STM05 PresentationComparison of Pre-season Preparation in Rugby Union

Tony O’Brien MSc, MSc, BA (Hons), Cert Ed.

Overview

•Gamble (2004): Trainer of London Irish•Hypertrophy – Off season x 2 Wks,•Hypertrophy – Strength x 8 Wks•Power - 3 Wks•Total = 13•Corcoran & Bird (2009)•Hypertrophy – 8 Wks•Strength – 6 Wks•Power – 6 Wks•Total = 20

Programme Design• RU – primary possession areas demands

specialisation.• Different positions lie on various points of the

strength/speed continuum.Adaptation of F-V curve with inclusion of terms (Verkhoshansky, 1966)

Hypertrophy & Strength

Strength (Poliquin, 1988)(Komi, 1986)(Stone, 2003)

Strength

Hypertrophy

Volume

Exercise Selection: Strength

• Gamble:• Strength cycle 1: 1 x upper body, 2 x lower, 1

x assistance.• Strength cycle 2: 1 x whole body, 1 upper

body, 1 x lower body, 1 x assistance.• Corcoran & Bird:• Strength cycle 1: 2 x lower body, 1 x upper

body, 2 x upper body, 1 x lower body.• Strength cycle 2: 2 x lower body, 1 x upper

body, 2 x upper body, 1 x lower body.

Exercise Selection: StrengthExercise selection it can dictate the mechanical

specificity of the training (Kawamori & Haff, 2004).

Stone, Pilsk and Collins (2002)transfer of training effects is high when the training exercise is mechanically similar to the actual performance.

Multi- joint exercises for power development will enhance athletic performance (Newton & Kraemer, 1994).

Strength & Power

80-90% 1RM30% 1RM

Reduction in Volume 62% (non-progressive)

Volume

Corcoran & Bird Power(2009)

(Haff et al., 1997)(Behm & Sale, 1993)(Kawamori & Newton, 2004)

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