Effect of visual cues and practice on decision making of touch rugby players

Abstract

Researchers have reported that appropriate decision making involves an understanding of choices between options and performing appropriate actions. The ability to identify visual cues that improve decision making and performance is beneficial for sport; however, after a thorough perusal, virtually no published information is available on visual training, decision making and touch rugby. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of visual cues and practice on decision making of touch rugby players. A convenience sample of 18 South African provincial touch rugby players were selected and divided randomly into three groups. Groups were required to analyze touch rugby-specific situations from video clips and determine the best decision for each one. Group 1 participated in a physical training session based on defense in touch rugby and a visual training session which involved analyzing defense patterns. Group 2 only participated in a physical training session based on defense. Group 3 acted as a control and was not involved in any additional training sessions. Results from a Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that there was no significant difference between the pre-test of the three groups. There was, however, a significant difference in the post-test among the three groups in terms of body positioning, field positioning, response time and verbal communication with reference to decision making in touch rugby. It is recommended that additional research that replicates the research design be performed in order to construct more definitive interventions for decision making in touch rugby.