Rugby tips

Question
Hi my name is Dan. I'm 14. I play number 8 for my school and for my club but lately I have been playing flanker for club. I'm 5ft9/10 and weigh around 12 stone. I'm quite bulky, not fat, but bulky. I have very good upper body strength and my lower body strength isn't that bad either. I can run the 100m in 14.8 secs. So far I have been very successful at 8 and have played my best rugby there. But i have also played pretty well at flanker. I have had to play prop sometimes but I believe my duties are in the back row. Can you give me any tips which may help me improve my game or just some basic info on what is required to play 8 or flanker? I would much appreciate if you gave me your opinions on what position you believe I should be playing based on the facts and figures I have given.
Thanks very much
Dan

Answer
Hi Dan, there are many, many things you can work on here. The biggest thing for a flanker is to ALWAYS be the first man to the ball or break down after a set piece. Your backs should be able to know that if they get tackled or go down they can turn and see you right there on their hip.

If the opposition have the ball you are either the tackler or the next guy there stealing the ball.

Similar role for number 8 but you are more dominantly a ball carrier at this position. The number 8 is a ground taker, a play maker. You need to be an aggressive runner of the ball with the ability to off-load the ball out of the tackle to support players.

Both positions require you to be the most aerobically fit player on the team and in the same speed level as most of the inside backs.

Here are some good links I also suggest going over all my old answered questions looking for Flanker and #8 subject lines also takling questions.

Srummaging:



My favourite:  http://www.coachingrugby.com/rugby/coaching/unitskills/scrum/buildingthescrum.ht...



http://www.usarugby.org/media/EDocs/scrum.pdf





http://www.texasyouthrugby.com/download/748/docs/Building_the_scrum.pdf



All technique: Scrum, Running up the Ball, Tackling



http://www.rugbysmart.co.nz/plan/technique.html



http://www.rugbytactics.com/



http://www.talkrugbyunion.co.uk/



Skills and Technique, video:



http://www.joberrugby.com/



Fitness:



http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/ in particular speed and power: http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/plyometric.html