Speed
Speed is the ability to move the body, or a portion of the body, quickly. (Power, a concept much discussed in relation to the modern game, is the ability to exert a large force quickly, and is therefore a product of speed and strength). When undertaking training to improve the speed of players, the Fitness Advisor (or coach) should consider the training to improve the elements of reaction time, acceleration, and sprinting technique, all of which should be incorporated into the training programme.
Similarly, the coach should remember that rugby is not a sport that requires players to run in straight lines on every occasion. Therefore, practice drills cannot simply be borrowed from the realm of the athletics sprint coach. Consideration should be given to the nature of the sprint patterns commonly required for each position, (distances to be run, angles of running), the body positions from which players will be required to achieve maximum pace (standing or sprint starts are not appropriate), and the need for players to be able to change the direction, or angle of there run without losing pace (agility).
The Example drills illustrated within each section have been modified to allow for the role demands of individual positions within the game. Coaches should also bear in mind that players also need to be familiar with running at maximal speeds whilst carrying a ball, as required in the game, therefore a percentage of sprint practices should be practised with the ball "in hand".
|
