Playing Rugby?

Question

Right, i enjoy playing rugby a lot! I am constantly in the school rugby team and am taking it for part of my GCSE PE. I am 15, about 5'7 and quite fat - about 10 stone 4 (dont get me wrong, im pretty strong too). I miss tackles quite abit, and im not that good at getting past people. What do i need to do to become faster/better, what do i need to eat ETC to become better. thanks

Answer 1

First of all the weight is mostly the problem.  Secondly are you able to do any agility drills, reaction drills, sprint drills?  All these will help.  Basically with diet you want to be burning more calories then you are taking in.  So the best thing to do is pick foods that are good for you such as: whole grains like stone ground whole wheat bread, chicken, egg whites, good fats like fish oil and flaxseed oil, olive oil.  I could help diet wise but its hard to tell you exactly what to eat because i am not sure whats available and what you like...if you become more agile you will be able to cut when the opponent cuts and tackle them easier.  I know how hard it is being bigger as i used to be and then worked my butt off and became amazing in 8 different sports.  Anything else just ask.

Answer 2

Weight is a problem.

Watch what you eat, but eat enough to insure energy levels for strong workouts.

Missing takles is not just about you its about your opponent.  You must learn how to set up and commit to your tackle.  My nickname (from my teammates) is the "Sickle" because of my tackling style it's a legal tackle under the chest that has an upward thrusting motion designed to take the ball carrier off their feet.  Depending on the part of the midsection you hit the more devasting the blow.

The Essence:

Break yourself down while staying on your toes and prepare for impact, determine where you want the ball carrier to go (right or left shoulder). As the ball carrier comes within your range explode into his midsection with an upward moving shoulder, rap the arms around his back and squeeze.  The perfect impact area is right below the rib cage.  Drive through the man landing on the top of him.  Obviously this doesn't work out like this everytime, but if you iniate your tackle movement first as though your going for their legs, the runner should stand up in preparation for a cut back to avoid tackle.  At that instantaniously millisecond thrust up into the exposed ribcage from their cut.... all i can say is boom, crunch, and hello ball.

I'm only 5.6 about 220 lbs of muscle and bone.  But I usually hit with a force that is quickly remembered.  My goal with every hit is to momentarily stun and get possession of the ball. If everyone can read the make of the ball carriers shoes as his feet come off the ground then I've accomplished my tackle in the perfect way.  I am always moving and never am on my heals, everything should be from the balls of your feet and toes and moving forward.  Don't stand there you'll get run over.... and that hurts.

good luck - Wrestling helps with Rugby tackling, especially grapling and Greco Roman.

Answer 3

lose the fat

Answer 4

As far as excercises during the season I recommend sprinting. Maybe go to the field and do 10 100M sprints. In the off season running long, slow distances can help take off the pounds. Also eating less meat will make you faster.

The best way to get around the park as a slow person is to anticipate the flow of play. That way you can get a head start on being where you have to be. If you will miss the contact in one phase, just position yourself well for the next phase. This comes with experience. Play smarter. Get your head in the game. Rugby is an intellectual sport too, not all braun.

For tackling just get low and plant your head to either side of the attacker and wrap him up. Don't hesitate. You have to do this very agressively and without fear. Don't worry about the size of the opponent. If you wrap him up his size/speed will work against him to bring himself down. It is good to practise your tackling form by resting on your knees and allowing opponents to come directly at you at less than full speed.