am hoping will pay dividends. If they can all hit that with a shoulder and a full arm wrap with their heads safely to one side there is no excuse (mentally) for them to not do that in a game, time will tell.