| Abstract [eng] |
Rugby is very demanding, i.e. it is a team sport requiring physical, tactical and various other skills. Activities of rugby players’ performance are very broad. Physical, technical training and fitness are important factors determining efficiency of sports training of rugby players; these factors are also characteristics of fitness (Black et al., 2016; Gabbett, 2012; Smart et al., 2011). Heavy load and high intensity are typical to the course of the match. During the match, the athletes perform many diverse actions of short duration putting the highest efforts and many diverse technique actions requiring both high physical and mental endeavours. A problem question is raised: is it possible to efficiently develop fitness in young rugby players over a 4-week length programme involving performance of plyometric exercises? Research object: efficiency of plyometric exercises. Research hypothesis: a four-week length programme including plyometric exercises can significantly contribute to the fitness of young rugby players. Research aim: to investigate the possibilities for fitness efficiency in young rugby players by performing plyometric exercises. The research is based on the adaptation to physical loads and modern sport training theories. Research methods. The investigation employed the following research methods: analysis and generalisation of scientific literature, expert assessment, testing, experiment, methods of mathematical statistics. The research sample consisted of 23 rugby players of the national team (U–18) (11 defenders and 12 forwards). The players represent the teams of the following Lithuanian cities: Šiauliai, Panevėžys, Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda. Conclusions: 1. The research did not reveal any significant correlation between the rate of young rugby players and many indicators of their physical fitness (10 m run, 40 m run, vertical jump with arm swing, squat holding a weight, barbell push from one’s chest). Only the results of 20 m shuttle run reliably correlated (r = - 0.431; p < 0.05) with the rate of young rugby players. 2. It was found out that the correlation between two skills of technical fitness (ball pass, selection of one’s position in the field during the play) and the rate of young rugby players was close (p < 0.05). The correlation between the ability to make decision in play situations and the rate was low (r = - 0.399; p > 0.05). 3. Over the 4-week experimental period, indicators of their jump height, 10 m and 40 m run, 20 m shuttle run, barbell push from one’s chest and barbell squat in the experimental group significantly improved (p < 0.05). Over the said period, only the indicators of barbell push from one’s chest and barbell squat significantly changed in the control group. Performance of plyometric exercises for 4 weeks 3 times per week is an efficient way to improve fitness in young rugby players during the pre-match period. |
