Archive for the ‘Evasion’ Category
Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
Hit and Spin
This skill is becoming more important in the game as players defensive qualities improve. It is a skill that allows the attacking player to spin out of a tackle and continue to play or allows the attacker to find the ground on his terms and present the ball. Although it is thought of as a skill for smaller agile players it is one that bigger and less agile players can master. Again it is all about practice and perfecting the key points listed below.
- On approach, secure the ball at the sternum. Place the ball in the hand opposite to that of the shoulder of contact. (right shoulder hit, left hand carry or left shoulder hit, right hand carry).
- Plant foot and make contact with the shoulder. Make this contact as fast as possible as not to lose any momentum.
- Spin around with back to the defence at speed to evade defender or break the tackle.
- Offload or accelerate out of the tackle looking to carry the ball in two hands again.
The practice below is one that needs to be practiced with a partner and ideally using a tackle shield.
Tags: evasion skills, hit and spin, rugby development, skills
Posted in A, Adult- Community, Age, Category, Coaches, Colts- U18-19, Evasion, Midi- U11-U12, Player, Role, Ruckipedia, Site Articles, Technical, Technical, rugby development | View Comments
Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
Swerve
The swerve is most often a skill that is seen used by the outside backs. However the modern game requires all players to be able to execute this skill.
More often than not this is a skill that is used when a player finds himself in space following a line break. It is most effective when used in conjunction with a change of pace. When performed well the attacking player can beat a defender without making any contact.
- Run towards the defender with the ball in 2 hands. Look like you are going to run straight into the defender. This will commit the defender to making the tackle.
- Start to change you line of running, arcing towards the space you are going to run into.
- Hold the ball on the side you are going to swerve to and sway your hips to that side. Keep an eye on the defender at all times.
- Accelerate away from the defender while the defender is off balance.
Try this practice initially by yourself and then against a defender in order to improve your timing.
Tags: change of pace, evasion skills, player development, rugby development, skills, swerve
Posted in A, Adult- Community, Age, Category, Coaches, Colts- U18-19, Evasion, Midi- U11-U12, Player, Role, Ruckipedia, Site Articles, Technical, Technical, rugby development | View Comments
Thursday, May 5th, 2011
Fend
The most common method of evasion the fend or hand off is a skill that is often ineffective because the player fails to execute using appropriate technique. For an outside back it is often used alongside the sidestep, while a back carrying forward will use it to make ground and avoid being tackled.
A common fault when executing the fend is for the player to lead to early with the fend before the defensive player is committed. This can result in the defender being able to take the initiative and knock away the fend and make the tackle. It is therefore important that the action of fending should be as late as possible and as fast and dynamic as possible.
- Position defender while transferring the ball to the sternum.
- Cock arm ready to make contact.
- Plant same foot as arm, snap arm out quickly and make contact with the target area while still moving forward.
- Accelerate out of the contact
Tags: evasion skills, hand off, rugby development, skills development rugby
Posted in A, Adult- Community, Age, Category, Coaches, Colts- U18-19, Evasion, Midi- U11-U12, Parent, Player, Role, Ruckipedia, Site Articles, Technical, Technical, rugby development | View Comments
Friday, April 22nd, 2011
Bump Off
The bump is a skill that is very effective in close quarters and is particularly effective against defenders with poor technique. It tends to be most effective when the defender is coming from directly front on and offers a target with both feet planted. This presents the ball carrier with t
he opportunity with power and momentum to knock over the defender who has an unstable position.
Although the execution of this skill will be enhanced by the player having good leg strength and drive, it is also timing that is the key to executing this skill effectively.
- Secure the ball to sternum on approach. Place the ball in.
- Lower Centre of Gravity just before contact, and lean forward. Keep moving forward to keep momentum into the contact.
- Plant a foot as close as possible to the defender and drive from the legs up through the body into contact.
- Accelerate away from the defender looking to carry the ball in two hands again.
Tags: bump off, evasion skills, player development, rugby development, skills
Posted in A, Adult- Community, Age, Category, Coaches, Colts- U18-19, Evasion, Midi- U11-U12, Player, Ruckipedia, Site Articles, Technical, Technical, rugby development | View Comments
Tuesday, April 12th, 2011
Sidestep
There is no more exciting sight in Rugby than seeing an attacking player beat several defenders to score a try. A player such as Ben Foden in full flight would bring the crowd to its feet and have them amazed at his ability to beat a man.
This skill although for many players is a natural instinct is one that in order to progress to a higher level of performance is important to practice. The skill of side stepping is fortunately one that any player can practice on their own. In order to become proficient the player should follow these coaching points.
- Approach the tackler with smaller steps to retain balance and get timing right. This will ensure the defender commits to the tackle.
- Step wide with outside leg, ready to explode of that leg in an instant. Body weight should be on the outside leg.
- Shift body weight to the other side of your body.
- Push off the outside leg to change direction.
- Use inside leg to keep balance.
- Transfer the ball in hand to be able to fend.
- Accelerate away from the defender.
The practice below is one you can practice by yourself with minimum equipment.
Tags: evasion skills, player development, player improvement, rugby development, side step, skills
Posted in A, Adult- Community, Age, Category, Coaches, Colts- U18-19, Evasion, Midi- U11-U12, Player, Role, Ruckipedia, Site Articles, Technical, rugby development | View Comments
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