Tactical and technical indicators in wheelchair rugby: a preliminary analysis of elite Brazilian teams
Abstract
Although ample evidence demonstrates that tactical and technical indicators play a pivotal role in match analysis, a consensus on the most effective predictors of success in wheelchair rugby (WR) remains elusive. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze potential tactical-technical indicators of points scored and match outcomes in WR among elite Brazilian teams. Notational analysis was conducted on the semifinals and finals matches of the “II Copa dos Campeões de Rugby em Cadeira de Rodas”, using the Lince 1.4 software. Tactical-technical performance indicators were evaluated by decision-making quality and overall game efficiencies and frequencies. Fisher's exact test evaluated the association between decision-making quality and score outcomes, while an independent t-test compared performance differences between winning and losing teams. Appropriate decision-making for pass, reception, and throw-in was statistically associated with a successful try outcome (P<0.05). Regarding the performance parameter efficiencies between winning and losing teams, large and very large effects in favor of winning were identified for steals/interceptions (d= 1.2) and throw-ins (d= 2.4), respectively. In conclusion, strategic decision-making related to passing, receiving, and the throw-in seems to be essential for scoring tries. Moreover, throw-in efficiency and steals/interceptions emerged as possible performance indicators among elite Brazilian teams.
