Open-side flanker position help...?

Question

So here's the story. I've been playing hooker for a few years now when my coach, kinda as a fluke, last minute decision put me in as openside flanker. I apparently did well, as he told me that I would no longer be hooking as "I was a open-side flanker in hooker's clothing" for far too long (don't get me wrong, I was pretty decent at being a hooker, but my speed and agression make me more suited for flanker, I guess). AND SO, HELP!!!! Off of offensive and defenisive scrums, what should be my primary responsibilities?? ANY information to help me learn this position better would be great. I want to pick it up as fast as i possibly can so I can continue to improve and play without much hesitation. Thanks!

Answer 1

flankers are ball retainers and gainers as well as first up tacklers. they need to be able to get to there feet real quickly (watch richie mccaw(worlds best openside)).

primarily, flankers should be the first tackler off of a scrum. at the end of the day, an open-side should look back on the game and say i made the most tackles and stole the ball the most from rucks. these two skills go hand-in-hand, once you've made a tackle, get to your feet and get your hands on the ball.

open-side needs to be able to push in the scrums on the prop to give him/her a helping hand, but always be ready to break off as play can resume as quickly as it stopped. try and watch the ball as well as trying to read the play.

also, on lineouts, flankers should be the ones trying to crack the oppostions calls as well as the first tackler off the throw also.

generally open-sides require great dynamics that include getting to rucks quickly to steal or retain the ball. on scrums, they need to be able to help stabilise it but to be able to go and support as quick as possible.

work on your standing starts as well as getting to your feet whilst lying down (back and front) as quick as possible. also, dont go down without a fight and work on your leg strength to help you stay up.

finally, make sure your always up with the play, always follow the ball and cover the backline as someone may make a break. the open-side in our team could usually run as fast as the ball could be past to the opposition players and thus generally made the first tackle.

play hard, play fair, no fear

Answer 2

Go make the tackle on defense or go support the ball on offense. Good luck!

Answer 3

Alright well I'll give you a brief overview of your responsibilities.

Defensive Scrums - Despite what you may think. You are still required to push, but not only that, you need to pay attention to your opposition, especially if your open side flanker. Flankers are always the first to leave the scrum as they have the least grip on the scrum, so you need to be able to take off like a bullet to make tackles. So defensively, all you'll need to be really doing is being attentive, making huge first hits, and watching for opposition runners off scrums.

Offensive scrums - Flankers are the protective unit for the No. 8 and scrum-half when they run off scrums. They're also the first to be part of any ruck or maul after the scrum. All this means is that you need to be aware of your teammates running of the ball, and be ready to give them support.

Flankers isn't the easiest job, but it's definitely one of the most  active in the game.

Hope this helps

Answer 4

On an defensive scrum you should be watching the opposition No. 8 to see if he breaks your way and then you can smash him. If the opposition scrum half passes the ball out you should break when the ball has left and chase it. If you can tackle the fly half or whoever .

On an offense scrum you should speak to your No.8 and see whats hes doing if he is breaking and which way. If he doesn't follow the ball and get in a ruck or whatever. If he does break on your side follow him and wither be in a position where he can of load to you or retain the ball by rucking if he goes down.

Good Luck

Answer 5

Offensive: Back up the number 8 if he picks and goes, if not just get to the breakdown as quick as humanly possible.

Defensive: Push as much as you can whilst looking through to the back of the other teams scrum....if the number 8 picks and goes openside then he/she your man, the same goes with if the scrum half picks and goes. If either of them go blindside try and get to the breakdown as quickly as possible. The same goes for if the ball is passed out. If you can try and catch the fly half before he has time to offload because then the oppositions whole offensive capabilities are screwed (they have no fly half and one less player in the backs)