Try Scoring Masterclass Technique

Basics

Aim:   To receive a pass and to get over the try line to score

1. Communicate with your inside attackers to let them know you can score

2. Get ready, and keep your depth so you can run on to the pass

3. Use the momentum you have to be able to speed past the defence

4. Make sure you put the ball down properly. There is nothing worse than doing the hard part and dropping the ball

Remember, Rugby is a team game. If someone is in a better position to score, you should give them the ball

Creating a Gap Through Sidestepping

Aim: To convince the defender you are going one way, in order for him to commit in that direction. When he commits, change direction and go through the gap.

1. Run at speed at your opponent. Don’t walk up to them as this makes it easy for the defender to recover.

2. Pick a point close to the defender to step off. Remember, if he doesn’t commit, just go through the gap.

Throwing a Dummy to create a gap

Aim: To convince the defender you are going to pass the ball, in order to create a gap to go through and score

1. Run straightish at your defender

2. Communicate with your attacker outside to make the defender believe that the ball will be passed

3. Wait until you are close to the defender. If you do it miles away he will have time to readjust

4. Make a convincing pass movement. Look where you are passing it, go through the movement, and when the defender commits, keep
hold of the ball.

5. Power through the small gap using your momentum and get the ball down

Handing Off the Defender

Aim: To fend off the tackler to create a gap to go through

1. When you collect the ball, place the ball in your outside arm

2. This should only be executed when the inside defender is coming at you from the side

3. Keep running forward, but watch the defender

4. When he attempts to tackle you, push him away with the palm of your hand

5. Keep a strong position and keep going forward to the tryline

You can practice sidestepping and dummying on your own or with your friends.

In your garden or park, you can practice against anything, be it a tree, some posts or even your cat. If you and your friend are playing, practice one on one, and make sure you practice the sidestepping part, and don’t use it as an opportunity to tackle your friend.

Make sure you practice the tips I have given you, and practice doing it off both feet so you can go both ways. The best attackers always make defenders unsure, and if you can go both ways you have more options.

Finally, always practice with a ball in your hands. It is important you do the basics right when you are practising anything, and if you do, you will find that putting these skills into games becomes easier.