What are the skills needed for a good rugby player?

Rugby Skills

Millions of young boys and girls dream of playing in the Six Nations tournament or the Rugby World Cup. Yet, only a few elite rugby players are able to achieve that dream. While only the elite players are able to play in the Six Nations and/or Rugby World Cup, the number of players that achieve professional club contracts is much higher. The Six Nations will see England and Wales clash with the winner possibly moving closer to France in the table. Fans can visit Silentbet.com to get the latest bet bonus and tips
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Regardless of being an elite international or simply a professional rugby player, all individuals who reach the top of the game have certain skills. The skills needed to be a good rugby player are the same, although individual players will vary in the level and quality they possess. Kids pursuing a professional rugby contract and to fulfill their dreams should work on these skills to reach their full potential.

Running

Rugby is a non-stop contact sport. Speed and stamina are paramount and all good players have them in their repertoires. Players should develop acceleration, changing pace, changing direction, and running sideways and backwards. Due to rugby players changing directions frequently during a passage of play, it is vital to work on multi-directional running drills.

Passing

Passing is a part of rugby just as much as running. Regardless of the position a player takes up, they will at some point, need to pass the ball. Players need to work on a variety of passes that can elude defenders and reach their intended targets. Passes should be made in both directions in training to give players the chance to experience real-game situations.

Tackling

Players that lack the ability to tackle won’t be on the pitch long or often. Players need to master a variety of tackles and be competent in making one-on-one takedowns. Coaches should work with players to develop good technique in training sessions. However, players shouldn’t be limited in their tackling training. They will experience multiple situations during games and must be ready to make different types of tackles.

Decision making

Decision making is one of the skills that can be most difficult to learn. Some very skillful players in youth rugby are not the best decision-makers and vice-versa. Overtime with learning, a player can become a very good decision maker but it can take long hours of training and matches to develop it. Good decision-makers know when to pass the ball or hold on to it. When players are under pressure, making the right decision is important. By training players to make decisions in-game situations, this skill can be developed and improved.

Positioning

Moving without the ball can be just as important as moving with it. Players need to know where to stand and move to on the pitch. Players can be caught out of position, miss passes and tackles, and weaken their teams by not knowing where to be on the field.

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