Fullback trouble

Question
Ive just started playing rugby and ive been put in fullback. i need tips on where to stand in defense. eg if the oposition are in the 22, or if theyre in their own 22 or at 1/2 way. plz help !!  

Answer
Hi Zac,

It sounds like you might have been put in a difficult situation but with every challenge comes growth.

I think the best advice I can give is this: slow down. Take your time and choose from the options in front of you. When you make a decision on the field commit to it 110%.

Full back is a great position as you have a lot of choices. On attack you can come into this back line like a center, support the wingers or hang back to preempt a counter attack.

Don't get too worked up over which part of the field the opposition are in. Look at the situation in front of you for what it is and make you decision based on the probabilities.

If you are attacking and your half back goes for a box kick over a maul right near the try line hang back in case the opposition receive the ball and attempt to kick it back and out. If the kick is off and you are there for it you can run it up into your back line for a new attack.

Defense: hang back. It is easier to come up on the ball than to back up. Put yourself in the middle of the field and early in the game look for the decision maker in the opposing back line. See if there is a pattern to his play. Look for the center coming through on the crash ball - you may have to make a crucial tackle here.

Overall: communicate with your team mates! New players or players who are in a new position tend to make the mistake of going mute and clamming up. You should be communicating all the time.

Constantly alert your wingers and centers to your presence and tell each other what is going on. Even if you sound redundant keep talking. When marking a player loudly declare your intention to cover him, take away the guess work. If your team members know what you are doing they can better support you.

Again, slow down, take a breath and look past the ball, see the big picture. Fullback has a "God's eye view" of the game. Hang back and use your advantage point to asses the options and decide.

Keep it simple and have fun. Let me know how it goes.