Some thoughts, plots & questions on Anaerobic Speed Reserve (ASR) in rugby union.

Max Sprint Speed (MSS) derived from GPS.
Max Aerobic Speed (MAS) calculated via 1200m shuttle test.

Relationship between MSS & MAS is large (r=0.6)

Quadrant lines represent group averages:
MSS = 9.2
MAS = 4.7

This r/l doesn't tell us too much as there is high variability between positions (as we might expect).

Quadrant lines here are still group averages.

R/L diminishes across the board (apart from 2nd Row) -why?

ASR shows high variability between & within position.

Individualised approach necessary? But with eyes on what the position demands?

Body mass (BM) definitely seems to have a large influence on MSS (r=-0.64).

BM also has an effect on MAS (r=-0.69) from an overall group perspective.

Again some high variation between positions

Different way of looking at it by Position, with individual correlation values.

The use of Momentum might be appropriate.
What jumps out here?

What does top right suggest? High momentum & repeatability? Ball carrying positions?

Or just a different way of looking at Momentum by Position.

A few thoughts:

• Need to look at MSS & MAS, their interaction (ASR) and the influence of BM.

• High positional variability in ASR & Momentum; prepare & develop physical qualities accordingly.

A few questions:

• How would ASR influence your management of athletes over MSS & MAS alone?

• What is your interpretation of Momentum & MAS charts?

• Do consider either ASR or momentum for your conditioning of athletes?

• What else?