Sports Rugby

The ruck is formed in rugby when players from each team make scrum formation over the ball in an attempt to gain possession by foot.   The physical contact is made with the opposition and the stronger scrum formation drives over the ball on the ground until it is behind their feet.

In the ruck players do not need to take their scrum positions.  Those players first to the ball form the front row.  The body is kept low using strong grips.  All forwards watch the ball and apply weight in the best position to clear the ball.

The best ruck is when your team are first to the ball in the greatest numbers, getting quick possession while the opposition is off balance and out of position.

In rugby, the ruck and maul are key platforms for launching an attack from second phase play.  In a ruck the players are attempting to gain possession of the ball on the ground, usually by foot. 

In a maul the players attempt to gain possession of the ball off the ground or by hand.  A ruck may become a maul or a maul may become a ruck. 

The essence of good rucking is the players’ body position which should be low, with the back horizontal and the feet in a pushing stance, not too wide apart and having weight on the toes.

The ruck is a key piece of play in a rugby game and good rucking can keep a team on to of the game.

So you have decided that you would quite like to play rugby – now what type of Rugby do you want to play – will it be Rugby Union or Rugby League?

Well here are some of the main differences –

Rugby Union has lineouts; rugby league doesn’t.

Rugby Union has unlimited tackles. In Rugby League, the attacking team has a limit of six tackles to do whatever they can with the ball. After the sixth tackle, the ball is handed over to the opposition; they then have six tackles to do whatever they like. And so it goes on.

In Rugby Union, a tackled player must let go of the ball, whereas in league, a tackled player can retain possession.

One of the other differences, one less likely to affect your choice as to which to play, is that Rugby Union has 15 players and Rugby League only has 13 players.

The half-back is the vital link between the rugby team forwards and backs. The person who plays in this position must be agile, strong, and mentally alert also having the skill to deliver a variety of passes with speed, distance and accuracy.

Each pass needs to be controlled and without waste movement while different situations will dictate the type of pass to be used.

An understanding and flow must exist between the No. 8, the half-back and the first five-eighth. It is essential to the development of effective attacking play.

A half-back must master a variety of kicks, the ability to break and also have a sound defensive ability especially with huge forwards attacking him. (That’s where the agility comes in). Confidence is paramount in this position and mastery plus, of all skills.

When rugby teams are chosen, the first player chosen is the half-back. Agility and quickness as both a physical and mental quality is important for this position.

The speed of the half-back gives the extra second for a drop goal or an advance of play by the back-line.

Capable hands are another essential. The half-back handles the ball often and awkward fingers will strangle your teams attacking efforts before they begin.

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How to Play Rugby

Learn how to take a rugby ball into a tackle safely with advanced tips and techniques in this free online sports video.

Expert: Alex Baer Contact: www.maggots.org Bio: Alex Baer has played rugby for college and the Missoula Maggots for 10 years and is a certified coach. Filmmaker: Paige Williams

Duration : 0:1:7

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To view video, click

on the post title

How to Play Rugby

Learn how to catch a kick in rugby with advanced tips and techniques in this free online sports video.

Expert: Alex Baer Contact: www.maggots.org Bio: Alex Baer has played rugby for college and the Missoula Maggots for 10 years and is a certified coach. Filmmaker: Paige Williams

Duration : 0:1:13

Read the rest of this entry »

I experienced 12 years of junior rugby union in the heart of Reds territory during the 1970’s and 1980’s at club and school (GPS) levels. Ballimore were the halo grounds we kids dreamt of playing on at the end of the season during the finals. I was particularly blessed and had numerous runs onto the concave surface representing the Kenmore Bears Rugby Union Club, as a halfback. Because of these experiences and the dedication of my coach from Under 7 to Under 13, I decided to give something back to the game I loved and coach a junior rugby union team, modelled on how I was coached.

The first year I coached the Under 9 Wests Junior Rugby Union team. Being in control of 15+ Under 9 was an eye opener, particularly for a 24 year old who had no babysitting experience! A well planned session based on my Queensland Rugby coaching manual, “The Game Played in Heaven”, which included large varieties of stretches/fitness & skill drills/games/moves…, created an exciting, informative and smooth running session for all. It was a great reward to see the players improving every week, building in confidence and skills. We had a number of losses at the start, however, we came back and beat most of the teams in the second round and found ourselves at the top of the ladder at the end of the year. With great disappointment, my 2 year of coaching the same team, Under 10’s now, was cut short with work commitments. Their progress through the first part of the year was admirable. They had become a champion team.

Our Kenmore Bears, back when I was playing, were a champion team too! What qualities do a champion Rugby Union team display? Every training session and every match day my coach and I installed 7 important traits on our team:

1. Go Forward – The aim of the game is to put the ball over the try line. This can only be achieved by going forward. Through the middle is the fastest way!

2. Protect the Ball – You can’t go forward and score a try without the ball, nor can the opposition! Secure that ball.

3. Support the Ball Carrier – Give the ball carrier options and don’t let him get isolated!

4. Continuity – Continuous/Exciting play is a result of going forward, protecting the ball and supporting the ball carrier!

5. Fair Play – Penalties just gives the ball and territory to the opposition!

6. Versatility – Players given the opportunity to play in numerous positions create a greater scope and skills of the game.

7. Most important, Have Fun!

Good Coaching!

By Darrin Read

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darrin_Read http://EzineArticles.com/?Coaching-Junior-Rugby—The-7-Traits-of-a-Champion-Team&id=1134473

Video of huge rugby hits!

What position in Rugby would someone with these stats most likely play? He’s 6’2, 215, Quarterback build (he’s been a high school quarterback for the last couple of years). He’s pretty fast, really strong (he’s hard to sack), and has good hands.

Thanks!

I’ve been playing rugby for the past 7 years I would recommend going out for flanker or scrumhalf and after getting a couple years experience possibly 8 man.. but I would have him start of in the pack or the forwards because of his size and flanker if he’s fast and can tackle.

Can someone give me tips on how to ace my rugby tryouts at school. I can run quite fast but I can’t run for a long period of time, so can someone give me tips on how to run for longer periods of time.

Thanks in advance and by the way, I have no idea how to play rugby so can you keep the answers to easy steps.

Well my tip for you is that you shouldn’t run your hardest until you got the ball or you are trying to tackle your opponent, so throughout the game you should just jog, so you don’t lose your breath.

I know that they are all important but what is the most important in general play. I watch many games of both League and Union but I can never work out who has the real important position. And where do the ‘playmakers’ usually play.

I am an AFL fan but I want to learn more about the Rugby codes. Dont worry, I wont be a convert!

The playmakers are for – rugby league: halfback, number 7 and 5/8 (five-eighth), number 6. – rugby union: fly half or 5/8 (five-eighth), number 10

These playmakers would be the most important for each code.