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How to play rugby

Know and understand how to play rugby and feel at home in a rugby game. The basics of starting, attacking and defending. All the fun of the game!

When you learn how to play there is a real need to be flexible.
The more you are flexible when you move and when you think, the more you will find it is easy to understand. Next thing you know you`re a good player!



Playing area

The laws of the game specify every detail about the rugby field. Knowing the layout will help you understand the game.

So, start here with how to play rugby - know the rugby field layout.

To know just how much running you will have to do and how much room you have to move, look at the rugby field dimensions.

There will be few times when you need to run the length of the field.

Concentrate on great acceleration and being as fast as you can over 30 to 40 metres - and learn how to sidestep (see elsewhere)!



Objective of the game

The objective is to win the game by scoring more points than the opposition. Points are awarded for rugby tries and conversions, penalties and dropped goals.

Remember, score more points! - ALWAYS!

Make sure you know and understand the basic rugby rules. When you know the rules you can be confident and make things happen.



Rugby players

You need to know where you fit in.

Rugby is a good game for people of all shapes, sizes, qualities and skills. Look at these details about rugby players to see where you will fit in.

Work out where you fit in, find the individual skills needed for that position and work out how to master them.



Starting the game

The game is 40 minutes each way, with a short break at half time.

It`s important you know where to kick to and why when  you`re responsible for the rugby kick-off.



Basic play - attack and defence

When your team has the ball you use team work to move the ball towards and eventually onto or over  the opposition goal-line where you ground it and score points for a try!

When your team doesn`t have the ball - GET IT BACK!



Rugby Attack!

Your team has the ball and you want to score tries.

Know as much as possible about how to control the ball.

When you have the ball, treasure it - start a rugby attack.



Rugby Defence!

When they have the ball they can score. You must stop them!

That`s not all - you must get the ball back.

How? - with solid rugby defence!



Rugby Set pieces

Another major aspect of how to play rugby is the set pieceLineouts and scrums are set pieces, used to restart play.

When the ball "goes into touch" play stops - you restart with a lineout. Forwards from the two teams compete for the ball.

When rules are broken in a minor way and a penalty is not awarded, play is restarted with a scrum. Again, forwards compete for the ball.



The rugby lineout

Lineouts restart play when the ball "goes into touch".

The forwards contest for possession of the ball. Find out how play restarts with the  often spectacular set piece - the rugby lineout



The rugby scrum

When minor infringements occur the match official stops play.

Play is then restarted with a cleverly devised contest for possession of the ball.

contest of strength, bulk and technique involving the coordinated efforts of 2 opposing packs of 8 forwards each - the rugby scrum.



Summary

How to play rugby is to continually focus on controlling the ball and scoring points.

Play is continous
unless the ball goes out of play or a player breaks the rules. Even then (if a player breaks the rules) play may continue if it is to the advantage of the other team.

Focus on fitness and having good individual rugby skills - including sidestepping, of course!. 

You can do this alone if necessary or with a few friends. Do this and you`ll always find a game.

Remember, be a good sport...
...without the opposition,  there wouldn't be a game!


Above all, enjoy it - that`s how to play rugby!



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