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I've recently been writing a narrative review on the relationship between physical qualities and game behaviours in elite rugby union.
This process has outlined the complexity of our understanding and interpretation of agility. /1
This process has outlined the complexity of our understanding and interpretation of agility. /1
Agility has recently been defined as “a rapid whole-body movement with a change of velocity or direction in response to a stimulus”.
In my experience, individuals typically fall into one of two categories:
Individuals who CREATE space.
OR,
Individuals who ATTACK space. /2
In my experience, individuals typically fall into one of two categories:
Individuals who CREATE space.
OR,
Individuals who ATTACK space. /2
The main objective of attacking play is to create separation from an opponent in order to maximise time and space when executing scoring opportunities.
In contrast, the objective of defending is to prevent this separation and reduce opposition scoring opportunities. /3
In contrast, the objective of defending is to prevent this separation and reduce opposition scoring opportunities. /3
A good example of an individual who excels in their ability to CREATE space is Cheslin Kolbe's try for Toulouse against Ulster. /4
Upon receiving the ball close to the touchline, Kolbe 'perceives' that he will need to utilise his ability to CREATE space in order to create separation from the defender and maximise his likelihood of scoring. /5
Kolbe relies on his ability to decelerate and rapidly change direction to 'misdirect' the Ulster defender and create the separation and space necessary to score.
This is an extreme example as Kolbe possesses the nastiest step in world rugby /6
This is an extreme example as Kolbe possesses the nastiest step in world rugby /6
In contrast, my new favourite French winger, Gabin Villière's try against Italy is a good example of his ability to ATTACK or TAKE space. /7
Following the lineout, Villière receives the ball and immediately recognises the large gap in the Italian defensive line.
Villière uses his acceleration to attack this space left by the Italian forwards and separate himself from the overwhelmed Italian backfield /8
Villière uses his acceleration to attack this space left by the Italian forwards and separate himself from the overwhelmed Italian backfield /8
Another good example of this is Duhan van der Merwe's try vs. Ireland.
Similarly, the winger immediately recognises the space in the Irish line and ATTACKS it. /9
Similarly, the winger immediately recognises the space in the Irish line and ATTACKS it. /9
He's been doing this over the last year for Edinburgh in the Pro14 and it's no surprise he's recording obscene numbers of line breaks, tackle breaks, and scoring tries for fun.
I'd argue he's even a darkhorse shout for the 2021 Lions tour? /10
I'd argue he's even a darkhorse shout for the 2021 Lions tour? /10
In summary, the ability to CREATE and ATTACK space are skills within rugby.
S&C coaches should work with technical coaches to develop an athlete's ability to perceive space/opportunity and build up an arsenal of strong agility skills that athletes can utilise /11
S&C coaches should work with technical coaches to develop an athlete's ability to perceive space/opportunity and build up an arsenal of strong agility skills that athletes can utilise /11
My thoughts on this topic are heavily inspired by @RUGBY_STR_COACH and the all new Rugby Strength Coach Agility & Grapple Template is available now. /12
https://rugbystrengthcoach.pages.ontraport.net/agility-template?orid=11612&opid=33
https://rugbystrengthcoach.pages.ontraport.net/agility-template?orid=11612&opid=33
