Know how and
why the classic sidestep
works. Understand how you beat opponents with this terrific
rugby skill.
This
sidestep is the one to learn and do. Phil Bennett shows just
how powerful they are. Then follow details of the deception
involved, how you set one up
and the action - how you do it.
For exact and explicit step by
step instructions you need to follow the
link to the Evtechs section.
What's
a Classic one?
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 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!
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!
Thenmake
sure you are 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 example..
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.
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, direction,
glances, waves, 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 - looks like this...
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'll
have 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
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.