Rugby is a team game that requires players to use their skill together with others to achieve success. It is very popular with young men and it’s a vigorous running game that requires active involvement of each player for the entire duration of the game. This could be the reason why most women shy away from it. Actual game situation will give rise to discussions about playing regulations, game courtesies and strategies. It develops team spirit and cooperation and sustains a high level of satisfaction for the participants. However, some instructions are necessary to develop the skills sufficient to avoid injuries and to receive the greatest possible enjoyment from playing.
For beginners, much of the instructional time can be devoted to playing the game. The new team should be organized so that instruction and demonstration of a skill are made to the entire team at one time after which the formed team is divided into groups to practice using grids measuring approximately 5 meters square. Early in the training session, it may be necessary for the entire team to practice the same skill. Later as definite weaknesses in skills are evidenced, it becomes important for different trainees to be placed in groups where the skill in which they are most deficient is being practiced. Under this method one group of learners might be drilling on passing the ball while another practices kicking and yet another perfects the skills of tackling.
Before participation begins, learners should be given some physical conditioning exercises. All types of running activities may be used to increase endurance. Specific exercises should be done regularly to increase the strength of the muscles of the neck, shoulders, legs and ankles. To be at the peak of your game, wearing energy wristbands is even recommended.
Instruction of the skill can begin with passing and receiving the ball. The explanation and demonstration of the grip for passing should be presented first. Trainees who have never handled a rugby ball should be given time for tossing the ball into the air and catching it until they acquire the feel of giving with the hands when the ball is caught.
For practice in passing, the team members can form two lines while facing each other approximately 20 to 30 feet apart. The first person in Line 1 begins by passing to the first person in line 2 who catches it and passes back to the second person inline 1. The ball is passed back and forth down the line until all have had a turn. The practice is more satisfactory if the number in each line is kept to six or eight players using one ball rather than a large number using several balls.
For practice in punting and punt receiving, the young team may be organized into two lines facing each other at a distance of 30 to 40 meters. The first person in line 1 punts to the first person in line 2 who catches it and punts it to the second person in the line opposite. Punting continues back and forth down the lines.
Punching exercises with a competitive element is the kicking game between two teams in which the objective is to kick the ball over the opponent’s goals. The teams in which the objective is to kick the ball over the opponent’s goal. The teams are stationed at either end of the playing field. One tea is chosen to put the ball into play by punting it to the opponents. The ball must be kicked by the member of the opposing team who catches it at the point at which it was recovered. Any team member who catches the punt is awarded three steps forward. He may use them at the time of return punt or may choose to save them until a more crucial pint in the game.
Having learned most of the rugby skills, the trainer may go ahead and test individual skills, it generally takes up considerable amount of time.