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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. Know what is going on, enjoy the game!

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

The rugby field playing area or rugby pitch

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

So, start here on how to play rugby Rugby field mini view of field layout

   with an easy introduction to some rules
   through an explanation of the field.
Then you know the rugby field
   and what it all means
so you feel confident when you get out there!

The rugby field is also known
   as a rugby pitch.
For some more background
   and insights look into the rugby pitch

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 10 to 40 metres - and learn how to sidestep (see elsewhere)!

Objective of the game

The objective is to win the game.
To win you must score more points than the opposition.
The best and most exciting way to do it
   is with tries.
Be certain you know where
   and how you ground the ball
   when you score rugby tries.

You also score points
when you kick penalties and dropped goals.
You are able to do that
   when you are good at rugby kicking.

Remember, score more points! - ALWAYS!

When you know the basic rugby rules.
it will help you know how to play rugby
so you are confident
and make things happen.

Rugby players, positions and skills

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 and qualities needed
   for each of the rugby positions you might play

There are basic skills
   you need for every position.
Find out more.
You get a quick feeling for the skills.
Whizz through the skills pages now
   then they will be in the back of your mind
   working away at what you need
   and how you improve
   at rugby handling
   rugby catching
     rugby passing
rugby kicking and
   rugby sidesteps.

How to play rugby is very much about individual skills.

Starting the game

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

There are a number of options at the kick-off.
You need to know
where the ball may go and why
especially if you are kicking!
Find out about what may happen at the rugby kick-off .

Basic play - timing and perception

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 is very much about
   being in the right place
   at the right time.
You are a better player
   when you have good rugby timing.

Minds can play tricks under stress
   especially on the rugby field.
Find out how you have an advantage
   when you can affect rugby perception.

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 support play

You will enjoy yourself and be successful in rugby
when you provide quality support play.
Support play is mainly about what you do
when you don't have the ball
and how you can help your ball carrier.

When you provide excellent support
you stay alert
and you are a key player in the game
You make it much more likely
you will make good decisions
when you carry the ball forward.

Make sure you are an expert in rugby support play.

When the flow of the game breaks down
and you are allowed to enter contests for the ball
so you need to know what to do.
One example is when rucks form.

Make sure you know all about rugby rucking.

When play breaks down
a maul may form
and a different type of contest takes place.

Make sure you know all about rugby mauling.

Rugby Set pieces

Another major aspect of how to play rugby is the set piece.
Lineouts 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
no penalty is 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.

A 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
good individual rugby skills,
   including being able to sidestep, 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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