Moving to flanker or number 8

Question
Hi Nick,
     I'm 16, about 6 foot 2 and I am 11 and a half stone.  I am considering moving to the flanker or number 8 position but I am not sure if I should stay in the backs playing as a winger/ full back. My only concern is that I am very skinny for my age and I have not got much muscle on my arms. Do you think that I should try moving to flanker or should I stay in the back playing a position i am familiar with? and also what would be good exersizes to gain more muscle on my arms so my tackles can be more powerful? I'm hoping that you will have ideas as I have not got a clue what to do

Regards,

Ben

Answer
Hi Ben,

I don't suggest a move. if being in the backs is working for you then stay there. With age you will fill out. As for adding muscle you need to get with a proper trainer and dietitian. Still do not over think the need for size and muscle tackling is mostly about technique.

Below is a past answer to a similar question. If you focus on the line of the players shorts / jersey or the string of their shorts then size will not be an issue. If a player is really big then letting them go buy and tackling from behind and sliding down the legs will bring them down. A firm grasp around the waist then drop down with all your might while squeezing their legs together.

Your head should go to the side that is "out of the way". If the player is running at you going to the left you head should go to the right side and vice versa. If the guy is running directly at you it would be best to put you head on the side the guy hold the ball but really don't over think it on that angle. The big thing is to drive your shoulder into the guys gut or lower sternum.

When tackling from the side the rule of thumb is "cheek to cheek" face to butt.

Here is a simple method for improving your tackle. When a player is moving towards you (or vice versa) do not look at their body as a whole, instead focus on the point of center between their hips. Often a coach will tell you to "eyeball" the "string of their shorts". This focus will allow your brain to only register the runner's center of gravity: the "mass" of their torso or core. No matter what a runner's arms, legs or head does the torso is usually stagnant.

Keep your feet active, stay on your toes either moving towards them or running in place. Close the space between you and the runner swiftly but stay in control. This is to limit the runner's options as much as possible. If you over commit to running into the tackle the player has a better chance of stepping you.

Focus on the "string of their pants" and drop your center of gravity to set up the hit. Bend at the knees, eyes up, straight back, hips lower than your shoulders like a prop in a scrum. Aim the shoulder to that string."Punch" into the players core with your shoulder and wrap the player up with your arms. Drive hard with little punchy steps of your legs.

To summarize:

1. keep the feet active "live"
2. focus on the "string of their pants"
3. drive the shoulder through the "string of their pants"
4. wrap the player up and drive with the legs in short steps.

Don't try to pick the player up, this is dangerous and will probably get you penalized. Drive hard with the shoulder and legs

This link to UTube is VERY good:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQJ39bbq2uU