Skip to the main content

Kinesiology, Vol. 50. No. Supplement 1., 2018.

Review article

Rugby sevens match demands and measurement of performance: a review

Mitchell J. Henderson ; University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sport & Exercise Discipline Group, Faculty of Health, Australia
Simon K. Harries ; Australian Rugby Sevens, Australian Rugby Union (ARU), Sydney, Australia
Nick Poulos ; Australian Rugby Sevens, Australian Rugby Union (ARU), Sydney, Australia
Job Fransen ; University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Human Performance Research Centre, Australia
Aaron J. Coutts ; University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Human Performance Research Centre, Australia

Full text: english pdf 992 Kb

page 49-59

downloads: 2.659

cite

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to summarize the research that has examined the match demands of elite-level, men’s rugby sevens, and provide enhanced understanding of the elements contributing to successful physical and technical performance. Forty-one studies were sourced from the electronic database of PubMed, Google Scholar and SPORTDiscus. From these, twelve original investigations were included in this review. Positive match outcomes are the result of an interplay of successful physical, technical, and tactical performances. The physical performance of players (activity profile measurement from GPS) includes high relative total distance and high-speed distance values in comparison to other team sports. The technical performance of players (skill involvement measurement from match statistics) involves the execution of a range of specific offensive and defensive skills to score points or prevent the opponent from scoring. The factors influencing
change in these performance constructs has not been investigated in rugby sevens. There is a paucity in the literature surrounding the situational and individual factors affecting physical and skill performance
in elite rugby sevens competition. Future studies should investigate the factors likely to have the strongest influence on player performance in rugby sevens. This should include larger sample sizes and account for
repeated measures within players. This will allow coaches and scientists to improve their interpretation of activity and skill profile data, and make more informed decisions on players’ athletic preparation program.

Keywords

physical factors; technical factors

Hrčak ID:

192694

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/192694

Publication date:

31.3.2018.

Visits: 3.440 *