Rugby defence

Defence

• Stop them from scoring  - that`s good but with the ball they can have another go.

• Get the ball back - you stop them from scoring AND you get the ball and the chances to score.

• tackle - you must only tackle the ball carrier

• grapple with the ball carrier and pull the ball from their control

• occupy and defend the ground appropriate to your position

• constantly examine your team defence and prepare to cover weaknesses or alert team-mates to weaknesses

• make every effort to maintain your position on the field in relation to the other players in your team - leave no inviting gaps

• Resist the urge to tackle opposition players when you have a team mate closer to the action who is doing an adequate job

• if you find yourself outnumbered by the opposition - slow them down, backpeddle. Fake to tackle, but keep your distance. Avoid committing to a tackle and wait for support

• support is on the way - concentrate on the opposition players furthest from your support

• stay on your toes - the smaller the difference in speed between you and your opponent the easier the tackle

• stay on your toes - the smaller the difference in the direction you and your opponent are travelling the easier the tackle

• look for ways to match your opponent as closely as possible - backpeddling at speed can be more useful than standing and waiting

• ALWAYS FACE the opposition - even if it means walking or running backwards - stay alert!

• ALWAYS WATCH THE BALL - many points are scored by taking advantage of opposition players not concentrating