Know how and
why the classic sidestep
works. Understand how you beat opponents with this terrific
rugby skill.
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.
Unlike
the modern sidestep, 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 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 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...
The
tackler is already
convinced your next few 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,
it's not by
pushing off
anything!
See if you can work it out....
Hint...
shift your weight to the left by unbalancing yourself.
I
know, it's hard - if it was easy everybody would be doing it!