The effect of speed and endurance training on maximum strength, power and maximum speed indicators in rugby players

Purpose: the aim of this study is to investigate how speed and endurance training will affect the physical abilities in rugby players. Hypotheses - we presume that -three weeks of speed training will have positive effect on power and speed indicators and may affect negatively maximum strength indicators in rugby players. -three weeks of endurance training for rugby players, will affect all three previously mentioned physical indicators negatively. The objectives of the research: 1. Determine how three weeks of speed training will affect the following factors in rugby players: maximal strength (1RM squat with „Smith machine“), power (30 metres dash), speed (30 metres dash with flying start). 2. Investigate how three weeks of endurance training will affect the following factors in rugby players: maximal strength (1RM squat with „Smith machine“), power (30 metres dash), speed (30 metres dash with flying start). Results. Results of the first research demonstrated that three weeks of speed training had tendency to positively influence: speed from 3,72 ± 0,27 s, to 3,65 ± 0,21 s and also power from 4,22 ± 0,26 s, to 4,17 ± 0,24 s, but no significant changes were found (p > 0,05). Maximum strength indicators significantly (p 0,05). Maximum strength and speed indicators statistically significantly (p < 0,05) decreased after three weeks endurance training programme, from: 99 ± 6,99 kg, to 90 ± 8,5 kg and from 3,65 ± 0,18 s to 3,76 ± 0,18 s. Conclusions. 1. Three weeks of speed training had tendency to positively influence speed and power indicators and had statistical significant negative effect on maximum strength indicators in rugby players. 2. Three weeks of endurance training had tendency to negatively influence power indicators and had statistical significant negative effect on maximum strength and speed indicators in rugby players