With rugby becoming more and more popular across the globe, millions of people around the world are looking forward to these exciting matches. It is a most inclusive sport with teams for men, women, children and people with disabilities. There are also different versions of the game, so you can find the one that works for you. How to play rugby for beginners? Before playing, you need to know the basic rules as well as the necessary tips. Today’s article will help you clarify these issues.
What is Rugby?
Simply put, rugby is a game where two teams compete to get the ball into the opponent’s half and then score a goal. The ball can be kicked or thrown during the game, but you can only pass the ball to a teammate by passing it backward or sideways, never forwards. The sport of rugby is claimed to have started in 1823 at Rugby School in Warwickshire, England (thus the name), when William Webb Ellis, one of the students, decided to pick up the ball and run with it during a football game.
What are the different types of rugby?
Rugby is played with many different variations, but there are 2 main types: Rugby League and Rugby Union. Originally, Rugby Union was played in England by amateur gentlemen, and Rugby League was played by the working classes for pay. There are many similarities between the two, but each has developed different sets of rules over time. The main difference is that Rugby League is played with 13 players while Rugby Union is made up of 15 players. The point system is also slightly different in each category. Other types of rugby include:
- Rugby sevens: This version has been an Olympic sport since 2016. This is the most accessible form for beginners with 2 sets of 10 minutes each. International competitions usually last from 1 to 3 days and are played many matches in a day.
- Touch rugby: This 6-player one-sided variation originated in Australia and it applies rugby league rules. The main difference from other rugby styles is that teams can be mixed. This makes for a low-impact, sociable sport that’s great for beginners and kids.
- Tag rugby: A version with minimal contact, each player wears shorts with velcro stickers and 2 tags attached to them. You ‘dispose of’ by discarding one of the cards when in possession of the ball.
- Wheelchair rugby: Other than the obvious wheelchair use, this version is played indoors. There are 2 teams of 4 and they use a white ball the same size and shape as a volleyball. Teams can be mixed with men and women competing on the same team.
How to play rugby for beginners?
Try to score more points
Score points by getting the ball into your opponent’s test area, a try is worth 5 points. When an attempt is scored, the scoring team will have a chance to make a conversion kick worth 2 points. Another way is to take a penalty kick, which is awarded when a member of the opposing team breaks a rule or if the game is stopped by more than one member of that team. A penalty kick is worth 3 points. The final method of scoring is that with a drop attempt, the ball is bounced back to a player in the back row, who then attempts to place the ball between the uprights during the game in progress.
To score, offensive teams, form large horizontal lines, going sideways and back until they reveal a hole in the defense and push forward. This is a big rule to remember when playing rugby. The ball cannot be advanced with a hand-pass. Every time you pass the ball, you often pass the ball across your body to get power and throw the ball diagonally to your teammates. Although you cannot throw a ball forward, you can kick it forward at any time. When you shoot the ball, any teammate behind you when you shoot the ball can run forward and receive the ball without penalty.
Know the difference between a forward and a defender
Each team is made up of two smaller sections, each with its own position and strengths. Strikers participate in the scrum, and this is the only real difference between them according to the rules. However, forwards and defenders have developed their own unique traits on the pitch, making each vital to success. Strikers often have short, powerful runs, pass less and make most tackles and defenses. The defenders are those who have the good kicking ability, solid passing skills and endurance.
Watch professional rugby
Watch professional rugby to discover the rules and strategies of the game. Watch the matches of professional and local teams to see how the game plays. You can also watch the matches on TV or the recordings on DVD. Seeing how a game is played in real life or through recordings allows you to see the intricacies of the sport. There are a lot of little rules and specific and complex situations to rugby that you can’t learn without playing or watching.
Learn basic skills
Throw with speed and precision by spinning the ball. A good rugby throw is powerful and quick, helping to protect your teammates from a nasty save as they watch the ball coming toward them. Treat the whole body, not just the arms. Finally, always be in a supportive position for teammates. Rugby is not an individual-dominated sport. Even the best player won’t be able to do without the support of his teammates. In both defense and attack, you should be in the best possible place to support your teammates.
Warm up properly to avoid injury
Warm up the whole body before the competition to avoid dangerous injuries. A game of rugby is very physically stressful and you are very susceptible to injury if you are not prepared. A good warm-up will increase blood flow and prepare your muscles for the impending beat. You should go for a light jog for 10 minutes, then do some moving stretches, and some kicks. Besides, hydration is essential in physical performance. To combat dehydration, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day, but especially right before activity. Other essential nutrients used and eliminated by your body during exercise are salt and potassium and eating lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and beverages.
Conclusion
Today we have helped you answer the question: “How to play rugby for beginners?”. The article has provided the basic concept of rugby, the differences between the types as well as the basic rules for playing rugby. Rugby is a high-impact sport, thus accidents happen frequently. You must work hard before participating in this sport because it requires you to be physically strong and healthy.
Read more:
