Understand the four key roles at the ruck

Though there are not as many rucks in amateur rugby as in the pro game, it can still be a key factor in ensuring good continuity of possession.

If players can understand their roles and responsibilities around the ruck, they will be able to make better decisions.

Here are four key roles...

1. Ball carrier

The ball carrier has been brought to ground, or has placed the ball on the ground, with players from both sides competing for it.

The referee may have shouted “Hands off, it’s a ruck”, letting the players involved know they cannot play the ball with their hands.

In this situation, the ball carrier has a number of responsibilities linked closely to the laws.

If tackled, they must try and present the ball to their team by stretching back towards their support and placing the ball on the ground. They must do this without delay.

There is a skill to placing the ball and it depends on the ball carrier taking the tackle on their terms, so they can fall into a position where they can comfortably present the ball.

2. The ball securer

The first support player to arrive at the tackle situation has to make a key decision.

They must consider whether there is enough time to play the ball - if opponents are challenging for it, they have to secure it.

To do so, the support player must stay on their feet, get low into a driving position and base themselves over the ball, stopping opponents driving them out of the way.

They stay strong in this position until more support players arrive.

3. Clear-out player

Arriving slightly late to the ruck probably means that opponents have to be driven away from the ball.

Players get low, enter from the back behind the ball and commit themselves to drive any opponents back or to the side, away from the ball, freeing it up to be played.

4. Clearing passer/pick-up player

Again, a decision must be made once the ball is clear and available at the ruck - pass away or pick-and-go?

This can depend who this player is - the scrum-half or a forward. It also depends on where the defence is and the team tactics.

Practise by mixing things up

• Organise your players into groups of six, with two wearing bibs. These players will be the defenders.

   

• In a small area, the players move about in any direction, passing the ball. On your signal it becomes a 4v2.

   

• The ball carrier takes the tackle and places. The next player either secures or clears out the defender. The third player supports the second. The fourth player performs a pick-and-go.

   

• By mixing the players up, they all have to take on different roles at the ruck, both in attack and defence.