A Coaching Intervention Using Judo Principles to Reduce Head Impacts in Women’s Rugby Union

This case study used principles from judo for falling and landing to create and deliver a coaching intervention, aiming to promote safe and effective contact technique and reduce head impacts in women’s rugby union. Forty athletes and two coaches at a university club received the intervention, with eleven taking part in focus group and individual interviews evaluating their experiences. Results highlighted the distinct nature of women’s rugby culture, the importance of confidence in contact, supporting players’ safety, and ways to progress coaching interventions for the benefit of the sport. This research can be used to inform future injury prevention strategies which incorporate cross-sport knowledge translation as well as athletes’ and coaches’ perspectives.

https://www.ijf.org/news/show/volume-3-no2-of-the-...