Agility before contact in rugby rucking

All players should develop good agility through balanced footwork to increase their chances of “beating” a set and organised defence.

Depending upon the player’s natural speed, agility, and the space and time available, as well as the quality of the defence, any outcome where the ball carrier gets over the advantage line or tackle line is acceptable and achievable by all.

Key aspects of good agility

• As the player approaches the contact area, he should slow down, but only enough so that he can remain balanced and in control. He should keep his weight moving forward, on the balls of his feet, without leaning too far forward.
• The ball should be held in two hands. This keeps the passing and fending options open and keeps the defender guessing as to what may be done with the ball.
• The ball carrier should always use fast, small steps, left and right and not give away the direction he plans to attack.
• He should read the defender’s body position and language, and exploit weaknesses such as the defender being off balance or presenting a “weak shoulder” (the side the defender is not expecting to tackle on).
• The ball carrier must explode away from the defender. The change of pace and injection of power is vital.

This article is from Rugby Coach Weekly.