Any fullbacks??? Need help?

Question

Alright so i play as a fullback for my rugby union team. i generally do quite well and can run well, kick well, and tackle good too, its just that my positioning isnt always right on the pitch and little things, like sometimes dropping the ball, stupid things that really annoy me, because on the ball ive been told im very good. Does anyone have any good tips??

Answer 1

Throw a  golf  pall or  ping pong  ball up in the  air  over and  over  and  try  catching  it  till  you  get  good.  also   leave  open  space  for them to  kick  to  then  close it down  when  fly  is  looking for  pass.  then  when he  kicks  you  will be  moving  into  the  space.  practice  catching  raisens

later  joel

Answer 2

Do some up & unders and try to catch them. You'll improve your catching eventually. Jumping is useful when you try to catch since the other team can't tackle you when you're in mid-air or too soom after you've landed. About positioning, just stay behind  your team, in the middle of the pitch, and let the wingers catch anything that stays in their parts of the field.

You'll eventually get better. If you don't, you could always play centre, since you have the skills.

Answer 3

You probably drop the ball because you are looking to the opposition, take one thing at a time watch the ball and GO FOR IT.  Practise catching the ball from some kicking it not to you, then practise catching with someone running at you, then practise being tackled. So then you catch the ball and run out of the way. Dont forget to mark.

Reason being you become aprehensive and afraid that you may get tackled.  One thing in your favour if you jump for the ball you are protected by penalty from being tackled and there is nothing worse for a tackler to run into boots and knees.

Out of position-thats reading the game, if you are good they are not going to kick it to you any way. Cover the centre of the field with you covering your centre to move forward for the full back try, for the (gary owen) up and under you are there , and your wings should be covering the side lines when they go up move over and have your other wing follow you half way. Tell them what you are doing and soon they will to it naturally.

Answer 4

As far as positioning goes, it often helps to stay a long way behind the back line, as this gives you a better view of the game enabling you to work out where you are needed. This is important because it gives you more time to get there - it is a lot easier and faster to run forwards/diagonally than backwards/sideways. The fullback is the last line of defence, and needs to be prepared to make the tackles that other people miss, so you are effectively following the ball - you need to focus on where the attack is going to end up, and position yourself accordingly. This means that you need to keep an eye on both openside and blindside, as the attack could come down either side. In a lot of occassions it will be your blindside winger who needs the support as he/she is on their own, and the pack will likely gravitate towards the openside when they break. There is no advice that I can really give for catching other than PRACTISE!! And make sure that when you go for a high ball you are positioned sideways, so that if you miss the catch you won't knock on.

Answer 5

Well for a start do not take your eye off the ball, basic procedure in catching, get up into the line on attack, get up on the inside centres shoulder, he can act as a pivot, then hit space at pace. Try and visualise two or three plays ahead, watch and understand what the opposition fly half is attempting to do. The stupid mistakes are all down to concentration employ this visualisation and it will keep you on the ball. Your positioning is all down to cover, you are the last man in defence, control your players, they are all in front of you so communicate, another way to keep you on the ball and on the game. From level 4 coach.

Answer 6

Always catch the high ball with your body side on. It will stop you knocking the ball forward.

When defending, edge towards the open side of play as soon as possible. It should allow you to be in a better position.

Answer 7

Always stand in line with the ball far enough back as to cover a kick, make sure you arrange your wingers as to cover all areas. As fdor dropping the ball: Practice, Practice and more Practice, luckily this is something you can practice on your own, a good thing to remember is when catching the high ball you always have plenty of time to position yourself and get ready for the ball, another tip would be make sure your elbows are quite close together when making the catch as this will stop the ball from going through your arms. I would not advise turning sideways on whilst making a catch unless your going for it in the air.

Hope this helps

CB