Classic Sidestep

Know how and why the classic sidestep works. Understand how you beat opponents with this terrific rugby skill.

Best sidestep - I call it a classic

This sidestep is a good one.

Watch Phil Bennett to see just how powerful they are.

Then follow details of the deception involved

• how you set one up
• the action - how you do it

Rugby sidesteps were most well developed and widely used at a time when much less rugby was captured on film/video.

During the 1960's, 70's and 80's sidesteps (steps, stepping) were used more widely, particularly by Welsh players.

Some were masters of the art.

I'm using the term "Classic sidestep" to mean the type of sidestep I associate with players of that era. There are, of course, some modern players who do the same - but not many!

This is one of the best rugby clips around, showing one of the great tries. Many judge it to be the Greatest Try Ever in the history of the game.

As a player there is nothing more exhilarating. Imagine you are Phil Bennett (just like the rest of us!)

As a spectator there`s nothing more exciting. Listen to the crowd and Cliff Morgan the commentator ("Brilliant. Oh, that's brilliant!").

Cliff is a Legend. He knows what he`s talking about!

Classic side step by Phil Bennett in Barbarians v All Blacks 1973

You want to beat players with a sidestep So you have to convince them that you're going to do one thing, then do something different.

I've said this elsewhere, but it is well worth repeating. Make sure your opponent knows EXACTLY where you're going. Help them. Make it easy!

Then be certain you`re somewhere else when they get there!

The classic sidestep is ideal for this.

Classic Sidestep - setup

It's good in many situations.

Ball carrier and tackler can be converging at almost any angle and a classic would be effective.

Classic sidestep setup

You're the ball carrier.

Your opponent is "tackler".

You've spied out the land.

You've noticed a weakness in the defence around "tackler". You're in their 22. Make a break and you'll probably get a try.

Maybe the player is up out of the defensive line.

Maybe the gap between tackler and the next defender to your left is just that bit bigger and you believe you can get through it.

You run a line that will take you past them on the right. If they don't tackle - that's just what you'll do, go past them.

The tackler is reading the situation and running to a point where they will tackle you taking into account

• your speed and direction
• your glances, waves, calls

• your apparent focus
• weight distribution (the way you're leaning!)

Everything!

Make it a great performance.

Make sure they know where you're going.

Appear to be convinced you can get past.

Classic Sidestep - Action!

You've done a huge part of the work.

The deception`s complete.

They "know" where you're going.

You know where they're going!

You've been assessing the situation constantly, now it's time for a final look.

There are a few possibilities...

• they won't get there in time - so you just run past!
• things have changed. Now cutting inside is not an option - so pass or take the tackle

• the gap still looks good for the cut inside - do it!

Classic Sidestep action

The tackler is already convinced your next strides will take you to the location of the expected tackle.

They're focused on getting there. They know they must get there or you will beat them.

What you must do is avoid them!

You`ve done it a million times before, either on the field or in practice!

Before you meet the tackler...

Bang!

....you cut inside, going left.

They can't react.

You're past them and into the next situation.

And how do you go bang?

Well, that takes a lot of explaining

Fairly simple and straight forward - but takes a lot of explaining and a huge amount of practice - or playing about, as I like to call it :)

Put simply you shift your weight to the left.

You do that by taking a short step or missing a step completely.

This unbalances you and you turn swiftly and without warning.

I know, it's hard - if it was easy everybody would be doing it!

It took me a long time to work it out.

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