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Rugby support play

Rugby support play involves helping the ball carrier advance the position of the ball. Know what to do in open play and what to do when play breaks down.

Support play in open rugby play

When your team has the ball
you aim to move the ball forwards,
get the ball into the opposition in-goal area
and score a try.

If you are the ball carrier
you want options and support.
You want options so you can keep the opposition guessing
about what you will do with the ball.
You want support so you can break through the opposition
or at least keep possession of the ball.

If you're not the ball carrier
imagine yourself in the ball carrier's place
and do whatever you can
to give them options and support.

This always means do your best to stay on your feet.
It may also include

put yourself in a position to receive a pass

the ball carrier must be able to get the ball to you without passing the ball forwards.

this needs good timing. Arrive early enough for the ball carrier to get a pass away before being tackled. Arrive late enough for the ball carrier to be ready to pass. Arrive slowly enough to be certain of taking the pass. Arrive fast enough to avoid being an easy target for the defence.
also bear in mind the circumstances and abilities of the ball carrier. If tacklers are close, a short pass may be all that is possible. Assess the action. Put yourself in a good position.

be prepared to chase a kick

weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of passes and kicks. Make sure you are behind the ball carrier so that if they do kick you will be onside and entitled to chase the kick and take possession again.
the amount of space and positioning of the opposition will help you know what kind of kick to expect.

bind to the ball carrier

this may help the ball carrier is they have been held but not taken to the ground.

when you approach the ball carrier to bind on to them, avoid obstructing the opposition players.

binding on adds your weight, bulk and momentum to that of the ball carrier and may help drive the ball forwards. It also gives you the opportunity to smuggle the ball away from the ball carrier and continue the forward movement

simply show you are ready and able to receive the ball even though you may not actually believe you will. Give the opposition something to think about.
emotional support is also very valuable. A bit of encouragement can lift a whole team. So can hearing th opposition arguing!

Rugby support play when play breaks down

Frequently during a rugby game
play will break down.
You may not know which team has possession of the ball.
Players from both sides may be near or around the ball.
In the right circumstances
you can support by taking part
in the contest for possession of the ball.

How to join in play at "the break-down"

A tackle may have taken place
and two players are on the ground near the ball
(on the ground means at least one knee touching the ground).

If you are the tackler,
once you release the tackled player
and get up onto your feet
you may go to the ball from any direction
and attempt to get control of the ball (pick it up).

If you are involved in a tackle
but you stay on your feet
you are not a tackler and
you must do as described below.

Another break-down in play may be
an attempted tackle
where the player is held but not taken to the ground
and several players are around the ball.

Perhaps the ball is on the ground
with several players clustered around.

You treat all these situations in a similar way.
The diagrams below show you what to do.

Rugby support play directions of play

Rugby support play, directions of play

Get your bearings.
Remember which way you are playing.
The big arrows show the direction of play.
The red/blue cross represents the players
involved in a situation like those mentioned above.
There may be more than just two players involved.

Rugby support play draw an imaginary box

Rugby support play, draw an imaginary box

Draw an imaginary box
around the players at the break-down.
The sides of the box are parallel to the touch lines.
The ends are parallel to the goal lines.
The box goes around all parts of all players involved.

Rugby support play offside lines

Rugby support play offside lines

Off-side lines now come into play,
they run through the end lines of the box.

If you are closely involved
in the break-down situation
(tackler, tackled player, holder, held player)
you are OK where you are.
(If you are on the ground, roll away)

Otherwise you must be behind your offside line
or you must retreat until you are behind it,
taking care to avoid being involved in or hindering play.

Rugby support play support lines

Rugby support play support lines at the break-down

To become involved in play at the break-down
you must enter the break-down area
(the imaginary box)
by crossing the part of your off-side line
that forms your end of the box.

Going through this process
to become involved at the break-down
is commonly called entering "through the gate".

What you do when you get there
is another matter.
It depends on what is happening at the break-down
This is covered in pages on rugby tackle support,
rugby rucking and rugby mauling.

Return from Rugby support play to How to play rugby

Evtechs Sports Training
Sydney, Australia