What is attacking in rugby?

Rugby is a sport that requires both skill and strategy to be successful. One of the most crucial aspects of the game is attacking, which involves using the ball to move it towards the opponent’s try line. Attacking in rugby involves a range of tactics, including running, passing, kicking, and scrumming. A well-executed attack can result in a try, which is worth five points and can ultimately win the game. In this article, we will explore the various tactics and techniques involved in attacking in rugby, and how to execute them effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of attacking in rugby.

Understanding attacking in rugby

The basics of attacking

Attacking in rugby is a crucial aspect of the game, and it involves a coordinated effort from the entire team to advance the ball towards the opponent’s goal line. The basics of attacking in rugby involve three key elements: supporting players, ball carrier, and offloading.

• Supporting players: The supporting players are the teammates who assist the ball carrier in advancing the ball towards the goal line. They provide vital support by creating space, providing a passing option, and offering support in case of a tackle. Supporting players must be aware of their surroundings and communicate effectively with their teammates to ensure smooth and efficient attacking play.
• Ball carrier: The ball carrier is the player who has possession of the ball and is responsible for advancing it towards the goal line. The ball carrier must have excellent ball handling skills, agility, and the ability to make quick decisions on the field. They must also have the ability to offload the ball to their supporting players to keep the attacking play moving forward.
• Offloading: Offloading is the act of passing the ball to a supporting player while in motion. This is a crucial aspect of attacking play in rugby, as it allows the team to maintain momentum and keep the opposition off balance. Offloading requires precise timing and accurate passing, and it is essential for the ball carrier to have the ability to make split-second decisions on the field.

In summary, the basics of attacking in rugby involve the coordination of the ball carrier, supporting players, and offloading. These elements work together to create a cohesive attacking strategy that can lead to scoring opportunities and ultimately, victory.

Attacking strategies

Attacking in rugby is a crucial aspect of the game, and there are several strategies that teams use to gain ground and score points. Some of the most common attacking strategies include:

Making breaks

Making breaks is an essential attacking strategy in rugby. It involves running with the ball and attempting to break through the defense’s line. The player making the break must have good speed, agility, and strength to avoid being tackled by the opposition. Breaks can be made from anywhere on the field, but they are most effective when they occur close to the opposition’s try line.

Drawing defenders

Drawing defenders is another common attacking strategy in rugby. This involves creating space for other players to run into by attracting the attention of the opposition’s defenders. This can be done by running towards the try line or making a loud noise to suggest that the player is about to pass the ball. Drawing defenders can create opportunities for other players to score tries or make passes.

Passing

Passing is a crucial attacking strategy in rugby. Players must be able to pass the ball accurately and at the right time to avoid losing possession. There are several types of passes, including the long pass, short pass, and inside pass. The type of pass used will depend on the situation and the position of the players on the field.

Overall, attacking in rugby requires players to have good skills, strategy, and teamwork. The three strategies discussed above are just a few examples of the many attacking strategies used in the game.

The role of the scrum-half

Distributing the ball

As the scrum-half, distributing the ball is a crucial aspect of attacking in rugby. The scrum-half is responsible for providing quick and accurate ball distribution to the rest of the team, enabling them to move the ball up the field and create scoring opportunities. Here are some of the key aspects of distributing the ball:

Throwing in

One of the primary responsibilities of the scrum-half is to throw the ball into the lineout, where it can be caught by the jumpers and moved up the field. The scrum-half must be able to accurately throw the ball to the desired location, either to the front or side of the lineout, depending on the situation. A well-executed throw can provide the team with a good attacking platform, while a poor throw can result in the loss of possession.

Pivot play

Another important aspect of distributing the ball is pivot play. The scrum-half acts as the pivot player in a scrum, and can use their feet to distribute the ball to the backs. The scrum-half must be able to identify the right time to use their feet and make quick decisions to avoid being tackled. Pivot play can be used to break through the defensive line or to create space for the backs to run into.

Overall, the scrum-half plays a vital role in distributing the ball in attacking play, and must have excellent skills and decision-making abilities to be successful.

Reading the game

As the scrum-half, reading the game is a crucial aspect of the attacking phase in rugby. This involves understanding the play and anticipating the movements of the players on the field.

Here are some key points to consider when it comes to reading the game as a scrum-half:

• Spotting gaps: The scrum-half needs to be able to identify gaps in the opposition’s defense and exploit them. This requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to read the play as it unfolds.
• Supporting the attack: The scrum-half should also be aware of their teammates’ movements and be ready to support them when they are carrying the ball. This might involve making a passing option or providing a decoy run to draw defenders away from the ball.
• Communication: Good communication is essential in rugby, and the scrum-half needs to be able to communicate effectively with their teammates. This might involve calling out instructions or signals to let their teammates know what they are planning to do.
• Decision-making: The scrum-half needs to be able to make quick decisions on the field, and this requires a good understanding of the game and the ability to read the play. They need to be able to identify when to attack and when to defend, and make split-second decisions that can have a big impact on the outcome of the game.

Overall, reading the game is a critical skill for the scrum-half in rugby, and it requires a combination of physical ability, tactical knowledge, and mental sharpness.

Key skills for the scrum-half

• Passing accuracy: One of the most crucial skills for a scrum-half is the ability to accurately pass the ball to their teammates. This involves not only having strong hand-eye coordination but also the ability to accurately judge the distance and speed of the pass. The scrum-half must be able to make quick decisions on the field and pass the ball to the player with the best chance of scoring.
• Decision-making: The scrum-half is often the player who has the most visibility of the field and must make crucial decisions about where to pass the ball and how to move it up the field. This requires the ability to quickly assess the situation and make split-second decisions. The scrum-half must also be able to adapt to changing circumstances on the field and make adjustments to their strategy as needed.
• Communication: Good communication is essential for any team sport, and rugby is no exception. The scrum-half must be able to communicate effectively with their teammates, both on and off the field. This includes calling out plays, giving instructions to teammates, and providing feedback on the performance of the team. The scrum-half must also be able to read the body language and verbal cues of their teammates to understand their intentions and adjust their own play accordingly.

The role of the fly-half

Kicking

Kicking is a crucial aspect of the fly-half’s role in attacking in rugby. The fly-half is responsible for starting the attack by passing the ball or kicking it forward. They can also use their kicking skills to gain ground, create space, and score points.

Punting

Punting is a way for the fly-half to clear the ball out of their own half and into the opposition’s half. It involves kicking the ball as far down the field as possible, usually towards the opposition’s goal line. A successful punt can put pressure on the opposition and give the attacking team an opportunity to gain ground.

Place kicking

Place kicking is another important aspect of the fly-half’s role in attacking in rugby. It involves kicking the ball from a stationary position, usually from a penalty or conversion attempt. Place kicking requires precision and accuracy, as the kicker must aim for the uprights of the opposition’s goalposts.

In rugby, place kicking is used to score points by kicking the ball between the uprights of the opposition’s goalposts. It can also be used to gain ground by kicking the ball into touch or into the opposition’s territory. The fly-half must have excellent kicking skills and the ability to read the play to be successful in attacking in rugby.

Decision-making

In rugby, the fly-half is a crucial player in the attacking team. They are responsible for making important decisions that can affect the outcome of the game. The fly-half must be able to read the game well and make quick decisions to lead the attack effectively.

One of the key decisions that the fly-half must make is choosing the right option. This means selecting the best course of action based on the situation on the field. For example, the fly-half may need to decide whether to kick the ball down the field or to run with it themselves. They must also consider the position of their teammates and the defenders, as well as the weather and field conditions.

Another important aspect of decision-making for the fly-half is leading the attack. This involves communicating with the other players and directing them to move the ball down the field. The fly-half must be able to make split-second decisions and give clear instructions to their teammates. They must also be able to adapt to changing circumstances on the field and adjust their strategy accordingly.

Overall, decision-making is a critical aspect of the fly-half’s role in the attacking team. They must be able to read the game well, make quick decisions, and lead the attack effectively to give their team the best chance of scoring points.

Key skills for the fly-half

Vision

The fly-half, also known as the number ten, plays a crucial role in the attacking phase of the game. One of the key skills required for this position is vision. This means being able to see potential gaps in the opposition’s defense and making quick decisions on how to exploit them. A good fly-half should be able to anticipate the movements of their teammates and the opposition, and be able to execute accurate passes to take advantage of any opportunities that arise.

Ball control

Another important skill for the fly-half is ball control. This involves being able to handle the ball effectively, both in open play and at the breakdown. The fly-half should be able to pass accurately and cleanly, as well as being able to evade tackles and make ground with the ball. Good ball control is essential for maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities.

Accuracy

Accuracy is a crucial skill for the fly-half, both in terms of passing and kicking. The fly-half is often responsible for executing long range kicks, such as box kicks and up-and-unders, which can gain valuable territory for the team. To be effective, these kicks must be accurate and well-placed, allowing the team to gain ground and apply pressure on the opposition. In addition to kicking, the fly-half must also be accurate with their passing, as this is the primary way in which they will move the ball up the field. A fly-half who can deliver accurate, well-timed passes will be much more effective in attack.

The role of the wingers

Running with the ball

Running with the ball is a crucial aspect of the winger’s role in rugby. Wingers are typically positioned on the outside of the backline and are responsible for creating space and scoring tries.

One of the primary responsibilities of a winger is to make breaks in the defensive line. This involves using their speed and agility to find gaps in the opposition’s defense and then accelerating through these gaps to create space for themselves and their teammates. Wingers must be able to read the play and anticipate the movements of the defenders to make effective breaks.

In addition to making breaks, wingers must also support the attack. This involves running onto passes and using their speed to create space for the ball carrier. Wingers must also be able to link up with other attacking players, such as the scrum-half or fly-half, to create passing opportunities and keep the attack moving forward.

Overall, running with the ball is a key component of the winger’s role in rugby. Wingers must be fast, agile, and able to read the play to make effective breaks and support the attack.

Defending

Defending is a crucial aspect of rugby, and wingers play a vital role in this phase of the game. They are responsible for stopping the opposing team from scoring and ensuring that their team’s try line remains intact.

Some of the key responsibilities of wingers in defense include:

• Tackling: Wingers must be strong tacklers and have the ability to bring down the opposition players who are running with the ball. They must also be able to execute effective tackles without being penalized for offside or other infractions.
• Supporting the defense: Wingers must be able to support their teammates in defense and work together to prevent the opposition from scoring. This may involve making tackles, supporting the scrum, or covering for other players who are out of position.

Overall, the role of wingers in defense is to provide a strong and effective defensive line that can withstand the opposition’s attacks. By executing effective tackles and supporting their teammates, wingers can help their team secure victories and prevent the opposition from scoring.

Key skills for the wingers

• Running lines: Wingers play a crucial role in creating space for the team to attack. They need to have excellent running lines, which means they should be able to make breaks in the right direction and at the right time. This requires a good understanding of the game and the ability to read the play.
• Footwork: Good footwork is essential for wingers to avoid tackles and make ground. They need to be able to change direction quickly and have a solid understanding of the rules regarding offside. Wingers should also be able to kick the ball accurately and use their feet to protect the ball.
• Tackling technique: Although wingers are primarily known for their attacking skills, they also need to be good tacklers. They should be able to tackle effectively and securely, without risking giving away penalties or being offside. Wingers should also be able to regain possession quickly after making a tackle.

Overall, wingers need to have a combination of speed, agility, and skill to be effective in attack. They should be able to make the most of their opportunities and contribute to the team’s overall attacking strategy.

The role of the forwards

Making yards

Making yards in rugby is a crucial aspect of the game for the forwards. It involves making ground with the ball and breaking through the defense. This can be achieved through various techniques and strategies, including:

• Running lines: Forwards can create running lines by positioning themselves at an angle to the ball carrier, which can create space for the team to advance.
• Supporting the ball carrier: Forwards can provide support to the ball carrier by getting into position to receive the ball and provide an option for the team to continue the attack.
• Breaking through the defense: Forwards can use their strength and power to break through the defense and make ground. This can be achieved by using footwork and agility to avoid tackles and create space.
• Offloading the ball: Forwards can offload the ball to a teammate in a more advantageous position, which can create space and allow the team to continue the attack.

Overall, making yards is an important aspect of attacking in rugby, and it requires forwards to work together, communicate effectively, and use a range of skills and techniques to break through the defense and create space for the team to advance.

Supporting the attack

When it comes to supporting the attack in rugby, the forwards play a crucial role. They are responsible for carrying the ball, making clean breaks, and creating space for the backs to exploit. Here are some ways that forwards can support the attack:

Carrying the ball

One of the primary responsibilities of the forwards is to carry the ball forward. This is known as “carrying” or “hitting the line.” When a forward is carrying the ball, it is important that they maintain a low center of gravity and keep their head up to look for support runners. The forwards should also communicate with their teammates to ensure that they are moving in the right direction and to coordinate their efforts.

Making clean breaks

Another way that forwards can support the attack is by making clean breaks. This means breaking through the opposition’s defensive line and creating space for the backs to run into. Forwards can use their strength and power to get through gaps in the defense, and they should aim to create space for their teammates as well. It is important that forwards make clean breaks, as this can create opportunities for the backs to score tries.

Creating space

In addition to carrying the ball and making clean breaks, forwards can also create space for the backs to exploit. This can be done by attacking the opposition’s defensive line at different angles and using offloading techniques to pass the ball to support runners. Forwards should also look for opportunities to create space by drawing in defenders and then passing the ball to a teammate who is in a more advantageous position.

Overall, the role of the forwards in supporting the attack is critical to the success of the team. By carrying the ball, making clean breaks, and creating space, forwards can help the backs to score tries and ultimately win the game.

Key skills for the forwards

• Tackling technique: One of the most important skills for forwards in rugby is tackling technique. Tackling is an essential part of the game, and it requires the player to approach the ball carrier with the aim of bringing them to the ground. A proper tackling technique involves a clean and hard hit on the ball carrier’s shoulder, with the head and neck kept out of the tackle. The tackler should also keep their arms and legs in the correct position to ensure maximum impact and to avoid injuries.
• Making breaks: Another key skill for forwards in rugby is making breaks. Making a break involves running with the ball towards the opposition’s try line. A successful break requires the player to have good ball control, quick footwork, and the ability to avoid tackles. Forwards who can make breaks can be very effective in creating space for the team and putting pressure on the opposition’s defense.
  * **Scrum and lineout technique**: The scrum and lineout are two key aspects of rugby that involve the forwards. The scrum is a formation where the teams push against each other to gain possession of the ball. Lineout is a method of restarting the game after a score has been made. The forwards in the scrum and lineout must work together to maintain their position and to win possession of the ball. They must also be aware of the opposition’s tactics and be able to anticipate their moves.

FAQs

1. What is attacking in rugby?

Attacking in rugby refers to the actions taken by a team to try and score points against the opposing team. This includes carrying the ball into the opposition’s half of the field, passing the ball to teammates, and executing various set pieces such as scrums and lineouts.

2. What are some common attacking strategies in rugby?

There are several common attacking strategies in rugby, including running the ball at the opposition, using quick ball movement to create space, using deception to confuse the opposition, and exploiting weaknesses in the opposition’s defense.

3. What is a try in rugby?

A try is the primary way for a team to score points in rugby. It is scored when a player grounds the ball behind the opposition’s goal line.

4. What is a conversion in rugby?

A conversion is the kicking of the ball through the opposition’s goalposts after a try has been scored. It is worth two points.

5. What is a penalty in rugby?

A penalty is a kicking the ball through the opposition’s goalposts for a set of six. It is usually awarded to a team for an infringement committed by the opposition. It is worth three points.

6. What is a drop goal in rugby?

A drop goal is a type of kick in rugby where the player kicks the ball directly through the opposition’s goalposts. It is worth three points.

7. What is a scrum in rugby?

A scrum is a way for a team to restart the game after a minor infringement has been committed. It involves players from both teams forming a tightly packed group around the ball, with the aim of gaining possession.

8. What is a lineout in rugby?

A lineout is a way for a team to restart the game after a minor infringement has been committed in their own half of the field. It involves players from both teams forming a line, with the aim of gaining possession of the ball.

9. What is a ruck in rugby?

A ruck is a way for a team to restart the game after a player has been tackled and the ball has been knocked on. It involves players from both teams forming a tightly packed group around the ball, with the aim of gaining possession.

10. What is a maul in rugby?

A maul is a way for a team to restart the game after a player has been tackled and the ball has been held up. It involves players from both teams forming a tightly packed group around the ball, with the aim of gaining possession.

Coaching MASTER Eddie Jones reveals top attacking tips