Rugby is a complex and intense sport, played by two teams of 15 players on a field 100 meters long and 70 wide. The basic rules do not require years of study to understand, but you will still need a couple of hours of practice. to understand the structure and game of rugby. The concept behind a match is simple: two teams try to score as many points as possible in two 40-minute halves, trying to score in the half of the field defended by the opponents. The ball can never be passed with the hands forward, but only backwards or to the side, while it is possible to move it forward by kicking it with the feet or running with it. The ball can be retrieved at any time and usually the eight forwards take care of this phase of the game, while the seven back players wait further back. The pack of forwards consists of the two props (1 and 3), the hooker (2), the two second lines (4-5) and the three third lines (6, 7, 8). The backs are the scrum half (9), the opening half (10), the left wing (11), the two centers (12-13), the right wing (14) and the extreme (15)..
However, some explanation is needed to know all the details of the game.
Note:
this article refers to the most common form of rugby, Rugby Union.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Understanding the Basics
Step 1. Win by scoring more points than your opponent
You can score a try, which is worth five points, by bringing the ball into the opposing team's in-goal (the referee can also award penalty tries for infractions committed by a team).
- When a try is scored, the team that scored it has a chance to take a conversion kick which is worth two points.
- Another way of scoring points is with free kicks, which are awarded as a result of a team breaking the rules and are worth three points.
- The last method to score is the drop; in this case the ball is played backwards to one of the backs, who tries to kick it between the posts while the game is in progress, scoring three points.
Step 2. The field is divided into two halves, with two in-goal zones in the final ten meters of both
By bringing the ball into the opposing team's in-goal you score five points and get the right to take a conversion kick which is worth two. The team that scores the most points in 80 minutes of play wins.
- To score in rugby you have to bring the ball to the ground. This means that after entering the in-goal, the ball must touch the ground to score five points.
- You can also kick the ball between the goalposts during the game (with a drop only) or after the referee whistles a free kick for your team to score three points.
Step 3. Learn that the ball can only be passed backwards or to the side
To score a try, the attacking team forms a long horizontal line, passing the ball sideways and backwards until they find a hole in the defense and run forward. This is the most important rule to remember when playing rugby. You cannot pass the ball forward with your hands or you commit an infraction. To execute a pass correctly and forcefully, you usually move the ball in front of the body and throw it diagonally towards a teammate.
- Dropping or losing the ball counts as a forward pass if it hits your hands and then the ground in front of you.
- Of course, you can run forward with the ball in hand. However, you cannot pass the ball forward with your hands.
Step 4. Kick the ball forward to self-throw or pass it to a teammate
While it is never allowed to throw the ball forward with your hands, you can do it with your feet whenever you want. Once the ball is hit, all teammates who were behind you at the time of the kick can run forward and retrieve it without infringing. Kicks are ideal for surprising defenses or sending the ball far away to avoid dangerous situations for your team.
- Players can also self-throw, kicking the ball over an opponent and running forward to try to catch it.
- You cannot kick the ball towards a teammate who is already ahead of you on the field if you do not pass him before he touches it. Only the players who are behind you at the time of the kick can retrieve the ball, the others are offside.
Step 5. Face the ball carrier to stop the opponent's attack
The tackle is the basis of defense in rugby. You can only hit the player who currently has possession of the ball and you cannot touch or block other opponents. When making a tackle, your goal is to get your opponent to the ground as soon as possible, preferably close to teammates who will help you retrieve the ball. General tackle rules include:
- You have to tackle below the shoulder line.
- You have to wrap your hands around the player and can't just hit him with the shoulders.
- You cannot pick up and drop opponents, especially on the head or neck.
- Once you have brought an opponent to the ground, you need to get back on your feet before trying to retrieve the ball.
Step 6. Form a "ruck" when a player is tackled to keep possession of the ball
When a player goes to the ground, he must release the ball. At that point, both teams can try to gain possession of the ball by taking it from the ground. This usually happens in a "ruck", which occurs when 1-3 players from both teams create a small scrum, right over the ball (and the tackled player) and push forward trying to gain possession. One player per team lines up behind the ruck and collects the ball when it appears behind a teammate's heel. Since the tackled player can put the ball on the ground wherever they like, the team that had possession usually keeps it. There are many rules and strategies regarding rucks, but the simplest ones include:
- Stay on your feet. A ruck is formed when at least two players tie at shoulder height above the ball and push opponents away. You can't try to catch the ball or push the ground with your hands.
- Enter from the center. For safety reasons, you must enter the ruck straight and tie yourself up to your opponents. You must be perpendicular to the baseline and your body must be straight over the ball. You cannot enter a ruck diagonally or sideways.
- Stay behind if you don't participate in the ruck. Once the ruck has formed, you must stay behind your last teammate's feet until the ball comes out, regardless of which team wins possession. The entire space occupied by the ruck is a "neutral zone" that no player may enter.
Step 7. Form a scrum to contest the free kicks
When your team commits an infringement (for example passing the ball forward), the referee awards a type of penalty, based on the foul committed. One of the most common is the scrum, in which both teams form two formations and bond over the ball. The scrum is basically a test of strength, in which eight players from each team join in rows to create a unique mass. Then they push against each other, with a tunnel forming between their feet where the ball will pass.
- In the scrum, one team inserts the ball into the center of the lines, then both of them push in an attempt to gain possession.
- The scrums engage all the most impressive players of the teams in a single point of the field, leaving the other seven a lot of free space. The team that wins it often has a chance to gain a lot of ground.
- Scrums are perhaps the most dangerous aspect of rugby and you shouldn't try them without a coach, well trained and fit players.
Step 8. Use the lineout to resume play once the ball leaves the sideline
The referee calls the throw-in (or touch) when the ball crosses the white line that delimits the field laterally. The throw-in is similar to that of a football, with the exception that the ball must be thrown straight. Both teams form a line on the pitch around the pitcher. The team that did not touch the ball last puts it back on the field, throwing it straight between the lines of the two teams, who lift one of their players in an attempt to catch it. At that point the game resumes normally.
Teams often use signals and codes to win remittances. Usually the pitcher signals to his team when he will throw and at that point the teammates will lift a player into the air, out of reach of the opponents, who will try to catch the ball quickly
Step 9. Recognize the difference between the team's forwards and backs
Teams are made up of two smaller groups, with their own positions and strengths. Forwards take part in scrums and this is the only difference from backs in terms of rules. However, in the game forward and back they have evolved and specialized in particular skills, all fundamental to achieving victory:
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Come on:
they are the most massive players, the muscular fighters who push through scrums and win rucks. Forwards usually take short, powerful runs with the ball, don't pass often, and do most of the tackles and defense. They are usually big and strong.
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Three-quarters:
the fastest runners and players. The backs form a long diagonal line in attack and pass the ball quickly along this line, towards the outside of the field, where they can face a one-on-one defender. In defense they form a wall all along the pitch to prevent the opposing backs from crossing the first line of defense. They are usually quick, adept at kicking and passing, with a lot of stamina and speed.
Step 10. Watch professional rugby to discover the more complex rules, strategies and nuances of the game
By observing the matches of local and professional teams you will understand how to play. You can also watch the games on television or on DVD. Only in this way will you discover all the peculiarities of this sport.
There are many special rules, specific situations and peculiarities of rugby which are impossible to learn without playing or watching a match. Ask the fans or the referee questions when in doubt and keep learning every game
Part 2 of 3: Learning the Basic Skills
Step 1. Pass with speed and precision by spinning the ball
A good throw in rugby is powerful and quick, so your partner doesn't get a devastating tackle as he watches the ball and waits for it. Practice throwing to the side and not in front of you. To learn, use both hands and focus on accuracy, always hitting your teammates in the chest. Once you have achieved sufficient accuracy, you can start working on the rotation you see the professionals impress. To throw with the right hand:
- Start with the ball horizontally in front of you. Place your right hand on the back third of the ball, palm facing down and thumb facing the target. Place your left hand on the lower left half of the ball, with your thumb pointing to the left.
- Bring the ball to the right side, keeping the tip always oriented towards your target.
- Using your left hand to aim and your right hand to force the throw, bring the ball across the body, towards your target.
- When your hands are almost fully extended, bend your right hand towards you, spinning the ball.
- Release the ball with both hands at the same time, fully rotating your wrist during the final phase of the movement. You should fully extend and point both arms towards the target, always keeping them low, at belly level.
Step 2. Plaque with the whole body, not just with the arms.
The tackle is a fundamental that can be improved for a lifetime, but the basics are simple. You have to work with your whole body, not just your arms, to protect yourself and make sure you land the opponent. Practice the following steps, doing them almost at the same time: hold your head up, step forward with your shoulder, wrap your arms around your opponent and bring him to the ground.
- Start on your toes. Make sure you are in a good athletic position for the strike: knees bent, muscles relaxed and with the weight on your toes.
- Keep your head up and aim for your thighs or belly. Don't lower your head so you can see your opponent coming and aiming for the shot. This is a critical step for safety.
- Try to hit the opponent's upper thigh with your right shoulder. Slide your head next to your side to be safe and push with your shoulder.
- Wrap your arms around your opponent's thighs and pull back. Hug your thighs with all your strength and you should make him lose his balance easily.
- Push with your legs to bring it to the ground. Once you have your head in the right place and your arms wrapped around the opponent, you need to push with your legs to land him.
Step 3. Attack the rucks to change the game's inertia
Rucks give you the ability to keep or steal possession and a good player in those situations is an invaluable asset to your team. If you see a teammate go to the ground with the ball and you are close to him, try to be the first to form the grouping. Place one foot on top of the ball when it is below you, then lower yourself into an athletic and balanced position. When you come into contact with an opponent, you win the fight using the right force and leverage:
- Crouch under your opponent, then push up and out. If you can get your shoulders or head under his chest, you can push him up to make him lose his balance, then back to get him away from the ruck.
- Push your teammates from behind to win contested rucks. If you feel like your team needs a hand, push the ruck as if it were a mini-scrum. However, remember that employing more than 2-3 people in a group creates a lot of space for attacking if you lose possession of the ball.
- Keep moving your feet throughout the ruck. To truly become a master of these game situations, move your feet and push forward with each step. Imagine running straight through the opponent. This fundamental is called "cleaning" the ruck and creates a lot of space for your team. If you manage to clear a grouping when you are defending, you will greatly complicate the opposing team's plans, even if you will not immediately regain possession of the ball.
Step 4. Always take a position that allows you to help your teammates
Rugby is not a sport dominated by individuality. Even the best players can't do anything without the support of their teammates, because there are very few cases where a single athlete has the space or time to make a play on their own. Whether defending or attacking, you should always be in the best position to help your teammates, regardless of the game situation:
- In defense, you must form a horizontal line with your teammates, sliding left and right to close the holes in which the attackers can fit. Once a teammate makes a tackle, you should join the ruck if it is still open or if your team can win it, or slide to the other side, so as not to allow the opposing team to take advantage of the space left free now that yours mate lies on the ground.
- In attack, you have to occupy the pitch well, forcing the opposing team to cover many passing lines. When a teammate runs with the ball, make sure you are always behind them and that there are at least two other players within walking distance. If he is tackled, he may release the ball before hitting the ground, making room for your foray.
Part 3 of 3: Organizing a Match
Step 1. Find a large, flat field
You can play rugby in any field of sufficient size, as long as it is free of slopes and can be divided into two equal halves. The size of the pitch depends on the seriousness of the match. If you want to play with some friends, a local park with a large lawn may suffice. If, on the other hand, you want to organize a more serious game, you need to find a field with poles in which to kick the transformations. Contact local rugby clubs or the municipality to find out if there are any available courts in your area.
- If you have the ability to score both teams' in-goals, all rectangular lawns can become a field.
- Although the dimensions are slightly different, you can use an American football field to play rugby.
Step 2. Form two teams of the same number of players
There are three common formats of rugby, which are mainly differentiated by the number of players. Official matches have 15, 10 or 7 players per team, but you can form any number of teams if you play with friends. All participants should have:
- Sports shoes, preferably with cleats.
- Lightweight and breathable clothing.
- Mouthguard and helmet.
- Waterfall.
Step 3. Decide how the forwards will play out in the fray
Forwards are usually placed according to the scrum and their role does not necessarily have an impact on the position in the rest of the game. What matters is the melee deployment:
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First line.
The first row contains three players: the right and left prop, who hold the hooker together. The role of the hooker is to gain possession of the ball in scrums and usually put the ball back into play during a throw-in. The props, on the other hand, must help the hooker in scrums, lift other players in throw-ins and use their strength in rucks and mauls. Usually the latter are the biggest players on the team.
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Second line.
The second row consists of two players. These are the tallest players on the team and are usually used in throw-ins to gain possession of the ball. They push their backs against the props and are the engine of scrums and rucks.
- Third line. The last forward line is made up of three players: two flankers and the number eight. They close the sides and back of the scrum, controlling its direction and directing the ball when it comes out. They are usually the fastest forwards, because they have to spring quickly from the scrum when play resumes.
Step 4. Create the back line based on the speed and ball control ability of the players
The backs must be good with their hands and the best ones must be the first to touch the ball. To visualize the back line, imagine the ball is on the right side of the pitch. Each player stands 3-5 meters away from the other, diagonally back and to the left, starting with the scrum half:
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Scrum half:
they are the first to play the ball after a ruck or scrum, picking it up from the ground and deciding who to pass it to. They have to be light, small and with excellent resistance, to always finish first in rucks and scrums. Above all, they must have an excellent vision of the game and distribute the ball in the best way.
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Opening median:
the role most similar to the quarterback of American football. It deals with most running and soccer games, such as skipping a man with a pass or feinting a pass, to try to get past the defense.
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Centers:
the two centers are skilled players in all fundamentals, able to tackle well in defense, run and pass well in the center, as well as kick in case of need. They often play the ball and put the opposing team's frontline in difficulty.
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Wings:
the two wings playing on the sides of the field are usually the fastest players. The goal is to get the ball out of the court and get it to one of the wings, which in theory should outrun the opposing wing and gain a lot of court.
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Extreme:
this player positions himself about 15 meters behind the forward line, ready to receive the opponents' kicks, to make a last second tackle or to spring forward unexpectedly to participate in the attack and dominate the defense. He must be versatile, skilled in kicks and catches, as well as fast.
Step 5. Decide who will referee to award penalties
There are many infractions that result in penalties and it is impossible to play and notice all fouls at the same time. Minor infractions are usually punished with a scrum in favor of the opposing team, while more serious infractions can result in free kicks, ten meters of territorial gain or the temporary suspension of a player.
- The most common infractions are improper tackles, collapsing a scrum or ruck by lifting the feet off the ground, keeping the ball steady on the ground and side entry into rucks.
- The team that does not receive the penalty has several options. He can kick the ball forward to gain ground, kick it between the goalposts to try to score three points or ask for an orderly scrum, always in the position where the foul was committed.
Step 6. Warm up before playing to avoid dangerous injuries
A rugby match is very intense from a physical point of view and injuries are very frequent without the right preparation. A good warm-up increases blood flow and prepares your muscles for fighting. Here is an example of how to warm up:
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10 minute light jog.
Running is a great way to warm up for strenuous physical activity. Start briskly for five minutes, then jog for 10 minutes to get ready for the sprint of the match.
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Do dynamic stretching.
Run with your knees high, do the kicking run, lunges, jump in place, swing your arms and skip. These moving, very deep stretches stretch your muscles even more than static ones.
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Warm up with the basics of rugby.
Pass the ball to a teammate, try some kicks and practice rucks. Get used to rugby-specific moves, such as half speed tackles. The forwards should try scrums and throw-ins, while the backs have to get used to passing along the attacking line.
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Drink and eat at least two hours before playing.
Hydration is essential for physical activity. To counteract the loss and consumption of water during exercise, it is important to stay well hydrated throughout the day, especially before a game. Also eat lean meats, fruits, vegetables and drink sports drinks in order to replenish the other substances used during the activity, such as salts, potassium and sugars.
Step 7. Start the game with kick-off
It is usually decided who will beat him with the coin toss. If you don't have a dime, you can choose the team that will kick first as you like. The latter must be placed along the halfway line and kick the ball towards the opponents.
- Almost all the rules state that the kick-off must be a drop. It must fly for at least ten meters before the ball can be played.
- If you are part of the kicking team, you cannot overtake the batter until the ball has gone off his foot.
- Once your team scores a try, the game resumes with a kick-off.
Advice
- Try touch rugby, where tackles are performed by simply touching the opponent with two hands, so that you learn the basic rules and strategy of the game before worrying about physical contact.
- Rugby is a fun sport and the aim is not to injure opponents; your goal must be to score goals and to kick the ball between the goalposts.
Warnings
- Rugby is a very dangerous sport for beginners. Practice tackles, rucks and scrums at half speed until you master the correct technique.
- Wear protective clothing such as mouthguards or helmets when playing traditional rugby. It is no fun to be injured.
