Holistic Exploration of Training Design and Periodisation in Professional Rugby League – A Case Study
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2022
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Within rugby league, coaches and support staff carefully prescribe training to prepare players for the multifaceted (physical, technical and tactical) demands of performance. In particular, recent periodisation strategies seek to concurrently develop these requirements, while centrally focussing on the tactical elements of performance (i.e., tactical periodisation). A scoping and narrative review was conducted, identifying gaps in understanding the multifaceted demands of rugby league training and a lack of empirical evidence investigating tactical periodisation frameworks. Accordingly, it was apparent there had been no investigations on how coaches plan and prescribe the tactical elements of training.
To meet these research gaps, a series of seven studies was developed. Findings discerned eight overarching components and six central types of drills conducted throughout the season. Two overarching weekly trends of tactical prescription in the lead up to match performance were also revealed, with only one variable increasing throughout the competition season and two variables varying for difficulty of upcoming opponent. Collectively, this thesis provides an investigative and innovative research approach, delivering new information to form a holistic preparation framework and assist training design. Future investigations are encouraged to examine factors that underpin the coaches’ prescription and assess these relationships within training and performance.
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