A Kinematic Analysis of a Rugby Spin Pass

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Author
Philips, Connor
Date
2015Type
Thesis
Publisher
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Passing is a predominant skill in rugby and considered the most important skill in
attack. The ability to spin pass accurately is also considered an indicator of
performance. With such little research conducted on the rugby spin pass the main
aim of this study was to identify the kinematic movements that define a good or bad
pass. The second aim was to, objectively, identify the sequential process of
movement. The third aim was to identify dynamical systems theory, when applied to
the rugby spin pass. Three participants undertook ten static passes from their
favoured and unfavoured hand to targets at eight and 12 metres away. Video and
CODA motion analysis were used to quantify the ball speed at release and kinematic
measures such as joint angles and joint angular velocity. Results indicate no angular
difference between hit and miss trials. The dominant and non-dominant wrist angular
rotations demonstrated the largest difference peaking at -13 and 28° respectively.
However, on a basis of larger ball release velocities (Participant one 3.5 ± 0.8m/s,
participant two 3.5 ± 0.7m/s, participant three 4.9 ± 0.5m/s) and a greater accuracy
(participant one 30/40 hits, participant two 28/40 hits, participant three 35/40 hits),
participant three was identified as skilled with participant one and two, unskilled. The
skilled participant demonstrated angular differences, across all variables measured
against the unskilled participant, suggesting there is a movement that is more likely
to be successful. The main finding of the study was the identification of the pull
motion towards the end of the movement. Previously the understanding of getting
low during the passing movement were to increase stability and in turn increase
accuracy. However, extension of the trunk beginning between 85-88% of the
movement and continuing to increase in velocity till 100%, contradicts the stability
theory due to the raise in height decreasing stability. The follow through movement
did not occur as there was flexion of the elbows between 86-87% of the movement
and continued to increase in velocity till 100% of the movement. It cannot be said at
this stage in the research that dynamical systems theory is or is not applicable to the
rugby pass due to the limitations of the study.
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