The Modern SidestepKnow how the modern sidestep is used to beat opponents. Some angles are better than others.You want to beat players with a sidestepSo you have to convince them that you're going to do one thing, then do something different.This is not easy with the modern sidestep, but it can be done. Instructions on how to do it are few and far between. If you find any instructions about how to do it they will often include some of the following.
Immediately there are problems. If you put your opponent in two minds about what you're going to do, they might get in the way by accident! If you do things to put your opponent in two minds you often do the same to yourself! That`s why you often see players go to the left, go to the right - then get hammered in the middle! To put your foot out wide you have to lean in the opposite direction. A big give-away about the direction you are actually going! Difficult angles for the Modern SidestepLet's see what it looks like...  The ball carrier is running and the tackler is running to intercept and tackle. The tackler is reading the situation and running to a point where a tackle can be made - taking into account the ball carrier's speed, direction, glances, waves, focus, weight distribution. Everything! At some point you, the ball carrier, have to make a move. You want to cut inside the tackler, so you have to convince them you are going the other way. In this case to the right. Like this..  So you bang your right leg down out wide to the right (very hard to do if running at more than low pace). You are trying to convince the tackler you are going to follow the black arrow path, then cut inside. There are some problems!
Better Angles for the Modern SidestepThere are some angles where the modern sidestep is more effective. If the players are converging in a near straight line like this...  The front on view means the tackler has far less information to go on and will be easier to convince that a change in direction is being made. So when you put your foot out wide to the right and push off it...  and the tackler reacts (as they are more likely to do)...  ...you push off to your left and beat the tackler. In theory! There is still a problem. You put your foot out wide to the right and now the first part of your push off to the left is used up in simply moving your body back to where it was at the start!. The next part of your effort will be moving your body further to the left to improve the chances of actually missing the tackler. Best Angle for the Modern SidestepThe best angles for modern sidesteps to work are where the tackler is already at a disadvantage and the sidestepper can take advantage by slowing down better than the tackler.A typical example is where a player is already in the clear, racing for the line and a defender is racing across the field to tackle. It looks like this...  When you (the ball carrier) bang your foot down out wide, do it with a straightish leg and towards the front of you (so you don't fall over). This causes you to move to the right. More importantly, it causes you to slow down rapidly. The would-be tackler has no time to react and goes shooting across in front of you. You continue to the line and get a try! The modern sidestep can be useful but has many limitations. I never used it. When I played I was not aware it existed, but that was a long time ago! Update! Update!I've been finding out more about where sidesteps originate and what I call "the modern sidestep" seems very similar to early sidesteps. To see more look in the section on the History of Rugby.It doesn't make them any better! - just thought I ought to include this information. Perhaps the Welsh improved early sidesteps out of sight - or had a parallel development which is not immediately obvious. The result was a very special and valuable skill... ....the now-you-see me, now-you-don't classic sidestep Return from The Modern Sidestep to Rugby Sidesteps
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