Rugby Smart
Technique
The best technique is safe technique
Peak performance and injury prevention
Incorrect technique in the contact phases of the game causes many rugby injuries – some serious.
New Zealand Rugby has a variety of resources available, including our Skills and Drills kit, web resources available at www.nzrugbynet.co.nz and other support material available from your local rugby development officer.
Tackling
The tackle is where most of the injuries in rugby now occur.
The first priority in tackling is using leg power to drive the shoulder onto the ball carrier, before using the arms to wrap around the opponent.
THE KEY FACTORS IN THE TACKLE
RugbySmart 2005 Tackling Videos
Tackling (Part 1)
Tackling (Part 2)
Tackling (Part 3)
- Sight target
- Position inside the ball carrier
- Run in pre-tackle stance
- Chin up
- Eyes open
- Back straight
- Hands above hips
- Go forward
- Zero in on target
- Drive with the legs to make firm contact with the shoulder on the target
- Head behind ball carriers body
- Lock on with the arms around the ball carrier
- Continue power drive
- Regain feet
- Recover ball
Smother tackles
- Smother tackles are not recommended for younger or less experienced players.
- Build your players skills progressively – players should not attempt the smother tackle unless they have mastered the basic tackle technique.
- The same steps apply as for any tackle (as outlined previously) except that contact is made between the waist and chest.
- The arms should be wrapped around the ball carrier’s arms preventing the release of the ball.
Taking the ball into contact
The increases in injuries in the tackle are not just restricted to the tackler. Coaches should ensure that all players are aware of the correct technique for taking the ball into contact.
Key factors.
- Focus on contact zone
- off chest
- Eyes open
- in two hands
- Low body position
- Body before ball
- Small steps on approach
- Wide ‘power’ step into contact
- Plant front foot close to defender’s feet
- Contact side on with hard parts of body: e.g. shoulder, hips
- Maintain low stable base, chin off chest, eyes open
- Transfer ball at appropriate time
Scrummaging
RugbySmart 2005 Scrummaging Videos
Scrum Pre-engagement
The Scrum (Part 1)
The Scrum (Part 2)
The Scrum (Part 3)
The scrum is an important means of restarting play and gaining control of a game. Using correct technique will not only reduce the chance of injuries, but will ensure teams can compete safely in this crucial area of the game. The key points of scrummaging that all coaches, players and referees should know instinctively are:
Scrum – pre-engagement
- Prepare for engagement on the ref’s call “crouch and hold”
- Front rows safe distance apart – crouched and bound
- Hips and shoulders are all square
- Bend at the knees and hips
- Shoulders above hips at all times
- Head up, chin off chest
- Back straight – spine in line
- Eyes focused on the target area
- Weight off the heels and on the balls of your feet
- If not in the correct position or feel unsafe shout: “NOT READY, REF”.
- Never look away from your opponent once in the crouch position
- Engage only on the ref’s call: “engage”
Scrum – engagement
At least two-thirds of scrum training should be away from the scrum machines. One-on-one and 3-on-3 drills are excellent ways to build skills and improve techniques. Your Rugbysmart DVD/video has a section dedicated to this.
- Drive from a low position up
- Loose-head binds onto the torso the opposing tight-head’s back
- Tight-head binds onto the torso of the opposing loose-head’s back
- Binding should be firm and held until the scrum is completed
Referees will want to speak to your front row players and halfback before the game to discuss the engagement process, and to ensure all front row forwards are of sufficient experience and strength for the grade of game being played.
Line Out
| Front Lifter | |
| Jumper | |
| Back Lifter | |