Does Fast Defensive Line Speed Influence Tackling Proficiency in Collision Sport Athletes?

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of increased line speed on tackling proficiency in collision-sport athletes. Eleven collision-sport athletes (mean ± SD age, 25.5 ± 4.7 yr) underwent a one-on-one tackling drill in a 10 m grid Video footage was taken from the rear, side and front of the defending player. In random order, players underwent a self-paced tackling assessment (i.e., slow-moderate speed) and a tackling assessment with enforced line-speed (i.e., fast speed). Tackling proficiency was assessed using standardised technical criteria. Movement speed into the contact zone was significantly faster (p < 0.05, effect size, ES = 2.00) in the enforced line-speed (3.8 ± 0.3 m/s) condition than the self-paced (3.2 ± 0.3 m/s) line-speed condition. Fast line-speed significantly reduced (p < 0.05, ES = 1.00) the tackling proficiency of players, with tackling players having a reduced ability to maintain a square/aligned body position (p < 0.05, ES = 1.18), make initial contact with the shoulder (p < 0.05, ES = 0.77), and watch the target onto the shoulder (p < 0.05, ES = 0.61). Moderate effect size differences (p > 0.05, ES = 0.51) were detected between the self-paced and enforced line-speed conditions for the ability of players to contact the target in the centre of gravity. The results of this study demonstrate that fast line-speed reduces tackling proficiency in collision-sport athletes. Coaches employing defensive strategies that rely on fast line-speed should also ensure to practice effective tackling technique under these conditions.