Rugby Fundamentals: Passing, Player Roles, Scrum, and Lineout Explained

Rugby Fundamentals: Passing, Player Roles, Scrum, and Lineout

The Basic Pass in Rugby

The basic pass is a direct element in collaborative attacking play. A good pass has two key requirements: precision and execution speed.

The passing technique involves several phases:

• Initial Phase: Receiving the Ball

  The pass is initiated for the receiver to get the ball. Run at high speed towards the shoulder line in the direction of the ball, and catch the ball with two hands.

• Execution Phase: Power and Focus

  This involves the dissociation of the lower body from the upper body. The pass is executed with power in one fluid movement. Maintain eye contact with the receiver.

• Final Phase: Release and Follow-Through

  Perform a trunk torsion, releasing the ball by extending the arms fully towards the receiver. Once the pass is made, ensure the receiver has secured the ball.

Rugby Team Structure and Player Roles

A rugby team is formed by 15 players, typically trained in two main groups: 8 Forwards and 7 Backs (Three-Quarters).

Forwards (The Pack)

• Props and Hookers (Front Row): The two props and the hooker together form the front row of the scrum. Their collective strength is crucial. The hooker's characteristic role is to 'heel' the ball back in the scrum.
• Second Row (Locks - Numbers 4 and 5): These are usually the most senior players, providing power and height in lineouts.
• Flankers (Numbers 6 and 7): These are versatile, all-around players, active in both attack and defense.
• Scrum-Half (Number 9): Often considered the most important player among the forwards, directing play from the base of the scrum and rucks.

Backs (The Three-Quarters)

• Fly-Half (Number 10): The director of the three-quarter game, orchestrating attacking plays and kicking.
• Centers (Numbers 12 and 13): These players must be very aggressive and agile, breaking the defensive line and distributing the ball.
• Wings (Numbers 11 and 14): The fastest players on the team, responsible for finishing attacking moves and scoring tries.
• Full-Back (Number 15): The last line of defense and an important receiver, often initiating counter-attacks.

Player Support: During a game, each player holds the ball for approximately one minute. The objective is not to 'kill' the play by losing possession, but to maintain continuity and ensure the progress of the game.

The Scrum (Melee)

Generalities of the Scrum

The scrum is one of the most representative set-piece moves in rugby, ordered by the referee after a minor infringement, most commonly a forward pass (avant). It is a significant test of strength and technique. In a single match, approximately 40 scrums can occur.

Scrum Formation

A scrum is formed by the front rows of both teams binding together, typically involving three players from each side (the two props and the hooker).

Scrum Dynamics for Effectiveness

For a scrum to be effective, three factors must be taken into account:

1. Solid and Effective Grip

   The grip must be solid and effective from the start, ensuring that players in the scrum do not lose direction or stability.

2. Correct Driving Position

   A good driving position requires the back to be straight and horizontal, pushing forward. Pushing with a bent back is incorrect and carries a significant risk of injury.

3. Coordinated Team Effort

   If all players have a strong grip but their actions are isolated, the team will not have many chances of success. Coordinated effort is key.

The ball should almost always be fed into the scrum from behind the line. If the ball is not hooked correctly from the tunnel, or if an offending team's player interferes, the scrum is usually reset.

The Lineout (Toux)

When a Lineout Occurs

A lineout is produced when the ball goes out of bounds or touches the touchline. The new line of play is set by the team that did not put the ball out. If the ball bounces out of the field without a player carrying it out, specific rules apply:

• Lineout Behind the 22-Meter Line

  If the ball is kicked out of bounds from behind the kicking team's 22-meter line, the lineout is taken by the non-kicking team at the point where the ball crossed the touchline.

• Lineout in Front of the 22-Meter Line (Direct Kick)

  If the ball is kicked directly out of bounds from in front of the kicking team's 22-meter line, the lineout is taken by the non-kicking team at the point from which the ball was kicked.

• Lineout in Front of the 22-Meter Line (Bounce)

  If the ball is kicked out of bounds from in front of the kicking team's 22-meter line, but it bounces before leaving the field, the lineout is taken by the non-kicking team at the point where the ball crossed the touchline.

Lineout Formation and Execution

Both teams form two lines of players between 5 and 15 meters from the touchline. The throw-in can be executed with one or two hands.