Speed and Agility

What is Speed

Speed plays a crucial part in all field sport games such as rugby. Speed is the ability to move rapidly from one point to another and is influenced by various factors such as force production, running mechanics and neuromuscular coordination. Speed can typically be broken into two main phases:

1. Acceleration

Acceleration is the phase where an athlete builds up speed, which usually occurs within the first 10-30m of a sprint. Acceleration ability is crucial for short bursts of movements, such as in defence when coming off the line to make a tackle or in attack when accelerating through a gap in the defensive line. 

2. Max Velocity

Max velocity is the highest speed that an athlete can sprint. Research has shown that female forwards’ maximal speed is, on average, 22.0km/hr while backs’ maximal speed is 24.4km/hr (Suarez-Arrones et al., 2013). Research has shown that female athletes generally reach their max velocity within 35m (Vescovi, 2012). Max velocity running is especially important for backs during kick chases and during line breaks in attack.