Rugby is a Game of Evasion

During the last couple of weeks during training sessions, I’ve been trying to get you all to think about rugby as a game of evasion NOT one of contact! Sorry props – welcome to the modern game!!

We have done a couple of routines to make us think about our lines of running, but what is the purpose of these sessions. Well, the first thought is footwork (think about the amazing try in the Barbarians v the All Blacks game in 1973 at Cardiff), the second is that players must carry the ball in TWO HANDS and the third is to try and catch the defender off balance!

Have a look at these two diagrams. What do you think it’s trying to show? We’ve got some brilliant runners in our club, with everybody else more than capable of doing what is being shown in the diagram. Have a think, do you do this in a game? How about practicing it as you walk down the street against other people, lamp posts, signs etc? Think about your weight over your feet allowing you to move to your other foot with acceleration?









Through the development of the sidestep and use of footwork, you will develop a better understanding of weight transference, flexibility of the ankle, the use of this technique to maintain movement of the defender and, ultimately, you will develop the ability to change direction quickly whilst maintaining forward movement. This can be achieved within two or three foot placements.



The technique discussed will also provide you with the ability to manage the contact area to your advantage by using a number of the options as above.

These options and the roles of support players to maintain continuity will be developed in future articles, but the key to effective attacking is simple –

MAINTAIN CONTINUITY – DON’T DIE WITH THE BALL!