Detailed descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of each position. Click on a number or position name for more info.
 

   Forwards:

Front Row: Props and Hooker

Second Row

Back Row: Flankers and 8- Man)

Midfield:

Scrum Half

Outside (Fly) Half

Backs:

Centers

Wings/Fullback
 

THE FRONT ROW:

The front row is made up of two props and a hooker, the hooker being flanked by a loose-head and a tight-head prop. They are, perhaps, smaller versions of lock forwards, but with entirely different jobs. Both props and hooker require special qualities and skills. It takes a long time -many years- to learn to play in the front row, and each stage of learning (ie. school, youth and senior rugby) can be different but important.
There are certain basic skills which are essential, but there are also specific techniques gained through experience. In gaining that experience a player has to select the techniques which suit his physique, strength, ability and attitude. Most International players have something special. Not only are they highly skilful but they have character. They are a special breed. To become a member of the front row club is to be accepted as a player of merit. The front row is a strong unit, a relationship, in which it is essential that everyone pulls together and share ideas. Front rows have a deep respect for one another and for worthy opponents.

Individual qualities:

1). Strength, power and muscular endurance.
2). Skills- scrummaging, lineout, open play.

Strength, power and muscular endurance: Front row forwards have to be aggressive, to want and accept physical contact. In scrummaging, in particular, they come into direct physical confrontation with the opposition. They have to sacrifice themselves on many occasions to winning the ball, in fact, to give total commitment. To achieve this, not only has their attitude to be right, but they need strength, power and endurance. They have to be strong in certain areas of the body and be able to apply this strength effectively and for a long time.

a). Neck and upper back:
In scrummaging and driving in rucks and mauls the neck and shoulders are the first to make contact and take the brunt of the opposition’s force. The neck muscles have to lift the head and keep it up for as long as the scrum lasts. They cannot relax for a moment, otherwise the head drops and the back becomes rounded. This is bad technique, and will eventually cause back strain. Players must learn good techniques from the beginning This will help to keep the neck strong, but additional exercises are essential. Against a stronger player adopt a different technique or a different position but avoid undue suffering.

b). Arms and shoulders:
Scrummaging requires constant gripping and strong binding. This involves continual use of the lower arm to grip, squeeze tightly and pull in for a close, strong, front row. The upper arms and shoulders help to maintain this position for as long as possible by means of slightly flexed elbows. This position is extremely strength sapping, as any forward will tell you. Again, it is easy to lose concentration and relax, which will immediately cause the scrum to become loose. Concentration for the ball in mauls, turning opponents and ripping the ball away fiercely require strength, which makes the job of winning the ball easier.

c). Legs, stomach and lower back:
A strong foot position in scrummaging is extremely important, but to maintain it requires tremendous lower body strength. A scrum tends to move about and players jockey for position. This can be fatal for the side putting in the ball. The hooker needs the scrum to be steady. He cannot settle himself to strike for the ball if the scrum is moving. The power to drive opponents in scrums, rucks and mauls comes from the legs. Many players try to push with the upper part of the body instead of the legs. A strong body is one able to cope with heavy loads, to withstand severe stresses and strains. A powerful body is one which can use this strength at speed to drive, to maul, to ruck. These are essential in a contact game/

Skills:

The most important area is the scrum. Players are selected for their expertise in this area, so practice in developing these skills is vital.
Remember to get into position first, before your opponent, concentrating on (i) feet, (ii) grip, (iii) head and shoulders.

Practice for front-row players:

1). Concentrate on technique with scrum machine.
2). Push machine varying distances and sprint back to starting line.
3). As above but against partner. Partner to offer only sufficient resistance.
4)" Leapfrog scrummaging" 1v 1, or 2 v 2 or 3 v 3. All line up along the half-way line. No. 1 scrummages against No 2 for 5 to 10 seconds, then against 3, 4, 5. etc.. No 2 follows on, then No 3. After scrummaging against the last man, take turn in line.
5). Scrummage against two opponents for 15 seconds. Run 20 metres, repeat. Time 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
6). Hooker practices with scrum-half on timing of put-in etc..
7). As 6, but against wall, getting lower each time. This is vital to
compensate for different levels of scrums by opposition.
8). Lineout- all front row practice throwing.
9). Practice with jumpers.
10). Practice winning ball particularly at No 1 eg. leave a space at the front of lineout. Move into it as ball is thrown.

Open play:

Like the Locks, develop your handling skills. Play basketball, practice with backs. Learn to dummy pass, sidestep, etc. The modern game demands running and handling from the front row.

Props:
1. Must keep the scrum up and push
2. Good leg position for locks to push on.
3. Effective block and support for lineout jumpers.
4. Good body position- must be in second phase and driving forward.
5. Aggressive with the ball in hand.....pick and go, pick and pop, fend, no turnovers.

Tight-head Prop:

The Tight-head prop is the anchorman in the scrum and leads the attack on the opposition. He must be a rock-solid scrummager. Total concentration at the scrum is required to be effective, making the scrum an attacking weapon, wearing down opposition as the match progresses.
In today’s modern fast dynamic game it is essential that the two props get to the breakdown quickly (the first few meters are important from set play) and make their presence felt with the binding and driving, strong mauling, the occasional pick-and-go and as a runner off second phase ball. Strength and timing as they assist the jumpers in the lineout is important. He should be dedicated to training in the Gym to obtain the competitive edge. Going backwards in scrums should not be an option. Good scrummaging + good rucks and mauls.

Hooker:

A good scrum at the top level now brings an enormous amount to bear on the opposition front row. Most of this is channeled onto the hooker to make hooking the ball as difficult as possible. The main requirement of a hooker now is that he is physically strong enough to take the strain. Hooking technique, although important, is second now to the accuracy and consistent throwing of the ball into the lineout . Achieving precision requires hours of practice to master the different types of throws such as the lob or flat throw, and adjust them to different types of jumps- forward or back. Being mobile is important - in effect another back row player- and being comfortable with the ball in hand. He must also be a strong scrummager, strong runner and competitive. One of the most vital positions in the team, having to make important decisions at scrum and lineout time.

1. Accurate lineout thrower- he is the most important player of the lineout
2. At scrum he must pressure the opposition.
3. Operates like a loose forward.
4. Must tackle and cover on the blindside (lineout).

Loose-head Prop:

Priorities are generally the same as the tighthead but more of a defensive role, aiming to give the hooker a clear view of the ball for the strike. Being on the outside of the scrum he is also better positioned to get quickly to the breakdown.

Front row binding:

Hooker holds hands overhead.
Loose-head binds round on the hookers shirt.
Tight- head binds round on the hookers shorts.
Hooker binds over both Props and grabs jerseys at armpits.
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2ND ROW:

Locks are regarded as the powerhouse of the pack because usually they are the biggest men in the team. This is not absolutely necessary, but it is a decided advantage because of the specific job they are expected to do. However, because a player is big it does not follow that he will automatically be good. A good lock is one who can use his size effectively, which means developing strength, stamina and skill.
It is perhaps more difficult for big players to improve in these areas compared with the rest of the team, to carry their huge frame around the field at speed and with skill. But the sight of a lock forward soaring above everyone in the lineout (no lifting!) and plucking the ball out of the sky is just as exciting as a sidestep from a back. Perhaps a lock has to work harder before people will recognize and applaud his skill, but nevertheless his contribution to the team is vital. He gives a sense of strength, stability and power, and in the physical contact game these things are essential.

Individual qualities:
1. Power- the ability to project the body at speed
2. Skills- scrummaging, lineout ( handling, running, contact)

Power:
Speed and strength are the two components which make up power and are essential to a lock forward. The stronger the player, the better equipped he is for a physical contact game, and a fast, strong player has a great advantage. Speed is not just running speed, although obviously is a tremendous asset. Power as applied to a lock forward is the ability to move the body from a static position as fast as possible- an explosive action.
There are something like 90 set pieces- scrums and lineouts - in the game of rugby football, 90 occasions when power can be devastating. In the scrummage there must be the ability to explode, as in the snap-shove, to push back the opposition suddenly and quickly, and in a lineout the ability to leap a meter in the air after the ball. This power, is a tremendous asset to any lock forward. Add to this the driving in rucks and mauls and you can see that a good powerful lock forward will be a tremendous aid to his side. Anyone can achieve power by proper training, but it is not achieved overnight. Continuous hard work is essential, but the rewards are worthwhile. Internationals have to work very hard, and on their own, to achieve the sort of power needed at that level. The higher up the ladder a player climbs, not only is the skill greater, but the strength, speed and power are more devastating.
Power is an essential quality of any lock forward at any level, but unfortunately many do not work to increase it. Many players spend hours at technique practices without realizing that their limitations stem from lack of power, the ability to get to the ball fast enough. Technique is very important, but skill is what is needed, and that includes power.

Scrum:
Remember the key points: 1. Feet, 2. grip (binding), 3. head and shoulders. The scrum is a very important part of the game, and good scrummaging by the locks can be vital to its success.

Lineout:
Remember pride is important, pride in wanting to win every ball. Develop ways of winning the ball by practicing with the thrower- this is essential. Good ball won at the lineout can be so important to the backs. Remember you dictate to the thrower.

Practice for the scrum:
1. Work as often as possible with locks and props.
2. Build up technique on a scrummaging machine, if available.
3. With a partner, push scrum machine from goal line to 22m line, run back to goal line and return. Push machine back. Count how many times you can do this in five minutes. Distance and time to be dependant on age.
4. As 3, but try to beat the number or increase time.
5. As above but with complete front row.
6. Repeat above but with opposition.
7. Practice snap-shove against groups of opposition.
8. As above, but work on "locking" against three or four different groups.

Practice for the lineout:

1. Work on technique with thrower.
2. Test technique against opposition to build up skill.
3. Start on goal line and work around the field ie. 22m line, 10m line, etc. Sprint from one lineout to the next.
4. Work against a number of different players alternately.
5. Work on leg power, for example, standing jumps, two-handed, as many balls thrown as possible to one minute. Try to improve standing vertical jump. Get someone to measure it.

Defense:

Defense, like attack, is an attitude of mind, a positive attitude whereby the object is to regain possession of the ball. Again this calls for a tactical appreciation of the opposition and therefore continual concentration is essential. This means analyzing the opposing team's individual strengths and weaknesses, and acting accordingly. The jumper's responsibility is simply to out-think and out-jump his opposite number by fair means. He has to decide whether the ball is going to be thrown near him, so this needs concentration, and if so, he may try to out-jump his opponent by standing (a) alongside, (b) in front, or (c) behind.
To succeed should be like winning a ball "against the head". Think, too of the effect the lost ball has on the beaten opposition jumper.
Handling, running and contact are also very important skills to be practiced by the lineout player. Any handling activities are useful since a good pair of hands are vital. The game of basketball in particular, can be extremely useful, especially if played with a rugby ball.
Anything outside the scrum and lineout is a bonus for the lock, and should be encouraged. Develop handling and running skills. Increase mobility and suppleness and be aggressive. Rugby is a contact game and a lock forward cannot shy away. He is at the center of things most of the time, either having personal battles or helping his side win the ball.
Driving at rucks and mauls is most important, and the lock forward, more than anybody else, can be effective here. If your job is to drive, then aim to make a tremendous impact on the group of players. This requires an aggressive attitude, pride, confidence and, of course, skill.
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BACK ROW (FLANKERS/8-MAN):

Speed to the breakdown to win or retain possession is essential...reaction ..... make the tackle.... get on your feet..... grab the ball .......going forward....look for support....read the situation....set up ruck/maul! Always looking for the ball.....a good back row is only seconds away from the ball or he has it going forward!

The back row consists of two flankers and a No. 8. Although at times they each have a separate job to do, it is very important that they have an understanding and work as a unit. Certainly, at least one flanker and the No. 8 must at all times work in unison.
Like all players they have to function in attack and defense. They should be winners of possession, users, creators and aggressive in defense. They must have all-round football ability as well as speed and physical strength. They are continually involved in the game, and so fitness is essential . Flankers should learn to play left and right since they can then share responsibilities. In the modern game, it is asking too much of one player to play as the open-side specialist used to.

Individual qualities:
1. Aggression- the acceptance of contact. A feeling for the physical approach to the game
2. Skills- handling, running, contact.
3. Tactical appreciation. An understanding of the game and ability to read the game correctly in attack and defense.

Aggression:
A willingness to accept physical contact is a special quality of a back row player. He has to want to contest ball at every phase of play , to commit himself in rucks, mauls and tackles as well as pushing in scrums. It is not a position for the player who always hangs on the fringes, letting others do the hard work. At times it may be necessary to do this but generally it is a position requiring total commitment.

Handling:
A back row forward more than any other player is concerned with winning and using possession and therefore handling becomes extremely important. In the lineout he is very much a ball winner. The No. 8 is usually the biggest man because of his role in the scrum of having to pull the two locks and to keep the scrum steady. A back row player is required to handle in close-quarter situations and in mauls, to resist tackles, and know when to release and how. At other times, in open play, he is required to handle like a three-quarter and so requires similar skills.

Running:
Running skills too can closely resemble those of a back . The sidestep can be devastating and a dummy pass very effective coming from a forward. Speed is very important to a back row forward in attack and defense. The game has changed considerably in the past decade, requiring the back row to be fitter and faster. A big, fast physical, creative player can be an extremely potent force. Much of the back row player's running is done without the ball, in supporting attacks or pressuring opponents defense. This requires a willingness to work hard. He must decide how best to support: at the side, behind, or whether to be physical in order to maintain possession. In defense, make it difficult for the opponents to use their skills; act quickly, and do not give them time to make the right decision.

Contact:
Being physically strong especially in the arms, is a big advantage, for pushing in scrums, driving and wrestling for the ball in rucks and mauls. Contesting at the lineout and tackling are essential skills to be learnt. Back row forwards are committed physically and have little time to rest. Knowing which tackle to use and when to use it, comes with experience, but this can be facilitated by good practice against opposition. Practice with and against backs. The ball is most important and so gaining possession is vital. Dispossessing an opponent requires a mixture of strength and skill as does turning and isolating him from his own team.

Tactical appreciation:
Knowing how to attack- Back row moves, if done properly, can be very effective. An understanding with one another and with the scrum half is essential. There are many ways of attacking from the scrum but the technique must be mastered first. Continuity is important . Keeping possession of the ball and going forward must always be the objective. A general fault in back row moves is to neglect the second and third passes, the movement often breaks down after the first pass. This is because of lack of practice against opposition.
Knowing when to attack- the right moment , the state of the game, when to vary attack, to take pressure off the backs, to tie in the opposing back row and leave space for your own backs .
Knowing where to attack- what part of the field, where they are weak, which side of the scrum, open or blind?
Knowing which form of attack- which back row move; whether to use a flanker, No. 8 or scrum half, a physical move or a move to create space.
At a lineout, the back row can be very effective ball winners and users. A ball won at the back can be extremely useful if used properly, so ways and means must be practiced and exploited in a game at the right time.

In defense:
Communication between one another and the scrum half and continual assessment of the opposing team, particularly the half backs, are essential. Most players are predictable and like to do certain things at certain times. Try to discover their strengths and weaknesses as early as possible and communicate with each other. Look for visual or verbal signals; the way or position in which the fly half stands will help you decide whether he is going to kick or run. Scrum halves generally like to run or kick from the scrum going right, that is the way they are facing. Try to think like the opposing half backs and keep one jump ahead. Concentration is a key word.

Specific duties of back row players:
Flankers-
1. Pack left or right in the scrum
2. Push props inward and aid channeling the ball.
3. Creative role as a ball carrier to gain ground by going forward.
4. Support: nearer flanker on inside of backs, further flanker as close as possible, but behind for depth.
5. In defense, stay down as long as possible to aid drive and be close to any break by opposing forward or scrum half.
6. Stay down as long as possible and move forward to pincer opposing ball carrier, scrum half or forward; ie. take the first
man.
7. Follow ball across the field, pushing opposing backs toward the touch line.

No. 8 :
1. Push and bind locks tight.
2. Control ball at the back of the scrum.
3. Creative role: as a ball carrier or supporter of flanker/scrum half by going forward.
4. Support flanker as closely as possible and go after the ball.
5. In defense, push as long as possible, then take second man or follow the flanker to force the backs across the field.
Be positive, play the game as far as possible over the gain line; keep possession or regain possession and be fit . Remember, in practice sessions, developing individual skills, improving strengths and weaknesses is important. Work with forwards to develop aggression and contact and with the backs for handling and running. Work in game-like situations to develop positional sense, judgment, support and tactical awareness. Above all, work as often as possible with other back row forwards to develop a close understanding.
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SCRUM HALF:

This position is the most critical on the field.....the scrum-half must recognize the immediate game situation and instantly adjust/decide on the play to gain his side the advantage going forward.

The scrum half and outside half are key players because they are the links between forwards and backs and must make decisions continually. They have special skills and greatly influence not only the play of the back line but the play of the whole team.
The scrum half is the pivot of the team and outside half is the pivot of the back line, which means that complete understanding between them is vital. They are involved more than anyone else in the game, so one of their priorities is to turn potential advantage of possession into actual advantage. These are special positions and require special players.

Individual qualities:
1. Attitude -what sort of player do you want to be and what sort of game do you want to play.
2. Skills- handling, running, kicking, contact.
3. Tactical appreciation.

Attitude:
Because he is usually the first decision-maker , his attitude and philosophy will play an important part in the type of game the team plays. He could decide whether his team plays 9-man or 15-man rugby. Similarly his attitude will determine what kind of player he wants to be. To play team rugby requires a large number of skills and makes for a more complete player. In turn this requires dedication: the enthusiasm to improve individual skills. Scrum half is perhaps the position which requires the most specialist skills of any.

Handling:
Key factors: (1) FOOT POSITIONING (2) HAND POSITIONING (3) SPEED (4) ACCURACY
Passing is the most important skill of the scrum half. He has to learn more
He has to learn more types of pass than any other player. He must learn to pass with left and right hand both ways.

Passing from the scrum:
1. The main fault of scrum halves is not getting their feet in the right position. They tend to move the hands to the ball first instead of the feet. Wrong positioning of the feet will affect everything else.
2. The correct positioning of the hands on the ball (grip) gives passing that extra control.
3. Do not sacrifice speed for length. Learn to get the ball away from the ground without any backward movement of the hands. Use wrists and fingers. The outside half would much prefer a quick ball. Length comes later.
4. Pass the ball according to the wishes of the receiver, usually in front of him. Accuracy can give extra time and space.
Spin pass: This is used for length to give the outside half extra space. There are three key points to remember (1) have the back foot close to the ball, (2) have the dominant hand near the back of the ball, (3) move the ball from the position of pick-up and sweep it away using the wrists and fingers.

Sweep pass: As spin pass except for positioning of hands. The ball should be held as for the basic pass. Speed is achieved through the use of wrists and fingers.

Dive pass: For a ball moving towards the receiver. Feet should be close to the ball, hands underneath. Use momentum of body for speed and length.

Pivot pass: For quick change of direction. Have front foot near ball, hands as for spin pass. Use pivot of body for speed and length. Sweep ball away using wrists and fingers.

Basic pass: Usually a shorter pass and used when running. Wrists and fingers must be used for control.

The same key factors apply when passing from a lineout. The only difference is that the pass is usually given with the ball already off the ground. This should make the pass easier and faster. Practice is of paramount importance. Speed and accuracy are vital. Set up targets to aim at when practicing alone e.g. circles on walls, posts, beams in a gym.
Putting the ball into the scrum is also a handling skill and essential. Practice timing and speed with hooker. Also workout signals.

Running:
Much of the scrum half's running comes from standing starts so he must practice these. Change of pace can be so important. Practice picking up from a scrum, bursting away and breaking tackles.

Kicking:
Practice with both feet. If a scrum half is left-footed then he must learn to kick with the right foot. A left-footed scrum half is a great disadvantage because the ball is put in from the left-hand side of the scrum. The two main kicks are the high punt and grubber. Practice picking up from the ground and punting high over scrum or lineout into effective areas. Use the 5 yard line as your target and not the touchline, or you may kick directly into touch. Practice kicking a ball over your shoulder, while running back toward our own line. Practice the long diagonal grubber kick behind or over the opposing winger.

Contact:
Being so close to the opposition demands a certain courage and acceptance of physical contact in attack and defense. This requires regular practice against opposition.
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OUTSIDE (FLY) HALF:

Like the scrum half the outside half has a great say in the type of game the team plays. His decisions are crucial. It is much easier to play a tight kicking game than a running game, but a balance is necessary.

Handling:
As with the scrum half he is very much involved in the game, and therefore handling is his first priority. ' He has hands like glue' is said of a player who rarely drops a pass. The outside half must be able to take and give all kinds of passes accurately at varying distances and speeds and under pressure from opposite number and back row, because the success of his three-quarter line depends on it.

Running:
As often as possible he should run with the ball in two hands. Develop the ability to scan the field….. make a conscious effort……. concentrate. Be aware of your positioning at all times and only start moving when the scrum half has the ball in his hands. Sometimes, however, it is better to take the ball standing still, and perhaps draw defenders before running or passing. Running angles are crucial to the success of the backs. Running too flat (towards touch line) will force three-quarters across the field and make their task of penetrating more difficult. Remember, a scrum half's right-handed spin pass from the left side of the field will float away from the outside half adding to the difficulty, whereas a spin pass from the right comes in towards him. The outside half should also take on the opposition at times because this has the effect of taking the pressure off the rest of the backs.

Kicking:
The outside half is expected to be the best tactical kicker in the side, because he has the opportunity to kick; all types of kicks are important. Being able to kick with either foot is a tremendous advantage. If a kick is not accurate possession will be lost. Screw kick, punt, chip (grubber), Garry Owen.

Contact:
 An outside half who is not afraid to be physical by trying to make breaks will set all sorts of problems, especially to the opposing back row. As with other backs, upper leg, hip and abdominal strength is a great advantage in riding tackles.
In defense, a willingness to tackle the opposing outside half is important , as is an understanding with the centers and back row.

Tactical appreciation:
As decision-makers the half backs must be able to read the game and communicate information to the rest of the team. The more correct decisions they make the better the chance of success the team has. In using the ball, concentrate on the defensive weaknesses of the opposition. Watch for poor positional play, weakness in the back row, and exploit them through kicks, change of direction or individual skill. At the same time think of ways of using your own particular strengths. In defense, look at opposing half backs and try to anticipate the tactics.

Look for visual and verbal signals during stoppages in play. Assess the strength of opposing players, which foot they kick with, whether they have a sidestep. etc.. Watch for the full back coming into the line, by his positioning. Judgment is crucial. It demands concentration, confidence, experience, application and an understanding of the gain and tackle line. Half back partnership with good communication is vital. It can be the nerve center of the team.
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CENTER:
The two centers and outside half make up the mid-field trio and so when center play is talked about we must think of these three working together. Centers depend on the outside half to give them ball, so an understanding with him is essential as well as with each other.

Individual qualities:
1. Attitude-self-confidence to exploit the skills of the position.
2. Skills- handling, running, contact, kicking, judgment.
3. Tactical appreciation.

Attitude:
A center must have the belief that any defense can be penetrated at any time. He must have a positive approach and keep looking to create openings.

Handling:
This is the number one priority!! A center must be able to give and take a pass at speed. Concentrate on the key factors using wrist and fingers for speed and control.

Running:
1. Develop ways of beating an opponent and creating gaps by different running angles. A sudden change of pace and direction will beat most players!
2. Keep running in support of the ball-carrier.
3. Keep supporting in defense.

Contact:

1. Learn to ruck and maul and when to assist in WINNING THE BALL!
2. Use hips to break tackles. Do not accept that you are stopped because someone has an arm around you or apiece of your jersey, shrug him off!
3. Midfield must defend close together and in a line - NO GAPS. Tackle with
determination.

Kicking:

Practice, practice, practice.. all types of kicking and with both feet...in particular "the chip" and "grubber"

Judgment:

Knowing when to use your skills, when to exploit the weakness of the opposition, makes a good player. Develop scanning as you run… be aware of what is going on around you.

Tactical Appreciation:

Positional sense and reading of the game should be part of natural development. A center is a creator-concentrate and be aware of changing situations.
1. Test your opposite number early by trying to beat him.
2. As the game progresses, opposing center may get tired and be slow in coming up, so watch for CROOKED DEFENSE!
3. Create opportunities for others around you to use their skills.
4. Look for particular strengths and weaknesses of opposing players, eg. which is side he favors in tackling, kicking, sidestepping .
5. Remember most centers are right-footed and so only like to kick going right…unless you are Brian O'Driscoll !!
6. Use the brain.
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FULL BACK/WINGERS:
The Full back must think more about developing his running and handling skills to increase his repertoire. He remains the last line of defense and must retain his defensive qualities. Opportunities are there to sidestep, swerve and handle like a three-quarter. The opportunities are there for the Winger to be more involved/creative in the game rather than "strolling along" waiting for a pass! Look to get involved, react to ruck and maul situations to assist in securing and maintaining possession. When it looks like your assistance will make a difference it probably will. Straight running at speed down along the touchline is a lethal form of attack giving several options to the ball carrier who also has a sidestep or swerve to throw in and even more when inside support is available. Gain ground going forward and possibly a Try. Think about your game!
These three players are a "back three" complimenting each other in attack and defense. They should be used more to strike from deep lying positions…through gaps created by the three-quarter line and also to defend as the "third line" of defense working together and covering each other. Individual qualities: Attitude- belief and self-confidence to exploit their skills.
Skills- handling, running, kicking, tackling and contact in attack
Positional sense and tactical appreciation.
Courage in defense. Full back and wingers are in excellent positions to read the game and communicate the information to the rest of the backs. Only the very good player is unpredictable
and poses problems. Concentration is the key.....even when the ball is out of play it can prove costly.
It pays to remember that moves are usually attempted between a team's own 10 meter line and the opposing 22 meter line....when play stops watch opposing half-backs…left- footed kicker ? runs left? right- footed? Any mannerisms that may help predict intentions…..bad alignment in coming to tackle....out-half not coming up?
Position of opposing Full back or wingers are they joining the attack? The need to be alert and aware what is going on and where to "fill in" is more essential in the modern game, communication is of the essence.
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