starting rugby

Question
Hi my name is matt, and im 14 . Im interested in starting rugby at my school but im worried about a few things:

1. although i am quite strong and tall there are people on the rugby team a lot bigger than me.

2. im not really a very confident erson at the moment so would i struggle with rugby?

3. i can be quite sensitive as well so again, would i struggle with rugby?

Thanks,
Matt Jeffreys  

Answer
Hi Matt,

Good on you for being honest with yourself and others. Most guys pretend to be brave and actually have the same valid concerns you do.

To answer your questions:

1. Don't worry about bigger / smaller. There will be bigger guys than you and also smaller guys too. The key to rugby is fitness, speed and skill. The biggest part of the game is using your brains and having confidence which leads me to your next questions...

2. Everyone struggles with rugby, or any game. The trick is to be ok with the fact that you will make mistakes, all the time. Even the pros drop the ball or miss a tackle. The trick is to not get hard on yourself, shrug it off and move on. That is something you choose to do.

3. Being sensitive is ok, just be open to critism from coaches and more experienced team mates, they want you to learn and get better at the game. Don't tollerate mockery though, you are learning and everybody was new once. If you find the critism a bit tough ask for solutions and drills you can do to improve. Listen, learn and make sure to enjoy yourself.

Learning to have fun is key. If you drop the ball have a laugh about it and get back on it. Don't be so hard on yourself and remember everyone is new at some time and everyone gets a bit scared sometimes, the trick is to be scared and do it anyway - thats call courage.