Optimization of the training process of U-21 rugby players using visualization of physical and technical fitness models

The need to create and visualize model indicators of rugby players’ sports fitness over many years of improvement creates the prerequisites for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the competitive process. To determine model indicators of sports fitness, the competitive results of 10 rugby players from the list of potential reserves and candidates for the U-21 national team of Ukraine were recorded. Model indicators of sports fitness of highly qualified rugby players were determined taking in to account the testing results of the main squad players of the national team of Ukraine. Based on the test results, indicators of general physical fitness were determined: speed, speed-strength, strength abilities, endurance, and special physical fitness of rugby players. Visualized model indicators of physical and technical fitness of rugby players of different playing specializations were determined based on the selection of specific test exercises. These visualized models create the prerequisites for a rational assessment of the current levels of development of the main motor abilities of rugby players and their compliance with the model characteristics of the competitive process. A comparative analysis of sports fitness indicators showed that the current level of general physical fitness of U-21 rugby players is about 95% of the model values of highly qualified rugby players; the current level of special physical fitness is approximately ≈ 98%; and the current level of technical fitness is about ≈ 94% of the model values of highly qualified players.