Question on positioning and where to go, playing rugby?

Question

So I've recently started playing rugby and, not being a very sport-oriented person, continue to misunderstand a lot that is going on. I typically play wing or outside center, so when we are setting up diagonally to push down the field I know where I should be. My problem is once the drive starts and all the positions get muddled up. Guys don't stay in numerical order and seem to just jump in wherever they want to take point and run the ball. Most often, I'm standing in someone's way and sucking my thumb trying to figure out what the f*ck to do. Its even more confusing when forwards start mixing in with the backs and I can't really see any organization on the field... but everyone else functions very well.
So, my question is, once the game is in motion and we are driving down the field, should I stay strictly to where I am supposed to be in relation to the other backs around me, or is it OK for the outside center to wind up Inside or further over?

Any video's that give a good visual of players positions in motion of a game would be great, so far I can't find any that are particularly helpful. Thanks.

blm · Accepted Answer

In a nutshell, you go where you are needed.  This is a skill which comes from experience, so it's not surprising that you are having difficulty.  You need to learn to assess (and predict) where the players are (and will be) in relation to the ball.  And sometimes you are going to get it wrong -- everybody does.

At the very basic level, when your side has possession of the ball, take a look at your position in relation to the other backs.  Is there a gap?  If two or three are already lining up to the open (wide) side of the field then move to the outside.  If not fill in the gap.  If you can't get to the outside, then get as close behind one of the other backs in order to support (and give them an offloading) option) if the take the ball into contact.

Keep moving.  If you end up somewhere in the vicinity of the ball, you've more or less got it right.

Dt · Answer

I was told by my rugby coach once that Rugby is not very hard to play it's very simple if you know what you're doing. I only started playing rugby about 2 years ago and I love it. I understand how you feel. I normally play in the forwards but I think that I have a good overall understanding of the game. You say that you normally play wing or centre. If you are playing wing you will mostly stick to the side the coach told you to stay. Wingers can be found going blind side (which side ball is closest to side line) if the Halfback has good vision. Wingers can also run inside of Fly Halfs/ Five-Eigths occasionally too not just on the sideline, but it all depends on the way your team plays. If you are playing centre though you can be found just about anywhere on the field. If you are playing outside centre you are needed wherever the backline is forming which can be left or right depending on where the Halfback/Five Eight decide to go. Just listen to what the playmakers want and you'll be right. When you are playing Outside Centre just follow your inside centre around the park and you should be right. Rugby is not supposed to be perfectly structured.Players will get out of position and it doesn't matter to much where you do go but as long as you listen to players around you whats happening you'll be able to look to where you should be. It is confusing at times I know. Just try your hardest and if and when you get the ball just run hard and look for support that's all you need to do. I hope you get the hang of it soon. Maybe ask your coach about where you should be at certain points in the game. Not every team is the same.

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Question on positioning and where to go, playing rugby?

2 Answers