RUGBY- Fullback Advice?

Question

New rugby player...help?

Assigned as fullback.

When is the correct time to stay as 'fullback', and when is it appropriate to join the back line?

Tips, hints, advice & things to look for.

=)

Answer 1

basically, you'll have to listen to your flyhalf, or scrumhalf in offense, see what they want to do, cut inside out, or come in between your outcenter or incenter, whatever. its up to the team

in defense stay back, you're there to catch any balls, or tackle any line breakers. Look for any signs between scrumhalf and fly half that looks like maybe they're kicking, anything that doesn't look like a back line move, also look to see any player move back maybe 10 to 15 meters behind the scrum half, this would be (likely) to give that player more time to kick

Answer 2

In defence...

they opposing team will almost always try to find the touch line with a kick when they are stuck in their 22m line, so you should drop back to at least the 10m or even half way when a kick seems apparent. If they do not find touch, scoop the ball up and head for the blind side initially, before moving towards the open side. In doing this, you will attract the majority of the defence to the blind side (the side closest to the touch line, generally under half the width of the field), then you can link up with outside backs who will have alot of room to move in the open side (the side of the field that has over half the width of the field). You will also generally have the role of clearing the ball out of play when your team is inside your 22m line, much the same as the opposing team will have done. Also, in general play, say around the middle of the field or just in their half, try to stay about 20-30m behind the defensive line, and talk to your outside centre and winger. tell them that you will be entering in to the line to tackle a designated player if it appears they will run a set move. the key is not too far back that they can easily chip and regather, and not too close that they can kick over your head into space. in saying that, its always better to catch the ball running foward, than to have you chasing after the ball.

In attack...

you are best to stand in between and behind the inside centre (the player after the 5/8 or flyhalf), and the outside centre (the player after the inside centre), to form a triangle shape, where you are the bottom point of the triangle. from here, you will be able to choose your run, depending on set moves, and also general back lines. You can choose to take an inside ball off the inside centre or fly half, or yo ucan hit a straight hole between the two centres, or you can link behind the centres and run the outside shoulder of the outside centre, linking up with the winger. Depending on weak defenders or holes in the opposition defence line, of course.

easy as that. i reckon its the best position in the backline, so much fun.

Answer 3

the best fullbacks are attacking fullbacks always scanning defence lines looking for gaps looking for a defender that drifts out of place injecting himself into the attack when your at the back you have time watch the game flow  pick your running line and time your run  if you see a prop or a lock standing out in the backs on defence scream for the ball if you see the other fullback up in the defence line  call for the kick through and run it down as for defence just make sure the defence infront of you is a nice straight line and if its not yell at them to get there asses in line and if your dline is broken and you find yourself up against a runner with support always go for the ball carrier its better to make a tackle than to look like a amateaur and falling for a dummy pass

Answer 4

Personally

Fullback is THE ****

When you are in your opponents territory and they have the ball (within the 22) they are most likely going to kick.  So be prepared to catch and 15 players charging at you.  

On an attacking situation your team will have plays that will specify who will be attacking.  As fullback your job will be to come inbetween the winger and the outside centre to attack depending on the play.  Its all up to the play type so don't worry much, but if you see a chance to come in and score then take it!

Kicking will also be another main job of yours, if the flyhalf feels pressured they may dump the ball to you to kick so be ready for that too.  

Also look for a weakness in the back line of your opponent, if you notice an area where their fullback has drifted off then give it a boot, or if someone cannot catch well

Just be prepared and keep your eyes open.  Always keep an eye out for opponents on kicks.

Mark can be called when you are in your 22 and a kick is made to you.  I have used this before to avoid getting killed, a split second before you catch the ball, scream "MARK" and its a free kick to you, this is an easy way to ease pressure

i hope this helped

Answer 5

Lots of running "off the ball" required to play full back!!

First things first, learn to tackle, learn to catch, learn to kick, learn to pass. You will have to be better at all these things than your centres and wings!!

In defence and attack the key players to follow (be aware of where they are) are your own No.10 and the oppositions 9, 10 & 15.

Watching the opposition helps in defence, understanding your own 9 & 10 will help in attack. You also need to work with both your wingers so that when you are commited to attack someone else knows and can cover.

Train and practice back line moves - make sure they include YOU! Stay after training and get people to kick the ball at you so you are confident at catching. Tackle forwards one on one in training, learn to guide runners to the outside so that you can tackle them into touch. Watch other full backs and see what they do.

It's a great position, get fit and enjoy it!

Answer 6

The rule of thumb is this.

Back when defending.  Line when attacking.

Full back can be quite boring for a young player, but you get the best view of the gameplay.  Always stay behind and in line with the ball when defending and you will see what goes on better than anyone else on the field.  

Learn your trade there.

Good luck.