How to catch balls in a rugby game as a fullback?

Well as a fullback it means you're going to be catching A LOT of high balls on the run. The fullback is probably subject to this more than any other position.

It's easy enough to catch a ball in a rigid stance but catching them on the run takes a lot practice because timing is everything:

Firstly, you want to have your elbows angled inwards towards your stomach with your palms angled upwards. Putting your elbows into your body usually prevents the ball going straight through your grasp if you don't end up getting a perfect take.

Secondly, when you lay up (jump up) to take the ball, you want to bring your front knee up high. This actually achieves two different things. First, it aids you if the ball does end up slipping through your grasp because your thigh can act as a buffer at times and might even prevent a knock on. Second, it provides another buffer between you and any opponent attempting to jump for the ball as well - There's nothing wrong with a guy getting a chest in the knee if he's the one jumping into you! Haha.

Thirdly, good speed going into a jump will give you greater height as well. Essentially you want to be taking the ball as you are on the up. It's more difficult to take a catch if you've gone past the peak of your jump and are on your way back down. But all this is where your timing and practice comes in.

When it comes to taking simple punts with no pressure on you, just take them the way you have been but try a practice angling your arms to one side or simply by taking them at an angle. It's difficult to explain without showing you but by taking it on the side you're eliminating the risk of a knock on if you don't get a clean take. The theory is that if you do drop it, it'll end up landing behind you anyway.

Check out Cory Jane and Israel Dagg. These two are unbelievably good under the high ball - Jane in particular. You'll find a replay of the All Black's 2011 World Cup semi final against Australia on You Tube. Jane was pelted with high balls throughout that entire game and I can't recall him dropping one.

Israel Dagg was once asked how he became so good under the high ball and he just said "you have to be willing to put your body on the line."

That's pretty good advice lol. Oh, p.s. Don't take your eyes off the ball!

Watch Leeds v St Helens tonight and see how the real professionals do it

ask your coach. that is what he is there for.