Question about wingers?

Question

Now that i've been selected as a first choice winger for my college Rugby team (based purely on pace, agility and palm off ability). I'd like to know a bit more about the position, what is the difference between the left and right wingers roles and does anyone have any tips for my general play. And how to increase my pace further?

And now i'll go off topic, who else thinks Carl Hayman will be a class signing for Newcastle Falcons?

Answer 1

There is not much difference between left and right wing. Basically the left winger stands out on the left wing and marks the oppositions right winger and the right winger stands out on the right wing and marks the oppositions left wing. Usually you play on the wing that suits you strongest foot. If you are left footed you should play on the left wing, if you are right footed you should play on the right. This ensures that your strongest foot is your outside foot (foot closet to the sideline).

Depending on what age level you are playing and how good your team is you might want to play left wing. Players (especially younger) generally pass better from right to left so you will be more likely to get the ball spread out to your wing!

Positional play is important for a winger. You have to know when to stand back and mark the sideline and when to be up in the defensive line. Generally if the opposition is in their 22 it is best to stand deep on your sideline and support your fullback. As a general rule: it is better for a ball to land infront of you than it is for it to go over your head. So always stand slightly deeper than you think you should.

On defence it is important to mark your opposition winger. If you see him moving around the backiline it is important to follow him (especially during set pieces).

When defending outwide you must ALWAYS mark the widest attacker. Even if the attacking team has an overlap drift off the defence and defend the widest man. It is far more dangerous for a team to make a break out wide where there will be less defenders and the cover will have less of a chance to catch them. That is why it is always better to be beaten on the inside. They will cutback inside where you have defenders.

Can't think of anything else at the moment.... just make sure you scream at your teammates to get out and help you defend when the other team has an overlap (and scream at your teammates to pass the ball out to you if your team has an overlap).

Answer 2

Hi!

There is not really much of a difference between except for the numbers(11 and 14).

Depending where a set play takes place:  For example if a scrum takes place on right hand side of the field, you will most likely receive the ball.

Wingers these days can't just be quick and agile, they have to be able to break or be able to take the tackle.Thus wingers do have to work on bulking, but not too much, thus keeping your pace.

Wingers also have to secure the ball at rucks if no forward is there to do the job.

Wingers also have to get involved in play (look for work) and not just wait for the ball to come to them on the wing.

Those are the issues in short.

Answer 3

-always try and cut inside the last man to keep the ball in play/alive.

re: speed

this might be useful: http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/spe...